ML24228A296
| ML24228A296 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Saint Lucie  |
| Issue date: | 09/06/2024 |
| From: | Rome M NRC/NMSS/DREFS/ETRB1 |
| To: | Bernhart D US Dept of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service |
| References | |
| Download: ML24228A296 (1) | |
Text
E-MAIL ONLY David Bernhart Assistant Regional Administrator Southeast Regional Office National Marine Fisheries Service 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701
SUBJECT:
DESIGNATION OF FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT CO. AS THE NON-FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ST. LUCIE PLANT, UNIT NOS. 1 AND 2 (DOCKET NUMBERS: 50-335 AND 50-389)
Dear David Bernhart:
With this letter, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) gives written notice to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the designation of Florida Power & Light Co. (FPL) as its non-Federal representative to prepare a biological assessment under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), for St. Lucie Plant, Unit Nos. 1 and 2 (St.
Lucie) pursuant to Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR) 402.08, Designation of non-Federal representative.
FPL, the licensee for St. Lucie, has exceeded the level of live green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) captures for the 2022-2024 period authorized in the NMFSs August 8, 2022, biological opinion (Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) Accession No. ML22227A053). Therefore, the reinitiation of consultation is required in accordance with 50 CFR 402.16(a)(1). Additionally, FPL has met, but not yet exceed, the authorized level of live leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) captures and causal Kemps ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) mortalities for the 2022-2024 period. FPL, as the designated non-Federal representative, will prepare the biological assessment. Because the reinitiated consultation will be formal, the NRC will retain the responsibility for requesting the reinitiation of consultation and for conducting the consultation with the NMFS.
The NRC understands that the ESA Section 7 regulations require that the NRC furnish guidance and supervision and independently review and evaluate the scope and contents of the biological assessment. Furthermore, the NRC understands that the ultimate responsibility for compliance with ESA Section 7 remains with the NRC, as the Federal action agency.
September 6, 2024
D. Bernhart If you have any questions regarding the information in this letter, please contact Briana Arlene, ESA Consultation Coordinator, by phone at (301) 415-1042 or via email at briana.arlene@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Michelle Rome, Chief Environmental Technical Review Branch 1 Division of Rulemaking, Environment, and Financial Support Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Docket Nos. 50-335 and 50-389 cc: Listserv Signed by Rome, Michelle on 09/06/24
ML24228A296 OFFICE REFS CB REFS ES REFS LA OGC: NLO REFS BC NAME BArlene MDehmer AWalker-Smith JWachutka MRome DATE 8/19/2024 8/19/2024 8/19/2024 8/19/2024 9/6/2024