ML20041C506

Comments on Des.Intake/Discharge Structures Will Not Affect Habitat of Offshore Whales & Sea Turtles.Facility Operation Will Not Affect Endangered Species

ML20041C506
Person / Time
Site:	Seabrook
Issue date:	02/25/1982
From:	Rehfus R COMMERCE, DEPT. OF, NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
To:	Miraglia F Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
References
NUDOCS 8203020121
Download: ML20041C506 (1)

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t National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE Services Division rg- 4 Y3, IlY f Habitat Protection Branch 7 Pleasant Street Gloucester, MA 01930 # A February 25, 1982 D gggggygg "9

Mr. Frank J. Miraglia 9, g gMAR 011932n -

Chief, Licensing Branch 3 annaravanYg U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission S E Washington, D.C. 20555 F3

Dear Mr. Miraglia:

This is in response to your request for information on endangered and threatened species found in the area of the Seabrook Nuclear Generating Station in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The endangered shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) has been reported in the Merrimack River and there was one unsubstantiated report from the Piscataqua River. The endangered humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) are commonly found on Jeffrey's Ledge from June through September. The endangered right whale (Balaena glacialis) is found in the adjacent offshore waters in June and July and again in October through December. The endangered leatherback sea turtle (Dermocbclys coriacea) is occasionally found in the offshore waters in mid-sumruer.

The shortnose sturgeon is not known to inhabit the Hampton-Seabrook estuarine area near the station. Furthermore, the intake / discharge structures will not affect the habitat of the offshore whales and sea turtles. Therefore, we believe that the operation of Seabrook Units 1 and 2 will not affect endangered or threatened species for which we are responsible. Should project plans change or new information become available that changes the basis for this decision, then consultation under Section 7 should be continued.

Sincerely, 6

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Ruth Rehfus Branch Chief 8

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