ML051330355
| ML051330355 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Point Beach  |
| Issue date: | 05/05/2005 |
| From: | James Smith US Dept of Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service |
| To: | Kuo P NRC/NRR/DRIP/RLEP |
| References | |
| Download: ML051330355 (2) | |
Text
United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Green Bay ES Field Office 2661 Scott Tower Drive New Franken, Wisconsin 54229-9565 Telephone 920/866-1717 FAX 920/866-1710 May 5, 2005 Dr. Pao-Tsin Kuo License Renewal and Environmental Impacts Program Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, District of Columbia-20555-0001--
re:
Biological Assessment License Renewal Point Beach Nuclear Plant, Units 1 and 2 Manitowoc County, Wisconsin
Dear Dr. Kuo:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has received your letter dated April 21, 2005, with the Biological Assessment (BA) for the license renewal at Point Beach Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2 in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Your letter includes a revised framework for piping plover monitoring at the property and'requests'concurrence with the determination of effects of the proposed action on federally-listed species that'was included in the BA. We have reviewed the, attached information and our comments follow.'
In a letter dated January 31, 2005, the Service concurred wvith'your determination of no adverse effects to the bald eagle, Pitcher's thistle-hhd dwarf lake iris. As no new information has been received regarding these species, our concurrence remains valid. In the revised framework, monitoring of the piping plover would be increased in the event that they are observed on the property, and Service staff would be contacted immediately if nesting is observed. Based on the information provided in your letter, as well-as in discussions with Dr. Noel Cutright of WE Energies and Ms. Stacey Imboden of your office, we concur with your determination that the action, as proposed, may affect but would n6t adversely affect the piping plover. Please note that in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered.Species Act, if birds are repeatedly observed at the project site, consultation with this office should be re-initiated regardless of whether nesting has been confirmed.
While these comments are current as of the'date of this' letter, please be aware that over time, habitats at or near the project site may be utilized by listed or proposed species not present at this time. Further, fish, wildlife or plant species occurring within the project area may become I~~
i i.
federally-listed as threatened or endangered or proposed for listing; it also is possible that critical habitat could be proposed or designated for a species. Therefore, if the project is modified, or if there is a significant lag between plan completion and construction, this office should be contacted for an updated review of the project. Our species/critical habitat list is updated every 6 months.
We appreciate the opportunity to respond. Questions pertaining to these comments can be directed to Ms. Leakhena Au at 920-866-1734.
Sincerely, J -Janet-M.
Smith -
Field Supervisor cc:
fNRC, Washington, D.C. Attn: Stacey Imboden