ML25135A439
| ML25135A439 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Palisades  |
| Issue date: | 05/14/2025 |
| From: | - No Known Affiliation |
| To: | NRC/NMSS/DREFS |
| References | |
| Download: ML25135A439 (4) | |
Text
From:
East Lansing, FW3 <EastLansing@fws.gov>
Sent:
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 12:43 PM To:
Peyton Doub; Mary Richmond Cc:
Dandridge, Tameka N
Subject:
[External_Sender] Re: Concurrence to NRC
- Peyton, This email is an addendum to your previous request for our concurrence. We concur that this project is not likely to adversely affect the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis),
Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), rufa red knot (Calidris canutus rufa), piping plover (Charadrius melodus), or result in jeopardy to monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus).
You have indicated that no trees greater than 3 inches dbh will be removed and proposed activities would be limited to developed portions of the site and not the beach or shoreline.
We therefore expect effects to the bat species, rufa red knot, and piping plover to be insignificant.
Regarding the monarch butterfly, it was proposed for listing as threatened on December 12, 2024. We are gathering input through a public comment period and encourage the submission of any new information. We will review these comments and then will ultimately issue a final rule. If listed, protections would only go into place after the final rule is published. Section 7 conferences are required if a federal action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a proposed species. If your project is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the monarch species as a whole, then your obligations under section 7 for monarch are complete.
Based on the above information, you have our concurrence effectively immediately for the above mentioned species.
We appreciate the opportunity to cooperate with you in conserving endangered and threatened species.
Thank you, Jessica Pruden Acting Deputy Field Office Supervisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Michigan Ecological Services Field Office 2651 Coolidge Road, Suite 101 East Lansing, MI 48823 517-580-0395 - New Phone Number jessica_pruden@fws.gov
From: East Lansing, FW3 Sent: Friday, May 9, 2025 2:25 PM To: peyton.doub@nrc.gov ; mary.richmond@nrc.gov Cc: Dandridge, Tameka N
Subject:
Concurrence to NRC
- Peyton, Thank you for your request for consultation on this project, pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended (ESA) (16 U.S.C. § 1536), and the ESAs implementing regulations (50 CFR 402.13).
In this email, we are providing ourconcurrence that the project is not likely to adversely affect the threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus; EMR) and Pitcher's thistle (Cirsium pitcheri; PITH). You have indicated that the applicant has incorporated the below conservation measures for EMR and the nuclear plant actions will not occur in the vicinity of PITH.
Eastern massasauga rattlesnake Use wildlife-safe materials for erosion control and site restoration throughout the project area (do not use erosion control products containing plastic mesh netting or other similar material that could ensnare EMR)
To increase human safety and awareness of EMR, to raise awareness of the species docile nature and avoid an uninformed reaction to simply seeing the species, those implementing the project/on-site should first watch MDNRs 60-Second Snakes: The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake video (available at https://youtu.be/~PFnXe_e02w).
Require reporting of any EMR observations, or observation of any other listed threatened or endangered species, during project implementation to the Service within 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />.
By applying these conservation measures, potential effects to EMR are expected to be insignificant and/or wholly beneficial.
As the proposed action will not impact suitable habitat for PITH, potential effects to PITH are insignificant.
Based on the above information you have our concurrence effectively immediately for PITH and EMR.
In an effort to support conservation and recovery of PITH, we also recommend that the facility operator consider developing a vegetation management site plant that incorporates measures that could help to ensure adequate viability of the Pitcher's thistle population. For example, to help with creating/maintaining open sandy environments needed by the species, at appropriate locations, consider removing up to 50% of dominant grasses (mechanical or chemical),
removing litter (raking), and tree or shrub removal. If possible, the treatments should occur in late fall to enhance the effect of late fall/early winter winds in terms of moving sand and
creating areas of sandy openings. We welcome the opportunity to help them in developing a vegetation management plan.
When the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission maintains discretionary involvement or control over the project, reinitiation of consultation is required (50 CFR 402.16(a)) under certain conditions: (1) if new information reveals effects of the project that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner or to an extent not previously considered; (2) if the project is subsequently modified in a manner that causes an effect to the listed species or critical habitat that was not considered in the writtenconcurrence; or (3) if a new species is listed or critical habitat designated that may be affected by the project.
We appreciate the opportunity to cooperate with you in conserving endangered and threatened species.
Thank you, Jessica Pruden Acting Deputy Field Office Supervisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Michigan Ecological Services Field Office 2651 Coolidge Road, Suite 101 East Lansing, MI 48823 517-580-0395 - New Phone Number jessica_pruden@fws.gov
Hearing Identifier:
PalisadesRestart_EnvDocs_Public Email Number:
125 Mail Envelope Properties (BLAPR09MB675679AF697131A21D228B89BB91A)
Subject:
[External_Sender] Re Concurrence to NRC Sent Date:
5/14/2025 12:42:47 PM Received Date:
5/14/2025 12:42:58 PM From:
East Lansing, FW3 Created By:
EastLansing@fws.gov Recipients:
"Dandridge, Tameka N" <tameka_dandridge@fws.gov>
Tracking Status: None "Peyton Doub" <Peyton.Doub@nrc.gov>
Tracking Status: None "Mary Richmond" <Mary.Richmond@nrc.gov>
Tracking Status: None Post Office:
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