ML20098G734

Comments on Evaluation of Transmission Line Crossing Ebenezer Creek Swamp.Route Parallel to Existing Transmission Line at Western Boundary or Route to Avoid Swamp Recommended

ML20098G734
Person / Time
Site:	Vogtle
Issue date:	09/25/1984
From:	Mcbay L INTERIOR, DEPT. OF, FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE
To:	Warren D SOUTHERN COMPANY SERVICES, INC.
References
NUDOCS 8410050410
Download: ML20098G734 (2)

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IHtDNsWICK, Gl oltGIA 31520 September 25, 1984 Mr. Dan Warren Southern company Services, Inc.

P. O. Box 2625 Birmingham, Alabann 35202

Dear Mr. Warren:

We have reviewed the August 24, 1984 letter frcm Mr. Poster and the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant Unit I and Unit 2, Ebenezer Creek Swamp - Evaluation of Transmission Line crossing - August 1984 (File:

X8BE03, IaJ GN-409). We offer the following ccmments ns an aid in your planning.

%e Ebenezer Creek National Natural Landmark is the best remaining cypress-gum forest and biotic ccmnunity in the Savannah River Basin.

It is a unique virgin cypress forest and the physical fluctuating water exchange relationship and interactions between the creek and the Savannah River are unique to this system. It is inportant habitat for nunerous fish' and wildlife species including the 'ederally listed Anerican alligator and bald eagle. Other inportant species that use the area _ include the osprey, swallow-tailed kite, river otter and striped bass. It also provides outstanding wood duck nesting and feeding habitat and supports songbirds, woodpeckers, herons, egrets and an abundance and variety of reptiles and anphibians. %is area is generally considered to be the nest scenic blackwater stream in the southeast.

Avoidance of inpacts or intrusions on this inportant natural area should be a high priority when federal agencies assess the effects of their.. actions on the environnent pursuant to the National Environtrental Pc,licy Act. %erefore the FNS strongly recczmends that either route A, whien would parallel existing transmission lines at 3:

the western boundary of the Iandmark, or route B, which would avoid the Landmark be selected for the transmission corridor. We present design for crossing the swanp, Plan A, which would include clearing 12 acres of the natural Iandmrk and 2.1 acres of the main channel, should not be inplemented. FWS would reccarend denial of any Corps of Engineers permits that would be required for this work. Plan B which would span the snain portion of the swany by the use of taller towers would ie preferable to Plan A and would have less inpacts but it would still'be an intrusion on the swanp and muld involve topping trees for t vertical clearance and clearing forested wetlands for the tower COO i 8410050410 840925 PDR ADOCK 05000424 l O A PDR

4-construction. 'Ihis plan would have to be inveetigated further by our agency if any Corps of Engineers permits are required.

'Ihe National Park Service will also be providing connents on this Project.

Respectfully, .c, L.'Glenn McBay Field Supervisor NPS, Atlanta, GA NRC, Washington, DC (Attn: Dr. Germain LaRoche) 6 s

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