ML25169A393
| ML25169A393 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 07007016 |
| Issue date: | 06/18/2025 |
| From: | Lillpop J US Dept of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service |
| To: | Knowles T Global Laser Enrichment, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards |
| References | |
| Download: ML25169A393 (1) | |
Text
June 18, 2025 Tim Knowles Global Laser Enrichment, LLC 4110 US Highway 421 N, Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28401
Subject:
FWS 2025-0021187; BGS Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky
Dear Tim Knowles:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (Service) Kentucky Field Office (KFO) has reviewed the request for concurrence for the above-referenced project received by our office on May 2, 2025.
Global Laser Enrichment, LLC, a non-Federal representative of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is proposing a commercial development in McCracken County, Kentucky. The KFO offers the following comments in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (87 Stat. 884, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Project Description Boston Government Services, LCC is proposing to construct the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) located south of the existing Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kevil, Kentucky (37.094°N, 88.8158°W). The project involves the construction and operation of a laser-based commercial uranium enrichment facility. Proposed construction actions include commercial buildings, access roads, and associated infrastructure. The action area consists of forested habitat, agricultural fields, several wetlands, an ephemeral stream, intermittent stream, perennial stream, and open water ponds. No direct stream impacts are proposed and best management practices will be implemented concurrent with constructions actions to minimize erosion and sedimentation to downstream waters. Tree removal is required as part of the proposed project.
Federally Listed Species The applicant has determined that the proposed action will have no effect on the gray bat (Myotis grisescens), clubshell (Pleurobema clava), fanshell (Cyprogenia stegaria), fat pocketbook (Potamilus capax), longsolid (Fusconaia subrotunda), orangefoot pimpleback (Plethobasus cooperianus), pink mucket (Lampsilis abrupta), rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica), ring pink (Obovaria retusa), rough pigtoe (Pleurobema plenum), sheepnose mussel (Plethobasus cyphyus), and spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) due to lack of suitable United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Kentucky Ecological Services Field Office 330 West Broadway, Suite 265 Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 (502) 695-0468
habitat at the action area. There is no requirement to request concurrence with a no effect determination; however, the KFO acknowledges this determination and has no additional comments or concerns regarding these species. The applicant has also determined that the proposed action has the potential to affect the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). A habitat assessment of the action area was performed by the applicants agent, Burns & McDonnell, on July 15 - July 19, 2024.
Indiana Bat No features that could be used as hibernacula by the Indiana bat were identified in the action area during the habitat assessment. The trees in the woodlot were identified as suitable summer roosting, foraging, and commuting habitat, and the proposed action will require the removal of Potential habitat. Acoustic surveys were conducted by Burns & McDonnell biologists from June 16 through 25, 2024. No Indiana bats were detected. The KFO approved the study results of this survey on January 22, 2025. Based on the probable absence of the Indiana bat within the project area, we concur with your determination that the proposed action, may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Indiana bat.
Summary The applicant has determined that the proposed action will have no effect on the gray bat, clubshell, fanshell, fat pocketbook, longsolid, orangefoot pimpleback, pink mucket, rabbitsfoot, ring pink, rough pigtoe, sheepnose mussel, and spectaclecase. The KFO concurs that the proposed action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Indiana bat. In view of these findings, we believe that the Section 7 requirements of the Endangered Species Act for this project are fulfilled.
The applicant should reconsider their Section 7 obligation if: (1) new information reveals that the proposed action may affect listed species in a manner or to an extent not previously considered; (2) the proposed action is subsequently modified to include activities that were not considered during this consultation; or (3) new species are listed or critical habitat is designated.
We appreciate the opportunity to review the proposed project. If you have any questions, please contact Karah Jaffe of my staff at karah_jaffe@fws.gov.
Sincerely, Joshua Lillpop Acting Field Supervisor JOSHUA LILLPOP Digitally signed by JOSHUA LILLPOP Date: 2025.06.18 15:48:24 -04'00'