ML072200498

Letter from Fish and Wildlife Service (Fws) in Response to Hope Creek Extended Power Uprate Bald Eagle Consultation

ML072200498
Person / Time
Site:	Hope Creek
Issue date:	07/24/2007
From:	Staples J US Dept of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service
To:	Eric Benner NRC/NRR/ADRO/DLR/REBA
References
07-I0794
Download: ML072200498 (2)

Text

United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE INew Jersey Field 9ffice ReplyReferto: Ecological Services In 927 North Main Street, Building D Pleasantville, New Jersey 08232 Tel: 609/646 93 10 07-10794 Fax: 609/646 0352 http://www. fws.gov/northeast/njfieldoffice JUL 2 4 200O Eric Benner, Chief Enviromnental Branch A Division of License Refiewai Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555-0001

Dear Mr. Benner:

As per your request dated June 13, 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides conclusion of the informal consultation on the bald eagle (Haliaeetusleucocephalus) for the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station Extended Power Uprate, Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County, New Jersey.

As you know, the Service has delisted the bald eagle pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) (87 Stat. 884, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1531 etseq.). To ensure that eagles continue to thrive, the Service will work with State wildlife agencies to monitor eagles for at least 5 years. The Service recommends that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continue coordinating with Ms. Kathy.Clark of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Endangered and Nongame Species Program to ensure that the proposed project activities do not have adverse impacts on the bald eagle.

Further, the bald eagle remains' protected pursuant to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 (16 U.S.C. 668-668c) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (40 Stat. 755 as amended; 16 U.S.C. 703-712), as well as Executive Order 13186 -

Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds. Finally, the Service encourages the NRC to review and apply the May 2007 National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines, which are available online at:

http:www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/issues/BaldEagle/NationalBaldEagleManagement Guidelines.pdf.

Please contact Carlo Popolizio of my staff at (609) 646-93 10, extension 32, if you require further assistance.

Sincerely, John C. Staples Assistant Supervisor