ML19257A579

Responds to NRC 791114 Ltr Requesting Info on Endangered Species That Might Be Affected by Plant Const.No Designated Critical Habitat in Project Area.In Bat,Bald Eagle & Higgins Eye Pearly Mussel within Project Range

ML19257A579
Person / Time
Site:	05000599, 05000600
Issue date:	01/04/1980
From:	Hughlett C INTERIOR, DEPT. OF, FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE
To:	Ballard R Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NUDOCS 8001040669
Download: ML19257A579 (2)

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United States Department of the Interior

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• r]' FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE h AFA-SE Federal Building, Fort Snelling Twin Cities, Minnesota 55111 Tamuroof H,I? D

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Ronald L. Ballard, Chief Environmental Projects Branch 1 Division of Site Safety and Environmental Analysis U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555

Dear Mr. Balltrd:

I refer to your letter of November 14,1979 (Docket Nos. 50-599 and 50-600) requesting information on Federally listed threatened and endangered '

species that might be af fected by the construction of a nuclear generating station in Carroll County, Illinois.

This proposed project is within the known or historic range of the following threatened (T), endangered (E) or proposed (P) species:

Indiana Bat (E) Myotis sodalis Bald Eagle (E) Haliaeetus leucocephalus Higgin's Eye Pearly Mussel (E) Lampsilis higginsi There is no designated critical habitat in the project area at this time.

I have reviewed the Site Suitability Environmental Report for this project and find it contains an adequate biological assessment for the aforementioned species.

The mussel surveys conducted by the contractor for Commonwealth Edison as well as earlier surveys done by other reputable malacologists did not locate any federally listed mussel species within, or adjacent to, the proposed Carroll County Station project area. Therefore, I feel there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the project, as proposed, is not likely to adversely affect the Higgin's Eye Pearly Mussel (Lampsilis higginsi).

The description of the actions involved in constructing the intake and dis-charge structures on the Mississippi River suggests that no suitable winter habitat for the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) or summer nursery habitat for the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) will be adversely affected.

The terrestrial phase monitoring program as outlined on page 23 of the Environmental report, should be followed with special emphasis placed on the effects of project construction on the bald eagle. If eagle activity is disturbed as a result of construction, notify the Region 3 Endangered Species Office at 612-725-3596. (, c o l es 1687 353 fA i 8001040 [)

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Since the Indiana bat has not been recorded for Carroll County it is unlikely it would be found in the project area. There are two known caves located in Carroll County according to the Illinois State Geological Survey R.

I. 215. Carroll County is also considered one of the more promising areas for caves in Illinois. The terrestrial construction monitoring program should be aware of the possibility of caves in the proposed project area and their possibility of supporting populations of the Indiana bat. If through future project investigations, planning, or construction, you find the Indiana bat or any other listed species in the area you should initiate the formal consultation process by writing to the Regional Director, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, at this address.

This letter provides comment only on the endangered species aspect of the project. Comments on other aspects of the project under the authority of

• and in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et. seq.) may be sent under separate cover.

Sincerely yours, G.,

I$arIe3 X. Rdghleif Ading Regional Diredar 1687 354