ML25231A090
| ML25231A090 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Saint Lucie  |
| Issue date: | 08/19/2025 |
| From: | US Dept of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service, FL Ecological Services Office |
| To: | Dehmer M Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards |
| References | |
| Download: ML25231A090 (1) | |
Text
08/19/2025 14:37:52 UTC United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Florida Ecological Services Field Office 777 37th St Suite D-101 Vero Beach, FL 32960-3559 Phone: (352) 448-9151 Fax: (772) 562-4288 Email Address: fw4flesregs@fws.gov https://www.fws.gov/office/florida-ecological-services In Reply Refer To:
Project Code: 2022-0011212 Project Name: St. Lucie Plant, Units 1 and 2, Subsequent License Renewal
Subject:
List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location or may be affected by your proposed project To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat.
PleaseincludeyourProjectCode,listedatthetopofthisletter,inallsubsequent correspondence regarding this project. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered
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2 of 11 species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat.
A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)
(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.
If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at:
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/endangered-species-consultation-handbook.pdf Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project-related impacts. Any activity resulting in take of migratory birds, including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). For more information regarding these Acts see https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-bird-permit/what-we-do.
It is the responsibility of the project proponent to comply with these Acts by identifying potential impacts to migratory birds and eagles within applicable NEPA documents (when there is a federal nexus) or a Bird/Eagle Conservation Plan (when there is no federal nexus). Proponents should implement conservation measures to avoid or minimize the production of project-related stressors or minimize the exposure of birds and their resources to the project-related stressors. For more information on avian stressors and recommended conservation measures see https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/threats-birds.
In addition to MBTA and BGEPA, Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds, obligates all Federal agencies that engage in or authorize activities that might affect migratory birds, to minimize those effects and encourage conservation measures that will improve bird populations. Executive Order 13186 provides for the protection of both migratory birds and migratory bird habitat. For information regarding the implementation of Executive Order 13186, please visit https://www.fws.gov/partner/council-conservation-migratory-birds.
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We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Code in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office.
Attachment(s):
Official Species List Marine Mammals Coastal Barriers OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action".
This species list is provided by:
Florida Ecological Services Field Office 777 37th St Suite D-101 Vero Beach, FL 32960-3559 (352) 448-9151
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4 of 11 PROJECT
SUMMARY
Project Code:
2022-0011212 Project Name:
St. Lucie Plant, Units 1 and 2, Subsequent License Renewal Project Type:
Power Gen - Nuclear Project
Description:
In October 2021, Florida Powr & Light Company (FPL) submitted an application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requesting the NRC's renewal of the operating license nos. DPR-67 and NPF-16 for St. Lucie Plant, Units 1 and 2, located on Hutchinson Island in St. Lucie County, Florida. If approved, the renewed license would authorize FPL to continue operating St. Lucie for an additional 20 years through March 1, 2056 (Unit 1), and April 6, 2063 (Unit 2). Operating conditions would not change under license renewal, and FPL proposes no new construction, tree removal, or ground-disturbing activities as part of the license renewal.
Project Location:
The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https://
www.google.com/maps/@27.347793,-80.2419317578615,14z Counties: St. Lucie County, Florida
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ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES There is a total of 21 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries, as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.
NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce.
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6 of 11 MAMMALS NAME STATUS Florida Panther Puma (=Felis) concolor coryi No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1763 General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/FYJWK442LVACPDPRFVRFG755KQ/documents/
generated/7123.pdf Endangered Puma (=mountain Lion) Puma (=Felis) concolor (all subsp. except coryi)
Population: FL No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6049 Similarity of Appearance (Threatened)
Southeastern Beach Mouse Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3951 Threatened West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location overlaps the critical habitat.
This species is also protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and may have additional consultation requirements.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4469 General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/FYJWK442LVACPDPRFVRFG755KQ/documents/
generated/7281.pdf Threatened BIRDS NAME STATUS Crested Caracara (audubon's) [fl Dps] Caracara plancus audubonii Population: FL DPS No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8250 Threatened Eastern Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. jamaicensis No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10477 Threatened Everglade Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7713 Endangered Florida Scrub-jay Aphelocoma coerulescens No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6174 Threatened Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Population: [Atlantic Coast and Northern Great Plains populations] - Wherever found, except those areas where listed as endangered.
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Threatened
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7 of 11 NAME STATUS Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6039 Wood Stork Mycteria americana Population: AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8477 General project design guidelines:
https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/FYJWK442LVACPDPRFVRFG755KQ/documents/
generated/6954.pdf Threatened REPTILES NAME STATUS American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/776 Similarity of Appearance (Threatened)
American Crocodile Crocodylus acutus Population: U.S.A. (FL)
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6604 Threatened Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon couperi No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/646 Threatened Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas Population: North Atlantic DPS There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location overlaps the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6199 Threatened Hawksbill Sea Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3656 Endangered Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Lepidochelys kempii There is proposed critical habitat for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5523 Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1493 Endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta Population: Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location overlaps the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1110 Threatened INSECTS
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8 of 11 NAME STATUS Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743 Proposed Threatened FLOWERING PLANTS NAME STATUS Fragrant Prickly-apple Cereus eriophorus var. fragrans Population:
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/982 Endangered Tiny Polygala Polygala smallii Population:
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/996 Endangered CRITICAL HABITATS There are 2 critical habitats wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction.
NAME STATUS Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6199#crithab Proposed Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1110#crithab Final You should contact the local field office to determine whether critical habitat for the following species should be considered:
NAME STATUS West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4469#crithab Final COASTAL BARRIERS Projects within the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) may be subject to the restrictions on Federal expenditures and financial assistance and the consultation requirements of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). For more information, please contact the local Ecological Services Field Office or visit the CBRA
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Consultations website. The CBRA website provides tools such as a flow chart to help determine whether consultation is required and a template to facilitate the consultation process.
SYSTEM UNIT (SU)
Most new Federal expenditures and financial assistance, including Federal flood insurance, are prohibited within System Units. Federally-funded projects within System Units require consultation with the Service. Consultation is not required for projects using private, state, or local funds.
UNIT NAME TYPE SYSTEM UNIT ESTABLISHMENT DATE FLOOD INSURANCE PROHIBITION DATE P11 Hutchinson Island SU 10/18/1982 10/1/1983 P11 Hutchinson Island SU 11/16/1990 11/16/1990 P11 Hutchinson Island SU 12/21/2018 12/21/2018 MARINE MAMMALS Marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Some are also protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
The responsibilities for the protection, conservation, and management of marine mammals are shared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [responsible for otters, walruses, polar bears, manatees, and dugongs] and NOAA Fisheries [responsible for seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, and porpoises]. Marine mammals under the responsibility of NOAA Fisheries are not shown on this list; for additional information on those species please visit the Marine Mammals page of the NOAA Fisheries website.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the take of marine mammals and further coordination may be necessary for project evaluation. Please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office shown.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a treaty to ensure that international trade in plants and animals does not threaten their survival in the wild.
NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce.
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10 of 11 NAME West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4469
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11 of 11 IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION Agency: Nuclear Regulatory Commission Name:
Mitchell Dehmer Address: 11555 Rockville Pike City:
Rockville State:
MD Zip:
20852 Email mitchell.dehmer@nrc.gov Phone:
3014154016