Appendix N – SHP Agency Correspondence

ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE, LLC
ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE
and
DOMINION TRANSMISSION, INC.
SUPPLY HEADER PROJECT
Supplemental Filing
June 17, 2016
Appendix N
Copies of Correspondence for the Supply Header Project
APPENDIX N
Agency/Contact Name(s)
Supplemental Summary of Agency Correspondence for the Supply Header Project
Date(s) of
Correspondence
Format
Description
MULTIPLE AGENCIES
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Cliff Brown, Craig Stihler, Liz Stout
5/16/16
Email
WV bat study concurrence.
Liz Stout, John Schmidt
5/19/16
Letter
Freshwater mussel study plan concurrence.
Liz Stout, John Schmidt
5/27/16
Letter
Bat study plan concurrence.
5/12/16
Letter
Response to Phase I Archaeologicla Survey Report.
6/1/16
Letter
Review of the Addendum II Report.
Cliff Brown
5/16/16
Email
Timber rattlesnake study plan.
Cliff Brown
5/24/16
Email
Allegheny woodrat study plan.
FEDERAL AGENCIES
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
STATE AGENCIES
Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office
Steven McDougal
West Virginia Division of Culture and History
Susan Pierce
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
N-1
MULTIPLE AGENCIES
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Jaclyn Martin
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Brown, Clifford L <Clifford.L.Brown@wv.gov>
Monday, May 16, 2016 9:22 AM
Sara Throndson; Stihler, Craig W; elizabeth_stout@fws.gov
william.a.scarpinato@dom.com; Robert M Bisha (Services - 6); Jennifer C Broush
(Services - 6); Pat Robblee; Spencer Trichell; Doug Lake; Maggie Voth; Michael Fishman;
Prescott Weldon
RE: SHP - 2016 WV Bat Study Plan
Sara Pending USFWS approval, completion of the plan as outlined is appropriate. C From: Sara Throndson [mailto:Sara.Throndson@erm.com]
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2016 11:13 AM
To: Brown, Clifford L; Stihler, Craig W; elizabeth_stout@fws.gov
Cc: william.a.scarpinato@dom.com; Robert M Bisha (Services - 6); Jennifer C Broush (Services - 6); Pat Robblee; Spencer
Trichell; Doug Lake; Maggie Voth; Michael Fishman; Prescott Weldon
Subject: SHP - 2016 WV Bat Study Plan
Good morning Liz, Cliff and Craig, On behalf of the Supply Header Pipeline (SHP) Project and Dominion Transmission Inc.(DTI) please find the attached SHP 2016 Bat Study Plan. DTI requests your review and approval of this study plan. A hard copy is being mailed to your offices. DTI looks forward to continued coordination with you on this project. Please contact Mr. William A. Scarpinato at (804) 273‐3019 or William.A.Scarpinato@dom.com, or Ms. Sara Throndson at (612) 347‐7113 or sara.throndson@erm.com if there are questions. Thank you, Sara Sara Throndson
Natural Resource Specialist
ERM
1000 IDS Center, 80 S. 8th Street l Minneapolis l MN l 55402
Office 612-347-7113 l Cell 612-716-7812
sara.throndson@erm.com l www.erm.com The world’s leading sustainability consultancy
This electronic mail message may contain information which is (a) LEGALLY PRIVILEGED, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY
LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) intended only for the use of the Addressee (s) names herein. If you are not the Addressee(s), or the person responsible for
delivering this to the Addressee (s), you are hereby notified that reading, copying, or distributing this message is prohibited. If you have received this electronic
1
FEDERAL AGENCIES
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
West Virginia Field Office
694 Beverly Pike
Elkins, West Virginia 26241
Concurrence Form for Freshwater Mussel Survey Report
Bill Scarpinato
Contact Name:_________________________________________________________________
william.a.scarpinato@dom.com
Email Address or Fax Number:____________________________________________________
2015-i-0084 All future correspondence should clearly reference this FWS File#.
FWS File #___________
Supply Header Project
Project:_______________________________________________________________________
April 11, 2016 regarding the results of a mussel survey on the
This responds to your letter dated ____________
McElroy Creek
______________________
in conjunction with the above referenced project. These comments are
provided pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (87 Stat. 884, as amended; l6 U.S.C. l53l
et seq.)
A mussel survey within the project area was conducted from _________
July 24, 2015to __________.
July 24, 2015 A total of
_____
individuals
of
_______
species
were
located.
Although
the
__________________
is known to
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2
McElroy Creek
Epioblasma triquetra
support the federally endangered _______________________________________________,
no live
freshwater mussels were observed during the survey effort. Therefore, no federally listed endangered
and threatened species are expected to be affected by the project, and no biological assessment or
further section 7 consultation under the ESA is required with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Should project plans change, or if additional information on listed and proposed species becomes
available, or new species are listed or critical habitat designated, this determination may be
reconsidered. These survey results are considered valid for five years from the date of completion. If
the project is not completed before that time, additional survey efforts may be required. Please note
that if any federally listed species are found during any future survey or relocation efforts for native
freshwater mussels, this determination will no longer be considered valid. You should immediately
contact the Service and reinitiate consultation before proceeding with any further project efforts.
Liz Stout
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact _______________________
of my
staff, at (304) 636-6586, or at the letterhead address.
05/10/2016
_____________________________________________ Date: _____________
Biologist
5/19/2016
_____________________________________________ Date: _____________
John E. Schmidt, Field Supervisor
cc:
WVDNR-Clayton
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
West Virginia Field Office
694 Beverly Pike
Elkins, West Virginia 26241
Concurrence Form for Myotid Bat Study Plans
Sara Throndson
Contact Name:_________________________________________________________________
sara.throndson@erm.com
Email Address or Fax Number:____________________________________________________
2015-ta-0084 All future correspondence should clearly reference this FWS File#.
FWS File #___________
Supply Header Project
Project:_______________________________________________________________________
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the study plan you submitted on
__________________
and we concur with the proposed survey methods. Surveys will be conducted
04/15/2016
in accordance with the protocol outlined in the current Range-wide Indiana Bat Summer Survey
Guidelines. These Guidelines are acceptable to address the endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis)
and the threatened northern long-eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis).
21
Mist net and acoustic surveys will be conducted. You propose sampling at ________
net sites for
21 acres/kilometers of potential bat habitat. This survey would have a
activities proposed within ______
8
total effort of ______
detector sites for activities
126 net nights. And you propose sampling at ________
proposed within ______
4 sites & 4 acres/kilometers of potential bat habitat. This survey would have a total
effort of ______
detector nights.
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If any Indiana bats or NLEB’s are detected or captured during this survey, we recommend that you
conduct additional surveys including mist-netting (when acoustic surveys were conducted), radiotracking, roost tree identification, and emergence counts. This additional information will assist the
Service and your client(s) in any consultations conducted under section 7 of the Endangered Species
Act (ESA) (87 Stat. 884, as amended; 16 U. S. C. 1531 et seq.). Additional surveys are also
recommended if other federally listed endangered or proposed listed bats are located.
We request that the following be provided in the final survey reports:
1) Name, permit number, and location (latitude, longitude) of the proposed project;
2) A map with the project boundary and net/detector sites indicated;
3) A description of the survey effort, including number of detectors/nets used at each site,
distance between sites, and selection of sites;
4) Color photos of the sites;
5) Copies of field data sheets;
6) Any additional information that may be relevant, such as weather and habitat conditions; and
7) A description of whether any potential bat hibernacula (caves/abandoned mine portals) may
be present on site, and a summary of any surveys planned or conducted.
In addition to a final written report, we recommend providing data results in the Region 5
spreadsheet which is available here:
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/inba/inbasummersurveyguidance.html
This datasheet is supplemental the one required by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
(WVDNR).
Reports may be submitted on CD. Please be aware that mist net survey activities require a valid
West Virginia Scientific Collectors Permit, which can be acquired from the WVDNR, Elkins
Operation Center, Ward Road, Elkins, West Virginia 26241 (contact Barbara Sargent at 304-6370245). Please provide a copy of your valid permit with your final report.
All federally listed species captures must be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
West Virginia Field Office, within 24 hours. If you have questions regarding this finding or report
Liz Stout
requirements, please contact ____________________________
at (304) 636-6586 or at the
letterhead address.
_________________________________________________________
05/24/2016
Biologist
Date
05/27/2016
_________________________________________________________
John Schmidt, Field Supervisor
Date
STATE AGENCIES
Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office
West Virginia Department of Culture and History
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Jaclyn Martin
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Brown, Clifford L <Clifford.L.Brown@wv.gov>
Monday, May 16, 2016 8:22 AM
Sara Throndson
Justin P Ammons (Energy - 2); Stihler, Craig W; William A Scarpinato; Maggie Voth;
Steve Holden
RE: SHP - Timber Rattlesnake Study Plan
Sara Thank you for the update. Hopefully the weather will cooperate in the near future and provide adequate conditions for surveys. We are looking forward to the survey results. C From: Sara Throndson [mailto:Sara.Throndson@erm.com]
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2016 11:56 AM
To: Brown, Clifford L
Cc: Justin P Ammons (Energy - 2); Stihler, Craig W; William A Scarpinato; Maggie Voth; Steve Holden
Subject: RE: SHP - Timber Rattlesnake Study Plan
Hi Cliff, We’ve spoken to Marty Martin, the AllStar Ecology timber rattlesnake specialist about the timing of snake surveys. The PA protocol should allow for hibernacula/denning surveys to continue up to May 31st. He has over 20 years of experience with this species all over West Virginia, Virginia, and other adjacent states. He is planning to complete hibernacula/denning surveys in the next couple weeks and does not believe that this timing is too late. Marty noted that some elements of the timber rattlesnake’s biology aren’t currently known in Wetzel County, including whether snakes den communally or solitarily and diffusely. He expects that the current cool weather will hold snakes close to their dens for a while longer, and believes this timing to be reasonable for hibernacula surveys. Because the snake surveys begin with habitat assessment, we won’t know exactly how many sites need repeat surveys until after field work begins. If potential denning habitat or basking sites are identified, then at least 4 return surveys will be completed at each site; these can be conducted as gestational surveys in June and July, if that is your preference. As requested in your email below, we confirm that both the woodrat and rattlesnake survey reports will include photos of individual snakes and woodrats as well as photos of habitat, shed skins, droppings, etc. in the reports, if any are observed. The SHP woodrat study plan is in final review will be submitted soon. Thank you, Sara Sara Throndson
Office 612-347-7113 l Cell 612-716-7812 1
From: Brown, Clifford L [mailto:Clifford.L.Brown@wv.gov]
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2016 2:42 PM
To: Sara Throndson
Cc: Johnson, Catherine M -FS; Adams, Jennifer - FS; Justin P Ammons (Energy - 2); Stihler, Craig W; William A
Scarpinato
Subject: RE: SHP - Timber Rattlesnake Study Plan
Sara I have received comments from our experts regarding the Timber Rattlesnake Study Plan for Lewis Wetzel WMA. A few things we have already discussed, the need for a scientific collection permit, qualifications of surveyors and also incorporating a woodrat survey. In addition, in the introduction (paragraph 4) there is reference to a 30 inch diameter pipeline. Has there been a change, or is a 36 inch diameter line still proposed for Lewis Wetzel? Based on staff comments, it appears as if we have likely missed the window for hibernacula surveys for 2016, especially for Wetzel County. Because of the timeframe and likelihood of prior dispersal, if hibernacula surveys are conducted in the near future, we will accept presence data only. Also, we request 2 gestation area surveys to be conducted in June, and 2 in July. Additional surveys in August could be completed as replacement for hibernacula surveys. We prefer gestation area surveys not be conducted in September. Because of survey requirements are for sampling on different days and different weeks, if all areas along the route cannot be surveyed during one visit, we emphasize that 4 surveys on separate dates of a portion of the areas will not be considered a complete survey. Please include photos of individual snakes and woodrats as well as photos of habitat, shed skins, droppings, etc. in the reports. We should be able to provide a timely review of the woodrat study plan for Lewis Wetzel upon receipt. Contact me if you have questions. C From: Sara Throndson [mailto:Sara.Throndson@erm.com]
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 9:51 AM
To: Brown, Clifford L
Subject: RE: SHP - Timber Rattlesnake Study Plan
I am in the Detroit airport and have a few minutes right now. I will try you!
From: Brown, Clifford L <Clifford.L.Brown@wv.gov> Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 9:35:56 AM To: Sara Throndson Subject: RE: SHP ‐ Timber Rattlesnake Study Plan
Sara If you area available today, let me know a good time to call. Thanks 2
C From: Sara Throndson [mailto:Sara.Throndson@erm.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 7:08 PM
To: Brown, Clifford L; Stihler, Craig W
Cc: william.a.scarpinato@dom.com; Robert M Bisha (Services - 6); Jennifer C Broush (Services - 6); Steve Holden; Doug
Lake; Pat Robblee; Spencer Trichell; Maggie Voth
Subject: SHP - Timber Rattlesnake Study Plan Cliff and Craig, On behalf of the Supply Header Pipeline (SHP) Project and Dominion Transmission Inc.(DTI) please find the attached SHP Timber Rattlesnake Study Plan for the surveys requested on the Lewis Wetzel WMA. DTI requests your review and approval of this study plan. DTI looks forward to continued coordination with you on this project. Please contact Mr. William A. Scarpinato at (804) 273‐3019 or William.A.Scarpinato@dom.com, or Ms. Sara Throndson at (612) 347‐7113 or sara.throndson@erm.com if there are questions. Thank you, Sara Sara Throndson Natural Resource Specialist ERM
1000 IDS Center, 80 S. 8th Street l Minneapolis l MN l 55402
Office 612-347-7113 l Cell 612-716-7812
sara.throndson@erm.com l www.erm.com The world’s leading sustainability consultancy This electronic mail message may contain information which is (a) LEGALLY PRIVILEGED, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY
LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) intended only for the use of the Addressee (s) names herein. If you are not the Addressee(s), or the person responsible for
delivering this to the Addressee (s), you are hereby notified that reading, copying, or distributing this message is prohibited. If you have received this electronic
mail message in error, please contact us immediately at (612) 347-6789 and take the steps necessary to delete the message completely from your computer
system. Thank you,
Please visit:
ERM's web site: http://www.erm.com This electronic mail message may contain information which is (a) LEGALLY PRIVILEGED, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY
LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) intended only for the use of the Addressee (s) names herein. If you are not the Addressee(s), or the person responsible for
delivering this to the Addressee (s), you are hereby notified that reading, copying, or distributing this message is prohibited. If you have received this electronic
mail message in error, please contact us immediately at (612) 347-6789 and take the steps necessary to delete the message completely from your computer
system. Thank you,
Please visit:
ERM's web site: http://www.erm.com
This electronic mail message may contain information which is (a) LEGALLY PRIVILEGED, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY
LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) intended only for the use of the Addressee (s) names herein. If you are not the Addressee(s), or the person responsible for
delivering this to the Addressee (s), you are hereby notified that reading, copying, or distributing this message is prohibited. If you have received this electronic
mail message in error, please contact us immediately at (612) 347-6789 and take the steps necessary to delete the message completely from your computer
system. Thank you,
3
Jaclyn Martin
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Sara Throndson
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 2:31 PM
Brown, Clifford L
Steve Holden; Jennifer C Broush (Services - 6); william.a.scarpinato@dom.com; Robert
M Bisha (Services - 6)
SHP - Allegheny Woodrat Study Plan
20160524 SHP Woodrat Cover Letter_signed.pdf; 20160524 SHP Allegheny Woodrat
Study Plan.pdf
Cliff, On behalf of the Supply Header Pipeline Project please find the attached SHP Allegheny Woodrat Study Plan for the Lewis Wetzel Wildlife Management Area. Dominion requests your review and approval of this study plan. Dominion looks forward to continued coordination with you on this project. Please contact Mr. William A. Scarpinato at (804) 273‐3019 or William.A.Scarpinato@dom.com, or Ms. Sara Throndson at (612) 347‐7113 or sara.throndson@erm.com if there are questions. Please reply to this email if you would like a hard copy mailed to your office. Thank you, Sara Sara Throndson
Natural Resource Specialist
ERM
1000 IDS Center, 80 S. 8th Street l Minneapolis l MN l 55402
Office 612-347-7113 l Cell 612-716-7812
sara.throndson@erm.com l www.erm.com The world’s leading sustainability consultancy
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