ML11291A077
| ML11291A077 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Limerick  |
| Issue date: | 10/05/2011 |
| From: | Urban C State of PA, Fish & Boat Commission |
| To: | David Wrona Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation |
| References | |
| Download: ML11291A077 (2) | |
Text
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission Division of Environmental Services Natural Diversity Section 450 Robinson Lane Bellefonte, PA 16823-9620 established 1866 (814) 359-5237 Fax: (814) 359-5175 October 5, 2011 IN REPLY REFER TO SIR # 35712 DAVID WRONA UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION I WHITE FLINT NORTH 11555 ROCKVILLE PIKE ROCKVILLE MD 20852-2738 RE:
Species Impact Review (SIR) - Rare, Candidate, Threatened and Endangered Species RENEWAL OF OPERATING LICENSES FOR LIMERICK GENERATING STATION UNITS 1 & 2 MONTGOMERY AND CHESTER County, Pennsylvania
Dear Mr. WRONA:
The staff of the Natural Diversity Section has examined the map accompanying your recent correspondence which shows the location of the above referenced project. Based on records maintained in the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) database and Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission files, the eastern redbelly turtle (Pseudemys rubriventris, PA threatened) and globally rare amphipod and/or isopod species are known from the vicinity of the project site.
The eastern redbelly turtle is one of Pennsylvania's largest native aquatic turtles. This turtle species is known to inhabit relatively large, deep streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and marshes with permanent water and ample basking sites. Redbelly turtles are restricted to the southcentral and southeastern regions of the Commonwealth. The existence of this turtle species is threatened by habitat destruction, poor water quality and competition with aggressive non-native turtle species that share its range and habitat (e.g., red-eared slider, Trachemvs scripta elegans).
Isopods and amphipods are small invertebrate species (crustaceans) that inhabit coldwater springs, seeps, on hillsides and in caves. Although these species are not listed as candidate, threatened, or endangered, they may be listed in the not so distant future. These rare invertebrate species are threatened by habitat destruction and poor water quality.
Given that the proposed license renewal will involve no new construction, earth disturbance, or changes to existing land uses, I do not anticipate the proposed activity to have any significant adverse impacts to the amphipod or isopod species of concern under PFBC jurisdiction.
Note that this office performed no field inspection of the project area. Consequently, comments in this letter are not meant to address other issues or concerns that might arise concerning matters under Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission jurisdiction or that of other authorities. If you have any Our Mission:
www.fish.state.pa.us To protect, conserve and enhance the Commonwealth's aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.
SIR#35712 Wrona Page 2 questions regarding this response, please contact Kathy Gipe of my staff (814-359-5186) and refer to the SIR number at the top of this letter. Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this matter of endangered species conservation and habitat protection.
Sincerely, Christopher A. Urban, Chief Natural Diversity Section CAU/KDG/mr