ML070040512

Environmental Procedure FNP-0-ENV-23, Land & Wildlife Management Program.

ML070040512
Person / Time
Site:	Farley
Issue date:	02/11/2004
From:	Southern Nuclear Operating Co
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
FNP-0-ENV-23
Download: ML070040512 (31)

Text

04/20/06 18:40:01 SHARED FNP-0-ENV-23 January 13, 2004 Version 7.0 PARLEY NUCLEAR PLANT ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURE FNP-0-ENV-23 LAND AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PROCEDURE USAGE REQUIREMENTS PER FNP-0-AP-6 SECTIONS Continuous Use Reference Use ALL Information Use Approved:

ROBERT A. LIVINGSTON Chemistry Superintendent I Date Issued 02/11/04

04/20/06 18:40:01 LIST!RED FNP-0-ENV-23 LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES VERSION NO.

REv. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 PAGENO.

1 0 X X X X X X X 2 0 X X X X X X X 3 0 X X X X X X X 4 0 X X X X X X X 5 X X X X X X X 6 X X X X X X X 7 X X X X X Attachment I pgs. 1-7 0 X X X X X X X Attachment 2 X X X X X X X Attachment 3 X X X X X X X Attachment 4 X Page 1 of 1

04/20/06 18:40:01 k I FNP-O-ENV-23 LAND AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 1.0 Purpose To provide guidance for activities conducted to implement the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant Land Management Plan.

2.0 References 2.1 Environmental Protection Plan, Appendix B of FNP Technical Specifications Units I and 2 2.2 NT-87-0486, Letter from K. W. McCracken to W. L. Bowers, November 16, 1987;

Subject:

Land Management Program 2.3 Letter from K. W. McCracken to D. N. Morey, November 9, 1988;

Subject:

Land Management Program 2.4 FNP-88-0968, Letter from D. N. Morey to K. W. McCracken, December 20, 1988;

Subject:

Land Management Program 2.5 ENV-89-214, Letter from K. W. McCracken to B. D. McKinney, Jr., October 4, 1989;

Subject:

Land Management Plan-Planting of Winter Food Plots 2.6 ENV-90-039, Letter from K. W. McCracken to J. E. Garlington, February 12, 1990;

Subject:

FNP Land Management Plan 2.7 Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant Land Management Plan 2.8 Guidelines for Performing Powerline Construction and Maintenance in areas of Gopher Tortoise Habitat, Alabama Power Co.

3.0 General 3.1 The Farley Nuclear Plant Site has been certified by the Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Council (WHEC) as a Corporate Wildlife Habitat under two categories:

3.1.1 Restoration and Creation of Wildlife Habitat: Reforestation 3.1.2 Maintenance, Protection and Enhancement of Existing Wildlife Habitats:

Wildlife Food, Cover and Nesting Cavity Management and Wetlands Management Programs 3.2 The land and wildlife management program requires management support, employee involvement and close cooperation and coordination between the

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04/20/06 18:40:01 J . - R%..D FNP-0-ENV-23 Visitors' Center, Environmental Group, and Facilities Group to be visible and successful.

3.3 Technical assistance may be obtained from Alabama Power Company Environmental Field Services and from Environmental Services, as needed.

3.4 Nest box monitoring is essential to determine the number of boxes being used, the types of birds using them, and to identify and correct problems such as predation, parasites or undesirable bird species. With management approval, non-FNP organizations such as the Wiregrass Audobon Club may perform nest box monitoring. Such organizations use data sheets and procedural guidance provided by the FNP Environmental group. A copy of the results of their monitoring activities will be retained by the FNP Environmental group to track the progress of this portion of the Land and Wildlife Management Program. A site coordinator appointed by the Chemistry and Environmental Superintendent will act as point of contact and ensure that non-FNP personnel are briefed on safety, emergency procedures, and security concerns, that permits to drive privately owned vehicles on the plant site are obtained and that camera passes, if needed, are obtained (See Attachment 2 for a listing of items which must be covered.).

3.5 The Wildlife Program depends on assistance from volunteer employees as well as occasional offsite personnel. Instructions for wildlife management program and monitoring are provided based upon periodic review and consideration of implementation of recommendations from an individual with expertise in the area of land and wildlife management. The instructions of this procedures will be updated as this is done.

4.0 Procedure NOTE: Planting of food plots and placement of mineral blocks may be discontinued during times of overpopulation (As of the date of this procedure, an overpopulation situation is deemed to exist.).

4.1 Wildlife Management 4.1.1 Coordinate placement of salt and mineral blocks in selected wooded areas semi-annually at the approximate locations shown on an uncontrolled map maintained by the Environmental Group unless an overpopulation condition exists.

4.1.2 Coordinate planting of winter food crops between the approximate dates of September 15 and October 15 as weather permits at the approximate locations shown on an uncontrolled map maintained by the Environmental Group unless an overpopulation condition exists.

4.1.2.1 Obtain soil samples prior to planting a new plot to determine what seed and fertilizer to use for yielding the best growth.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 0)~ ~ ~ - FNP-0-ENV-23 I ,, ground for planting.I 4.1.2.2 Prepare the ground for planting by turning the soil with a disk harrow or equivalent.

4.1.2.3 Spread lime (if needed) to adjust pH. (A rate of;- 2 tons per acre may be used as the "normal" distribution rate unless another rate is deemed necessary per discussions with consultant personnel).

4.1.2.4 Spread fertilizer (if needed) over each plot. (A rate ofZ 700 pounds per acre may be used as the "normal" distribution rate unless another rate is deemed necessary per discussions with consultant personnel).

NOTE: The clover seeds will need to be replanted approximately every 4 - 5 years.

4.1.2.5 Broadcast seed mixture at the following approximate rate as needed (with consideration for the results determined in step 4.1.2.1):

Wheat 2 bushels/acre Abruzzi rye 1/2 bushel/acre Oats 1/2 bushel/acre Crimson clover 10 lbs/acre Ladino clover 10 lbs/acre Regal clover 4 lbs/acre 4.1.3 Manage vegetation in open areas by mowing which creates and maintains edge effect and habitat diversity.

4.1.4 Post "No Hunting" signs on the north and south boundaries to prevent inadvertent trespassing by hunters, thus preserving the wildlife population.

4.1.5 Bow hunting by plant employees may be used to thin the deer population to prevent overgrazing and overpopulation, thus ensuring a stronger deer herd.

4.1.6 Gopher Tortoise Habitat Protection - See Attachment 4.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 H2..lfiA-X.L *Lj ._, FNP-0-ENV-23 4.2 Timber Management NOTE: The objective of any tree thinning program is to leave well-formed pine trees in addition to the residual hardwood component that arc free of disease and defect and have good genetic characteristics. This will insure good seed stock for resulting natural regeneration.

4.2.1 Leave hardwood and pine sites in natural state unless thinning of the pine sites is determined to be necessary to enhance the overall health of the trees in the area per discussions with consultant personnel and with the approval of plant management.

NOTE 1: These plantings create more edge in this open area and provide cover and food for the wildlife when the pine canopy is closed and the oaks begin acorn production.

NOTE 2: Seedlings should be planted by March 1 if possible.

4.2.2 Coordinate planting of loblolly pines and sawtoothed oaks as needed with the Facilities Group for re-forestation as determined necessary per discussions with consultant personnel and with the approval of plant management.

4.2.2.1 Note the approximate location of any planting on an uncontrolled plant site map (to be maintained by the Environmental Group).

4.2.2.2 Use no fertilizer on the seedlings during the first year of growth.

4.3 Songbird Management 4.3.1 Installation of Nest Boxes NOTE: These boxes entice birds to nest thus increasing the existing songbird population.

4.3.1.1 Ensure boxes are numbered or otherwise identifiable such that trending of box activity can be performed if deemed necessary and practical.

4.3.1.2 Place boxes in the edges of open areas with entrance facing open area.

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04/0/0 18:0:0 j.i2L FNP-0-ENV-23 4.3.1.3 Attach boxes at a height of 4 1/2 - 5 feet above the ground on fence or light posts using wire, nails or other hardware as appropriate.

4.3.1.4 Space boxes so that the approximate minimum distance between them is in the range of 100 yards.

4.3.1.5 Note the approximate location of each box on an uncontrolled copy of a map of the plant site or in a ledger indicating the approximate box location (and a listing of the global positioning system coordinates if being used).

4.3.2 Inspection and Cleaning of Nest Boxes NOTE: The Environmental Technician should coordinate with Facilities (FAC) and/or the Wildlife Team for the cleaning of the nest boxes.

[CAUTION: Exercise caution when opening nest boxes as they are ýoften occupied by Inventory, inspection and cleaning the nest boxes is most appropriately done during the winter months but it may be done at other times, if necessary. Record findings on a data sheet such as Attachment 3.

4.3.2.1 Ensure that each box is numbered or otherwise identified.

4.3.2.2 Confirm the location of the box on an uncontrolled map of the plant site maintained by the Environmental Group or in a ledger indicating the approximate box location (and a listing of the global positioning system coordinates if being used). The map or ledger of the nest box locations will be maintained by the Environmental Group and/or the Wildlife Team; additions to or deletions from the map or ledger may be made as necessary.

4.3.2.3 Inspect the box for damage.

a. Perform any needed repairs at the site if possible.

b. Return the box to the environmental lab for repairs if necessary.

c. Replace boxes that are removed fo- repair or too badly damaged to repair.

4.3.2.4 Clean debris and old nesting material from the boxes.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 4.3.2.5 Use nesting material, feathers, eggs or egg shells to identify, if possible, the species that nested in the box.

4.3.2.6 Place the nest in a plastic bag or other suitable container, label it and take it to the environmental lab for later identification if unable to identify the species from the material in the box and if thought necessary.

4.3.3 Nest Box Monitoring 4.3.3.1 Check nest boxes periodically (normally weekly) during the nesting season (usually starting in March).

4.3.3.2 Initially make a soft noise when approaching the box to give the female a chance to fly away.

CAUTION: -,Exercise caution when opening nest boxes astheyare often occupied by wasps; 4.3.3.3 Tap gently on the box before opening.

4.3.3.4 Open the box slightly before opening completely.

4.3.3.5 Make final egg count only after the female has begun to incubate.

4.3.3.6 Remove the old nest from the box shortly after the young have left to allow the adults to use the box for another brood.

4.3.3.7 Inspect and clean the nest boxes each year per section 4.3.2.

4.3.3.8 Record information and observations on a data sheet and retain (Attachment 3 or a similar form may be used.).

4.4 Wood Duck Management 4.4.1 Installation of Wood Duck Nest Boxes 4.4.1.1 Ensure boxes are numbered or otherwise identifiable such that trending of box activity can be performed if deemed necessary and practical.

4.4.1.2 Place wood chips (oak or any hardwood) inside boxes.

4.4.1.3 Place boxes 30 to 50 yards apart.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 k..* j FNP-0-ENV-23 4.4.1.4 Place all boxes at the bank of or near the vicinity of a pool of water.

4.4.1.5 Clear the area of brush six to ten feet around the location of the box.

4.4.1.6 Drive a ten foot length pole into the ground about 3 to 4 feet.

4.4.1.7 Place one or two (if practical) wood duck boxes back-to-back (preferably facing north and south) at the top of the pole and the predator shield under the box(es).

4.4.1.8 Note the approximate location of each box on an uncontrolled copy of a map of the plant site or in a ledger indicating the approximate box location (and a listing of the global positioning system coordinates if being used).

4.4.2 Maintenance of Wood Duck Nest Boxes NOTE: The ENV' Technician should coordinate with Facilities (FAC) and/or the Wildlife Team for the cleaning of the nest boxes.

CA'UTION:

_'Exercise ca-utio-n when opening nest boxes as they are often occupied by

[ - ~~wasps. *::*  :.

4.4.2.1 Nest boxes should be checked for old nest material sometime from late November through end of January of each year.

4.4.2.2 Remove old nest material.

4.4.2.3 Remove old wood chips if necessary.

4.4.2.4 Repair/replace or eliminate any damaged boxes.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 SDH-AiARED FNP-0-ENV-23 ATTACHMENT ONE FNP LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN Recommended Pattern for Tree Planting 5so 50' 50t OAKS PINES PINES OAKS PINES PINES OAKS PINES OAKS PINES PINES OAKS PINES PINES OAKS PINES IN P K PINES POI PINES PINES OAKS PINES PINES OAKS PINES PINES PINES PINES OAKS PINES PINES OAKS PINES OAKS PINES PINES PINES PINES PINES PINES OAKS PINES NOTES: .1. Shaded areas represent unplanted openings.

One Acre (Approx.) d= 2. Oaks planted on 15' X 15' spacing.

3. Pines planted on 6' X 10' spacing.

-375' 4. Rows of trees should not be staggered (to allow mowing);

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04/20/06 18:40:01 SihA R ATTACHMENT ONE E D FNP-0-ENV-23 FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PLANT PARLEY LANDS DATE: Feb/2000 I. GENERAL INFORMATION The Parley Plant Lands are located on the Chattahoochee River in Houston County, Alabama and in Early County, Georgia. They consist of 1806 acres in Alabama, which are immediately around Southern Nuclear's Farley Nuclear Electric Generating Plant. The portion of land in Georgia lies in the Chattahoochee River and therefore there is no practical use of the Georgia property for forestry activities. The Farley Plant land is fee ownership property held by Alabama Power Company.

II. FACTORS AFFECTING FOREST PRODUCTIVITY The Parley tract is located in the Coastal Plain Region. The topography is generally flat to gently rolling. However, along the streams some slopes approach 12 percent. Much of the flats along the Chattahoochee River are subjected to flooding. The soils associated with this tract range from the silt and fine sandy loam of the Bibb, Bladen, and Cowarts soil series to the loamy sand Alaga series. The Alaga series lying along the stream and river terraces are good sites for mixed pine hardwood stands. The Bibb and Bladen series lie along the banks of the river and major streams. These are primarily excellent sites for hardwood stands. The Cowarts series lie along undulating ridgetops and side-slopes. These sites support average to good stands of pines such as those along Highway 95 near the contractor entrance to the Plant. Most of the old field areas consist of the sandy loam Dothan series, which is well suited to pine growth. Some of the most productive pine sites occur in the stream flats north and east of the firing range where the Flint series predominates. The other dominant series are the Red Bay series and the Maxton series. The Red Bay series occurs mostly north of the Plant on the uplands and gentle side slopes. These are generally good pine-hardwood sites. The Maxton series produce good stands of pine timber and this series is found in the second and third terraces of the river.

III. TIMBER TYPE Most of the pine stands of the Parley tract are stocked primarily with loblolly pine. There is some occurrence of shortleaf and spruce pine within these areas. The hardwood bottoms in the vicinity of the river are respectably stocked with water oak, cherrybark oak, white oak, poplar, and miscellaneous species. The hardwood areas and mixed pine-hardwood areas along the steams and in the upland areas consist of miscellaneous oaks, sweetgum, and poplar. Very little regeneration is present due to crown closure in the overstory.

However, in the recently harvested areas, natural pine regeneration is flourishing where sunlight can reach the forest floor.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 QiA-RED 1AE ATTACHMENT ONE FP0EV2 IV. COMPARTMENTAL BREAKDOWN NOTE: Please refer to the accompanying set of Farley Plant Lands Maps for visual reference of the areas described herein. The Farley Plant Lands are divided into two forest compartments to facilitate timber management objectives. The two compartments are generally divided on the ground by the main Plant entrance road and the secondary Plant road leading to the fresh-water intake at the river's edge. The Plant acres in Georgia are river acres and are not included in the timber management plan.

A. Plant Area - 860 acres. The Plant area in the context of this plan is made up of buildings, facilities, and maintained open areas. This is represented as facility and open land types on the accompanying Land Type and Use Planning Map. This area also includes all transmission rights of way and the cooling tower emergency reservoir. The Plant area has very little timber volume associated with it and is not considered manageable for timber.

The acreage of this area remains fairly stable over time with some occasional change when selected open areas are planted in trees or when areas are cleared and included for Plant construction or maintenance needs. Approximately 428 acres of the Plant area are located within Compartment P01 and the remaining 432 acres are located in Compartment P02.

B. Compartment P01 - 535 acres. In general, the natural timber stands in the western half of this compartment are pine type. The pine-hardwood areas and the hardwood areas are found more consistently in the eastern half of the compartment. Other than the re-clearing of the roadside of the contractor entrance, no harvesting has occurred in this compartment. However, five harvest areas have been identified for cutting over the next four years. These areas are depicted on the accompanying Harvest Priority Schedule Map. These sites are in areas of natural timber stands and will consist of single tree selective cutting from the pine component. No hardwood is scheduled for harvest initially other than a small amount of pulpwood to facilitate the pine harvest. There may, however, be a need to harvest some hardwood sawtimber 15 - 20 years from now to promote hardwood regeneration.

As shown on the accompanying Tree Plantations Map, approximately 52 acres of previously open land have been planted to pine and some hardwood over the years. Ten acres of the plantations are ready for first thinning and this should occur in the next few years. Some addition areas have been identified for planting in the next several years.

Compartment P02 - 411 acres. The natural timber stands of this compartment are productive sites composed of mostly pine and pine-hardwood areas. The true hardwood areas are in the very southeast corner of the compartment and along the first terrace of the river. Two harvests of selectively cut pine have occurred in recent years. In 1998 a sale was conducted in the general vicinity of the target range. Pine sawtimber totaling 335,126 board feet (Scribner scale) was selectively harvested from this 97-acre area.

In addition, 143.59 cords of pine pulpwood and 24.87 cords of hardwood pulpwood were selectively harvested to produce total revenue from the sale of $100,608.14 or $1,037 per acre. The harvest in 1999 was conducted on 72 acres in the eastern one third of the compartment in an area between the 1998-harvest area and the river. This sale produced a selectively cut pine sawtimber volume of 271,735 board feet (Scribner scale) and selectively cut Page 3 of 7 Version 7.0

04/20/06 18:40:01 0LL-.J FNP-0-ENV-23 ATTACHMENT ONE volume of 355.55 cords of pine pulpwood and 42.02 cords of hardwood pulpwood. The revenue from this harvest totaled

$105,766.88 or $1469 per acre. The residual stand of pine and hardwood in both of these harvest areas is such that similar harvests will again be possible at the next 20-year cutting cycle. As shown on the accompanying Tree Plantations Map, approximately 94 acres of previously open land have been planted to pine and some hardwood over the years. Thirty-eight acres of the plantations are ready for first thinning and this should also occur in the next few years. In addition, there are few areas of pine sawtimber that will come of age in the next 10-15 years. Areas for additional planting may come available from time to time in this compartment as well.

V.

SUMMARY

AND RECOMMENDATIONS The active management of the timber on the Plant Farley property represents responsible stewardship of the land and the wise discretion of Plant Farley's management team. Timber management will insure the long-term health of this forest. The management of the timber can not only work in concert with, but also can enhance primary Plant objectives of sound wildlife management and Plant aesthetics.

Current needs of the tract include the thinning of the merchantable pulpwood size pine stands as well as the selective harvest of mature pine and pine-hardwood stands. This is to be accomplished following the noted harvest priority schedule. Variance from this schedule may be dictated by changing timber market conditions or unforeseen silvicultural needs. Property boundary lines are marked at present with large property signs placed at varying distances along the boundary. These lines could be enhanced in the future using standard Alabama Power Co. red boundary paint on trees inline between these existing signs. Road access is generally not a problem as an adequate road system is well maintained by plant personnel.

Future needs include thinning of unmerchantable plantations as they reach merchantability. Also, future selective group cuttings of mature hardwood may be necessary to promote the natural regeneration of some hardwood areas.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 SHARED ATTACHMENT ONE FNP-0-ENV-23 Page 5 of 7 Version 7.0

04/20/06 18:40:01 ATTAREiD FNP-0-ENV-23 ATTACHMENT ONE TraCt Roads PriorW*s Farley Plant Lands Unckwe m*d V Improved Rd m6d Rd ME 2000 2001 2001.2W2 Rd 2002 Harvest Priority Schedule Compartments R= 2003 2004 ALAISAFA. A VOJLR 30- Fidum Hamvst OM Past Timbor Sales 0010ý. A- a W." 8ý-

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04,20!06 18:40:01 SHARED ATTACHiMENT ONE FN P-0-ENV-23 Tract Roads -Date Planed Farley Plant Lands VA/Imprvod Rd Rd 1982 1983 1995 1996

/Unlmproved Tree Plantations ' 'Woods Rd 1984 2000 Compartments 1989 2001 itP, LAS& A ttj1990 Page 7 of 7 Version 7.0

04120,061 FN1-N023 ATTACHIMENT TWO SONGBIRD NESTBOX MONITORING BY NON-FNP ORGANIZATIONS J. Security Concerns:

not enter fenced areas (RWIS, MPBPA, SW).

D o)0

• Remain at least 20 feet from fenced areas.

• Report to security in event plant emergency alarm sounds.

• Do not cross plant boundary fences.

• NO alcohol or firearms .alowed on site.

• No camera use allowed on site without camera pass.

2. Safety Concerns:

a Work In pairs at all times.

a Check out with security prior to leaving site.

• Report any accident or injury.

• Contact security if first aid is needed.

• Review site map of areas to be visited.

3. Site Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Inform security of visit in advance.

• Arrange for use of private vehicles on plant site.

• Arrange for camera passes if needed.

• Ensure each member of group understands safety and security concerns.

• Inform shift supervisor and security of arrival and departure of group.

• Render any assistance needed.

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04/20.(06 18:40:01 SHARED FNP-0-EN\V-2'3 ATTACHMNEN'I"THREE NEST BOX MONITORING LOGSHEET Location:

Monitored By:

New Eggs Total New Total Activi ty Description Today Eggs Babies Babies Date Time Y/N (Species. Notes. etc.) V/N in Box Today in Box Fledged

__ __I _ _

___ _I

__I _ __ _

II _ __ _ _ _ [ I I _ _ _ -_

Remark-s:

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04120!06 18:40:01 SLAREDAttachment 4 FNP-0-EN%1-23' GUIDELINES FOR PERFORMING POWERLINE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE IN AREAS OF GOPHER TORTOISE HABITAT POWER Page 1 of 137 Version 7.0

0 04120!06 1S:40:01 SHARED Attaclmlent 4 FIN 11-0-EN V-23)

.A2=Z CT C*NZYM-.

.LIST c? Tz~X

~ pmncK )x~2~I-.ZzK2

£ U. tC==C r= vlc Tz-:wlT cc.irg ;a-, IINMAN:2 AS&I or cnr.r= -.a==si vurr.N Page 2 of 13 Version 7.0

04120!06 18:40:01 SHIARED HAce-Attachment 4 tET 4 FNIP-O-ENV-231 List.*I ?l,3ua#

7L~JT. L GAr ciw  ?~rtaigg 3lrr-Lv P1gure 4. V rzaC4 0! 3ICLLy V'srr 11q-xs C. G'ŽAr ?ortaotg 16JYTcw - ftfrev 4AI XP S~de.,

0 Page 3 of 13 Vecrsion 7.0

04/20/06 18:40:01 SHARED FNP-0-ENV-23 Attachment 4 rthe golpher tortoise In listed by the U. S. Fish nd WilldltiL Sarvice a& a federally threatenad, spacian west Of the Tcabigbee and Hobile Rivors in iLabamr. The protected western pcpulaticn extends from A.1 hanm across coutharn Misci sippi to extreme eoutheaarern Louisiana.

The torcoix& is listed A^ a threatened vpecle5 in trhrk Alabama countle:

Mobile. Choctaw. and Wabiopton.

~The aduit. gophemr t~rtoloo has a large chall. Ccarerapa~a) turtle 6.14.S with Inch" lorg. It is a 4ark-bro*v to grayish-black terrestrial 6lepl.antina kiod feet, and *hovel-like foxeaeet tPigura I). The ycllclah, hinqelesb plastror. (undearz-bell) I characterized by a pror.ient gular projection bernatb the hsAd (ront and Barbour 1972). The front limbs are flattened for oiggirg and they Nv79 large, ;hick scales and prwintnv toenkils. Oopher tortolse hAtchlings afe y43icviah-orange. have a soft shell. and are 1.5 Co 2 inches long at hatching. Copber tortoises era shy.

harmless turtles that e*cp hmaas w -hen poesible. They cannor be provoked to bite, but wILL luaully r*tract t" head and appenda&es when disturbed or bandled.

The spevies 16 fourd cm elevated, well-drai-ed. deep aardy ridges which are frequently characterized by longleaf pine and partchos of scrub oak alcn- the coa*atl plains of the acetheaszern united £Iates. Centrolled burning of* thesi, areas encourages herbaceous jrcwtb anad increses the carrying capacity, of rho r-abitat tot thra rortoize. Ina Alaban, tortoise hAbitst is gonerally characterized by rolling bills capped dith dry, sandy.

rarrace eoil and dos'lnted by longleaf pinLe. turkey oak. saw pallrc.to.

reiodeer ease, prickly ;4er. slander yucca, and w*r*graso. Other habitat features that arm conducive to the tortoises arv an abuadAnce of hesbaceous go.Xnd cover and a Sendraliy-optn canopy which allows unrlag:h to reach t.h forest floor. Grasoon and legumes are reported to be the tor:oiao'c mDzt Ltpertant food plants (Garner and L-dere .**.1? . Tortoises *xe also found

,n ruderal habitats such as fence rows. pastures, iMeld eoas. and utility rl~gh-of-ways IU. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1.90).

Since tbe s*cretiv' tort.o"lfg escape into their burrows whan diteurbod, they are not frequent ly eacounatered in the field. .Mereforv.

the conzpielous tortoise burrow i6 th- zain recognizable feature that oonSIrna the presence of zor:oine= in tho -8ield. Most burrowa hav- a mirjgle entrarc- and adult burrows average abiut1 15 feet In lengt. with a depth of approximn*tly 6 feet (Olanten 2"3)s. vurrow tunnels sice downwa.c fron the surface end then usually level Off urderground (conar and s Collins 2591). Buxrro are wide enoah for tha toreoine to turn around at some point along Ita length. Soft burrovt bave bean noted to extend to More than 20 feet *orizontally. The burrow provides shelter from extrwem heat and Cold. jackain and Hileerey" 1*3W) Ave reported more than 64 vertebrote and 302 invertebrate species uming sopher %ortoiae busroe.

Some o! the more votronly known burrow associates Include the tasterr.

diamondback r&ttlecnake. tho dveky gopher trog. and the Easterr.n irzdtgo snake.*

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04/20/06 18:40:01 SHAtReED Attachment 4 FNP-0-ENV-23

.Figure 1. Adult Gophcr Tortoise

-2 .

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04/20/06 18:40:01 3HAREDL.LA FNP-0-ENV-23 Attachment 4 0

ReaearCh in Georgia bea indi,:acd that maloa reach sexual mAturity at 16-18 years of ae a*.d fte1As rAture aliShtly later wh.n they are 19-21 yoarr' old. F_%alee lay an avewrac of four to sLx egg= per lutcb.

Or.eding pqrfod-, may b~lin as early ar Tebrua-t and extend Into September.

depend.ir*q on locatin. The period ot =xnlrm repvOductlve actlv*vy is from VAy Lbroigh ,.uly. In Soma populations it is *etieted that over 90 percent o- the clutChes are detroyed by predators prior to batching (Kizissppi Detarwr l of Wildlife, igheries & Parke 19921.

,iologi9ts have disc-avered that the activity at the tortoicee -'a greatly rescrir~tad during 'slnzar rzt~nths. Tin wre a eatbar. the tortoiscz uually anorge daily fram their burrows; in the worting before the beat is too great. They foraq- on grasses, leSY6,. and such vild Ctult* or b-erries as they onea fiod ICoaint and Collin 1991.1. Activity I-"e. .ry rare during extrenmly hot pexic4is i the e*maer *eca.thx.

x6:1tion&l Inforration rejardin the op-iher tartoise c= be Cogod in the Coprar Tortoise .eCvrvery Plan (Exhibit h) prepared by the V. S. Vish and Wildlife ZAdrice In 1990. Add*tl=oal natural bietory irnformtion the goph.r to-**oi" fM=unt 17SM I& also provided In txhibit B. This latter publicatIon Includes a map that 3hove the range ,f the uvher tortotse in Alb*ba.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 S -iF-ARE}D FNP-0-ENV-23 Attachment 4 0 Cotin, PEA.

lm R FWFOP)4Uf P4RR),r CC-S'-"1.CrMC.

IN AAEJ.S or Gopi-m ICMOISE ~ThV7TA A Ml ro rV. J1C IA su-rrY sbaid be p**rorm-d prior to Corpany crew- entering rights.

of-ways (ROW) with heavy ecruipmeet in areas of suspected g-pt-.rr torceoe colonies to 49t*rmi.na i* active gopher tortoise burrows arc Preaant. An activ'e bUfrld will hars a rmomd of Bond or $ohl own in front of th, bUrTow with an absence or vnotation near e rou~ h Of the burrow (See VLg1ura 2 and 3). in tboe FaJl of tho year.

leavesa ay cover an active býtrrow entrance, thereby gtvinm tc an pp4earance of being un.nhabitated (Mura 4). Also. g'ophe: t¢rrotue burrows have a characterlftic oval or 'lba *

-rOori, shape t-he burrow natraznce as agjwn in PigUret 2 and 3. Armadillo tb:jrows typically ha.ve a characterI*t-c rounded ceening Ise* photna in Tiguro 5) and should not be confused with Gopher tortoise burrows.

Arwildillo bu.rrows irmy occur in law, Yet artas rvear oonxc vesetation.

They do r= typically mnuifeat a conspicuous candy mound near t!;

enftraLnce. Hfowever, armadillos may occasionally occupy abar.doned tortoise "-rrow;. Active gopher tortoai" burroW3 should bre identified with conspicuous flagging top- or brigbtly-pain:-d woodan stakes neax4buc not obitructIng) the burrow -ntrance.

2) The direction of an active b errcwshould be deterelTi.d prier to traversing the R04 vwi.h heavy vehileoa or aquiMnt. V-av-/

equi--*ein can cause the burrow* to collapse. The*& vehicles and equipment nay apprOach a gopher tortoio burrow entrance by remaini3g at lcast 25 feet trce the entrance On the burrow side Anti at lacc 15 feest rom tho e=trdaCe oi the apron side (ite Figure El.

o-eveer, heavy e-.T,*ment may travel alang PO*s on wall establiLhed ve.hicular routes. Jack Fuqua ot Envlrorn:Dnal Aefalra shcz-id be conta¢*ced in the following inztanoteo

1) where there are problern wLth parforlnsg viiotengce -r Con,--tuctLin activities along the MOW dua rn the loca::on(sl of gopher tortoise burro".

2) where digging or excavation will occur within 4S feet of an active burrow, and 31 vwhre nev 7uy anchors will be- installed within 21 fee: ot an active burrow.

2) No heavy equprent should be us*:1 Within 2$ feat ot an activye burrc-entrar.ce while t. pormlng Rao clearing or brish boggirNg. I.sh.i within the 25-foci raOdlu& 9*ould be hard cur. or othorwise ras'o-ed without thi use of heavy cquippent. Tortoise burr"Ws must not be c6-fertd with debrie.

4) No d4ngor tree that is Outside of a S-fooc radius of an 4=Ive burrow entrance should be Cut so that it falls within the :S-ec~t radius of the entrance. All danger tree. that aee cut wLth~ln the 2-t'ot radius should be failed aay fran tbhe entrance. rallen trees and brush should nor .i ee move.Mnr. of the tortoise's exic and entry to the burrow. Topping or trivnino che tree *.hr-.id he

. 4.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 SHARED Attachment 4 FNP-0-ENV-23 pertorme-d in coei cases vbere cutting the tr- eenuld ad-eerve!Y impct im ac=Ivc burirow, P=~r 1.: Va1ing eme~rgency conclitioo. it may' bo lff~ovctcal to follov the re-o=74sdatiotn deacribed abovv. Any adverti.. Lftt. to Lortoi-fee or torroitee hkrraws followi~ng c1wergencitis zbould D49 r~pnrted to Jac% truwJ.

WT'Y 2.- Questicon rejarding tkez* quaidelina-s aboulc+/- be aOafrqae-vd to aitbor Jack PuqjiA (205-250-41'75). Malcolm Pierson (205-694-4.*771 or jol.nny tVyeva !114.2IS.-24% or Page 8 of 13 Version 7.0

04/20/06 18:40:01 SHARED Attachment 4 FNP-0-ENV-23 Figure 2. Active tortoisc burrow Page 9 of 13 Version 7.0

04/20/06 18:40:01 SHARED Attachment 4 FNP-0-ENV-23 Figure 3. Active juvenile tortoise burrow Page 10 of 13 Version 7.0

04/20/06 18:40:01 HARED

- Attachment 4 FNP-0-ENV-23 0

Figure 4. Entrance of active burrow covered in leaves.

Fresh soil appears under leaves.

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04/20/06 18:40:01 FNP-0-ENV-23 Attachment 4 Figure 5. Active Armadillo burrows Page 12 of 13 Version 7.0

04/20/06 18:40:01 S HARED Attachment 4 FNP-0-ENV-23

/

0

'I I

I

'p I

I 4'

FIGURE 6

.10.

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