ML24088A305

Fws to NRC, Agreement with Nlaa Determination for Tricolored Bat for Oconee Lr

ML24088A305
Person / Time
Site:	Oconee
Issue date:	03/25/2024
From:	Johnson-Hughes C US Dept of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service
To:	Arlene B Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
References
Download: ML24088A305 (1)

Text

United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE South Carolina Ecological Services Field Office 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 200 Charleston, South Carolina 29407

March 25, 2024

Briana S. Arlene Conservation Biologist & ESA Consultation Coordinator Environmental Center of Expertise Office of Materials Safety and Safeguards U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Re: Oconee Nuclear Station, Units 1, 2, and 3, Proposed Subsequent License Renewal, Oconee County, South Carolina FWS Project Code: 2023-0054989

Dear Ms. Arlene:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the above referenced project and offers the following comments pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. (ESA). The following comments do not address all Service concerns for fish and wildlife resources and do not preclude separate review and comments by the Service as afforded by other applicable environmental legislation.

Your agency has made a det ermination of may affect, but is not likely to adversely affectfor the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). Based on the information provided, we agree that an effect determination of may affect, is not likely to adversely affect the tricolored bat is appropriate.

Concurrence with this effect determination may be requested under Section 7(a)(2) at the time of listing if the final determination is to list the tricolored bat under the ESA. Obligations of section 7(a)(2) of the ESA have been satisfied.

Please note that obligations under section 7 of the ESA should be reconsidered if: (1) new information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously considered; (2) this action is subsequently modified in a manner, which was not considered in this assessment; or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat is determ ined that may be affected by the identified action.

The Service recommends that you contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources regarding potential impacts to State protected species. If you need further assistance, please contact: Melanie Olds via email at melanie_olds@fws.gov.

Sincerely,

Christy Johnson-Hughes Project Leader