HomeMy WebLinkAboutNorth Bay Geotechnical Investigation - GEO General - 5/27/2009 � a
® O
DAVID EVANS
ANDASSOCIATES INC.
May 27, 2009
Pat Leach, Principal Engineer
Tacoma Power
3628 South 35th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409-3192
SUBJECT: NO EFFECT DETERMINATION FOR THE TACOMA POWER
POTLATCH TRANSMISSION LINE—NORTH BAY GEOTECHNICAL
INVESTIGATION
Dear Mr. Leach:
At the request of City of Tacoma, Department of Public Utilities, Light Division (Tacoma
Power), David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA) prepared this letter for proposed geotechnical
investigations in the vicinity of two sets of existing power transmission towers in North Bay,
Washington (Attachments 1 and 2). The geotechnical investigation is part of Phase 1 of the
Potlatch Transmission Line Project. This letter identifies the potential presence of Endangered
Species Act(ESA) listed or proposed species, designated critical habitat, or essential fish habitat
(EFH) that could occur in the action area and be affected by the proposed action. A
determination of effect and supporting rationale is provided for each species, designated critical
habitat, and EFH as applicable based on the following data. This assessment was conducted
primarily to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) in its coordination with the
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to
ensure compliance with the ESA of 1973, as amended.
FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES
The presence of federally listed species that could potentially occur in the action area is based on
review of the on-line Mason countywide USFWS species list and on-line listing from the NMFS
(Attachment 3). The possible presence of listed species in the action area was further evaluated
by reviewing Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitats and
Species (PHS) data (WDFW 2009), Salmonid Habitat Limiting Factors — Water Resource
Inventory Area 14, Kennedy-Goldborough Basin (Kuttel 2002), Salmonid Habitat Limiting
Factors — Water Resource Inventory Area 15 (East) (Haring 2000), A Catalog of Washington
Streams and Salmon Utilization— Volume 1 Puget Sound Region(Williams et al. 1975), personal
communications, and other relevant data. A DEA biologist visited the site on May 11, 2009, to
document site conditions.
Three federally listed species are identified on the USFWS Mason County listing, including:
CoastaVPuget Sound bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus
marmoratus), and northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). Critical habitat is designated
in Mason County for bull trout, marbled murrelet, and northern spotted owl. Marine species
415-118th Avenue SE Bellevue Washington 98005-3518 Telephone:425.519.6500 Facsimile:425.519.5361
Mr. Pat Leach
May 27, 2009
Page 2
under jurisdiction of the USFWS that have been documented in Washington State that could
potentially utilize Puget Sound includes the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
Species under jurisdiction of the NMFS that could occur in the Puget Sound region include
Puget Sound Chinook salmon, Puget Sound steelhead (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), humpback
whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), and the Distinct
Population Segment (DPS) of endangered southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca).
Critical habitat has been designated for southern resident killer whales in Puget Sound (Area 2).
The project site is located on mud flats in North Bay. Critical habitat for spotted owls and
marbled murrelets includes upland forest with a mature and old growth coniferous component.
No critical habitat for marbled murrelet or northern spotted owl exists in the action area.
Therefore,the project will have"no effect' on critical habitat for marbled murrelets and northern
spotted owls. Spotted owls require large forested areas containing a relatively high proportion of
mature and old growth coniferous forest. No suitable habitat is present in the action area.
Therefore, the project will have "no effect' on spotted owls. The humpback whale, Steller sea
lion, and leatherback sea turtle are rarely observed in Puget Sound. It is unlikely these three
species will be present in the action area during the geotechnical investigation. Therefore, the
project will have "no effect' on these species. Based on the location of the project site, federally
listed species that could potentially occur in the action area are limited to those outlined in Table
1. Salmonid critical habitat and EFH will also be addressed.
Table 1:
Federally Listed Species
that May Occur in the Action Area
Agency with Federal
# Common Name Jurisdiction Status
1. Steelhead Trout NMFS Threatened
2. Bull Trout USFWS Threatened
3. Marbled Murrelet USFWS Threatened
4. Puget Sound Chinook Salmon NMFS Threatened
5. Southern Resident Killer Whale NMFS Endangered
6. Critical Habitat: Puget Sound Chinook Salmon NMFS Designated
7. Critical Habitat: Bull Trout USFWS Designated
8. Critical Habitat: Southern Resident Killer Whale NMFS Designated
The remainder of this letter report provides supporting information for the determination that the
proposed project will have "no-effect" on Chinook salmon or their designated critical habitat,
bull trout or their designated critical habitat, steelhead trout, marbled murrelet, southern resident
killer whale or their designated critical habitat, or EFH.
Mr. Pat Leach
May 27, 2009
Page 3
PROJECT LOCATION
Watershed
The project area is located in North Bay, which is at the northern tip of Case Inlet in southern
Puget Sound, Mason County, Washington. North Bay is split by Water Resource Inventory Area
(WRIA) 14 (Kennedy-Goldborough Basin) to the west and WRIA 15 (Kitsap East Basin) to the
east. North Bay is also referred to as U.S. Geological Survey Hydrological Unit Code (HUC)
17110019 (Puget Sound Watershed). There are numerous independent tributaries, but no major
rivers. The climate is generally mild with wet winters and cool dry summers. The area generally
consists of low elevation hills and valleys, with streams being driven by rainfall due to a lack of
snow-pack and, as such, subject to low summer flows. Late seral forests are now limited to one
percent of the region.
Significant streams in WRIA #14 that enter the west side of North Bay include Sherwood Creek
(Stream No. 14-0094). Sherwood Creek is utilized by fall Chinook salmon, fall chum salmon (O.
keta), summer chum salmon (O. keta), coho salmon (O. kisutch), rainbow trout (O. mykiss), and
winter steelhead trout (O. mykiss) (WDFW 2009). Sherwood Creek is located approximately one
mile south of the project area(Attachment 2).
Significant streams in WRIA #15 that enter the east side and northern portion of North Bay
include Rocky (Stream No. 15-0015) and Coulter (Stream No. 15-0002) creeks. Rocky Creek is
utilized by resident cutthroat trout (O. clarki), fall Chinook salmon, fall chum salmon, summer
chum salmon, coho salmon, and winter steelhead trout (WDFW 2009). Rocky Creek is located
approximately two miles south of the project area (Attachment 2). Coulter Creek is utilized by
resident cutthroat trout, fall Chinook salmon, fall chum salmon, summer chum salmon, and coho
salmon (WDFW 2009). Coulter Creek is located approximately one mile north of the project site
at the northern tip of North Bay (Attachment 2). The WDFW has operated a salmon hatchery at
the mouth of Coulter Creek since 1979, with a target release of one million Chinook fingerlings
and one million chum fry (Haring 2000). The Coulter Creek Hatchery is a satellite of the Minter
Creek Hatchery. Angling reports from 2002 indicate fishing for Chinook salmon near the power
lines typically starts to be productive by mid-September, but chums, silvers, and cutthroat are
also caught. Chum salmon fishing typically picks up later in the year.
Project Area
The project area is within Parcel Number 122163280310, with the middle of the crossing located
at latitude 47.39021'N by longitude 122.818610 W in Section 16, Township 22 North, Range I
West (W.M). North Bay in the vicinity of the transmission corridor is mapped by the National
Wetland Inventory as being estuarine subtidal and intertidal wetlands. Intertidal wetlands occur
along the shoreline and contain an aquatic bed (E2AB), while the central area is subtidal with an
unconsolidated bottom (EIUBL). Attachment 4 provides an aerial overview of the project area.
A site visit of the project area was conducted on May 11, 2009, during the period of a minus 1.9
low tide. Attachment 5 provides site photos. A large percentage of the substrate was exposed,
except the bases of both towers were still submerged below water. The uplands along the
Mr. Pat Leach
May 27, 2009
Page 4
shoreline are generally forested and dominated by both coniferous and deciduous species, with
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), western red-cedar (Thuja plicata), and red alder (Alnus
rubra) being the dominant species. Houses are present but generally sparse in the immediate
project vicinity. A WDFW parking lot and beach access point is located on the eastern shoreline.
The vegetation in this area includes numerous non-native species such as Japanese knotweed
(Polygonum cuspidatum), poplar trees(Populus sp.), and introduced shrub species.
The substrate along the upper shoreline is dominated by cobble and gravel where sloped; but
once the topography becomes flat the substrate is dominated by muck. Aquatic vegetation along
the upper tide line consisted primarily of pickleweed (Salicornia virginica), Lyngby sedge
(Carex lyngbyei), and rockweed (Fucus gardneri). There are commercial oyster beds along the
west side of the bay and the surface is scattered with Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and the
shells of cockles (Clinocardium nuttallii), butter clams (Saxidomus giganteus), manila clams
(Tapes philippinarum), snails, horse clams (Tresus capax), bent-nose clams (Macoma nasuta),
blue mussels (Mytilus edulus), and a few sand dollars (Dendraster excentricus) and moon snail
(Polinices lewisii) egg cases. Acorn barnacles (Balanus glandula) encrust most of the rocks and
shells. Aquatic vegetation is generally sparse, but sea lettuce (Ulva fenestrata) is the dominant
species, with smaller amounts of both brown and green filamentous algae, and laminaria
(Laminaria saccharina)that probably washed up on the mud flats from deeper waters. The shells
of a few Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister), as well as a couple of live sea stars (Pisaster
ochraceus), were observed. Numerous others species not observed during the site visit nor
mentioned above utilize the mud flats of North Bay.
Other field observations include the presence of 13 great blue heron (Ardea herodias) nests on
the western towers, with 6 herons present, one per nest. An active osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
nest is on one of the eastern towers.
Data from the WDFW PHS Information Technology Services indicates surf smelt (Hypomesus
pretiosus) spawning areas occur along the shoreline on both sides of North Bay. Surf smelt
utilize the upper intertidal zone for spawning where they deposit their adhesive eggs on sand-
gravel substrates during high tide. Spawning habitat is not present at the base of the transmission
towers or in the vicinity of where geotechnical investigations are proposed.
Action Area
The action area includes all areas that could be affected by the proposed action and is not limited
to the actual work area(project area). North Bay is approximately one-half mile wide. Numerous
homes occur along the waterfront; State Route (SR) 302 follows the eastern shoreline and SR 3
follows the western shoreline, and topography increases rapidly upland of both of these major
roads. Depending on tide, the transmission towers are surrounded by either mud flats or open
water. There is no plan to utilize pile driving or blasting as part of this geotechnical
investigation. Based on these variables and limited amount of proposed investigative work at the
base of the two existing towers, the action area is considered to extend approximately one-half
mile from the center of the existing transmission crossing(Attachment 2).
Mr. Pat Leach
May 27, 2009
Page 5
SPECIES OCCURRENCE
Steelhead Trout. Winter steelhead trout have been documented in Coulter, Sherwood, and
Rocky creeks (Haring 2000). No'summer steelhead stocks are identified in East WRIA 15.
Coulter Creek is located to the north of the transmission line crossing North Bay. Therefore,
steelhead trout must pass through the action area as returning adults and outmigrating juveniles.
Stocks from other streams south of the crossing could theoretically utilize the action area, but the
probability is reduced. According to Kuttel (2002), adult winter steelhead typically enter
freshwater from November through March. The majority of juveniles move downstream during
the spring and summer. Data specific to outmigrating juvenile steelhead trout in North Bay
streams was not available, but winter steelhead typically enter estuarine habitats between March
and April in other Puget Sound systems. Critical habitat for steelhead trout has not been
designated but is currently under review.
Bull Trout. Bull trout have not been documented in any streams entering North Bay. Tributaries
that drain to North Bay are generally small, not supported by snow runoff, and emanate from
low-elevation headwaters. These types of streams typically do not provide suitable bull trout
spawning habitat. Furthermore, there is no documented evidence of bull trout use in East WRIA
15 (Salmonid Habitat Limiting Factors — Water Resource Inventory Area 15 [Haring 2000]).
Therefore, bull trout are not likely to be present in either local streams or adjacent nearshore
marine waters.
Designated critical habitat for bull trout includes portions of the nearshore marine habitats of
Puget Sound (Unit 28). However, the action area associated with this project was not included as
designated critical habitat(Federal Register 50 CFR Part 17).
Marbled Murrelet. No suitable nesting habitat occurs in the action area. Marbled murrelets
have been observed in Case Inlet, with five reported during comprehensive surveys conducted
during June 1978 and 1979 (http://www.nwre.usgs.gov/wdb/pub/diglib/washington-seabird/88-
06-Appendix-C-P494-506.pdo. Based on data from the Puget Sound Ambient Monitoring
Program, the closest observation of marbled murrelets to the action area was one to two animals
observed near Rocky Bay during July 1992 through 1999 aerial surveys (Nysewander et al.
2005). Rocky Bay is approximately two miles south of the project area.
The abundance of marbled murrelets in marine waters during the nesting season may be related
to the availability of nesting habitat in the surrounding area. Based on existing habitat
conditions, it appears unlikely that marbled murrelets utilize the action area associated with
North Bay, but a few do utilize Case Inlet for foraging during the breeding season. Murrelets
have been observed visiting nesting stands throughout the year. The greatest amount of inland
activity occurs from April to August, peaking from the second week in July through early
August (O'Donnell et al. 1995). This peak of activity appears to coincide with the increased
needs of the nestling and increased foraging trips by the parents. The actual nesting season runs
from April 1 to September 15 in Washington (Rodrick and Milner 1991).
Mr. Pat Leach
May 27, 2009
Page 6
Critical habitat has been designated in Mason County, but is limited to the extreme northwest
corner of the county on the west side of the Hood Canal—over 20 miles west/northwest of the
project area.No designated critical habitat occurs in the action area.
Chinook Salmon. With respect to Chinook salmon presence in WRIA 14, Williams et al. (1975)
reported"only two of the eleven large salmon producing streams contain consistent small runs of
fall Chinook. They are Deer and Sherwood creeks." Furthermore, use of these streams by
Chinook salmon is minimal due to very low flows during migration and spawning periods.
Spawning migration starts in mid-September and is usually completed by early November, while
juvenile outmigration occurs from mid-February through mid-July(Williams et al. 1975).
Kuttel (2002), when referencing the 1992 Salmon and Steelhead Stock Inventory (SASSI)
decision to not rate south Puget Sound Chinook salmon, stated: "The independent tributaries to
south Puget Sound are not typical Chinook habitat because of small stream size and low flows
during the late summer/early fall spawning season. The current low escapements are likely the
result of past hatchery plants or straying from either current production at south Puget Sound
hatcheries or viable south Sound natural populations. Neither WDFW nor the Squaxin Island
Tribe want to be in the position of advocating production/protection of fish that likely were not
historically self-sustaining populations and would have little chance of perpetuating themselves
through natural production."
Coulter Creek is documented as being utilized by Chinook salmon (hatchery stock) and is
located to the north of the transmission line crossing North Bay. Therefore, Chinook salmon
must pass through the action area as returning adults and outmigrating juveniles. Stocks from
other streams south of the crossing could theoretically utilize the action area, but the probability
is reduced. Based on the available data, Chinook salmon would not be present in the action area
from mid-July through early-September.
Designated critical habitat for Chinook salmon includes Nearshore Marine Areas (Unit 19). This
unit includes most nearshore zones from the extreme high water out to a depth of 30 meters. The
action area contains designated critical habitat.
Southern Resident Killer Whale. The three pods (J, K, and L) associated with the southern
resident killer whales are regularly present in the inland waters of Puget Sound, Northwest
Straits, and Georgia Strait from April through September. From October through June, K and L
pods tend to disappear, but J pod remains. During the winter months, they are often observed
along the outer coast of Washington and Vancouver Island, but K and L have also been seen in
Puget Sound at this time. During the early autumn, some pods search out returning salmonids in
Puget Sound, with Chinook salmon being the primary prey, followed by chum salmon. Based on
presence data from 1980 through 2004 for Puget Sound, use of Puget Sound by killer whales
typically extends from October through April, with the peak months being October and
November. Presence in Puget Sound (excluding Northwest Straits and Georgia Strait) during the
months of June, July, and August is limited, which is likely due to the absence of Chinook and
chum salmon during this time period. According to the federal register (50 CFR Part 224),
Mr. Pat Leach
May 27, 2009
Page 7
southern resident killer whales have been sighted in parts of Puget Sound in all seasons, but
presence is intermittent. The smallest number of sightings has been during the months of May
and June. South of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, there have been only a small number of
sightings from October through January, plus one additional sighting in April. A review of on-
line data from the Orca Conservancy revealed sightings of orcas in Case Inlet on October 24,
2001 and March 4, 2006 (http://www.orcanetwork.org_ . The closest sighting was off the
southern tip of Harstine Island, which is over 12 miles south of the project area. No sightings
have been reported for the action area or North Bay.
Puget Sound (Area 2) is designated as critical habitat for southern resident killer whales.
Excluded are waters shallower than 20 feet based on extreme high tide. This exclusion would
negate the entire project area and most, but not all, of the action area from being critical habitat.
Areas that would be considered critical habitat would include the primary channel that is cut
through the mud flat and southern extreme of the action area.
Essential Fish Habitat. The nearshore marine environment is considered EFH for the Pacific
Salmon Fishery, federally managed groundfish, and coastal pelagic fisheries. Within the action
area, EFH is limited to the Pacific Salmon Fishery and federally managed groundfish.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Potlatch Line was originally constructed in 1925 to transmit the electrical output from the
Cushman Hydroelectric Project to the City of Tacoma. There are two sets of 120-foot-tall steel
transmission towers in North Bay; the western most set of tower foundations have settled,
causing them to lean.The proposed geotechnical investigation includes three drilled borings.The
first boring will be 50 feet east of the west pair of structures and between the two circuits. The
second will be 50 feet west of the east pair of structures and between the two circuits. The third
boring will be mid-span between the east and west pairs of structures and off-set 50 feet south of
the south circuit. The borings will be completed using a barge with a truck mounted drilling rig.
The barge is approximately 35 feet long by 20 feet wide. The barge will be launched at the
public boat ramp in Allyn. The boring depth will be approximately 100 feet below the mudline.
The borings will be drilled using mud-rotary techniques. Drilling fluids will be bentonite, which
lubricate and help reduce equipment ware. The bore hole diameter will be approximately eight
inches. The drilling fluids, drill head, and drill rods will be contained within a continuous 12-
inch-diameter steel casing that extends from the barge to below the mudline.
To provide an indication of the density of soil, Standard Penetration Test(SPT) sampling will be
performed at 2.5- and 5-foot intervals. The SPT is conducted by lowering a 2-inch-diameter split
spoon sampler to the bottom of the 8-inch bore hole, and driving the sampler 18 inches into the
soil. The sampler is driven using a 140-pound hammer, free-falling 30 inches. The hammer is
operated by an automatic trip mechanism operating on the drill rig (i.e. auto hammer).
Mr. Pat Leach
May 27, 2009
Page 8
Drilling activities will result in removal of approximately 35 cubic feet of substrate from each
boring (105 cubic feet total). Each boring hole will displace approximately 0.35 square feet of
substrate per hole (plan view). After boring is complete, the bore hole will be backfilled in
accordance with Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) standards with bentonite
chips, and all drilling equipment will be retrieved and moved to the next drilling location. The
drill cuttings will be drummed and disposed of off site. When the last boring is complete, the
drill rig and associated equipment will be removed from the site.
Noise
The drilling activity will temporarily create noise above ambient conditions. Noise will be
generated primarily from the gasoline drill engine and SPT sampling.Noise from the drill engine
is typically continuous throughout the work day, at about 45 to 80 dB depending on engine
speed. The automatic trip hammer will strike the sampler rod at a rate of about 20 blows per
minute over about a one to two minute period. About 10 to 20 minutes will elapse before the
next sample is taken. The noise level generated b the hammer impact is estimated to be less
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than 85 dB at the source. At a distance of 200 feet from the drill source, noise levels should
attenuate to less than 45 dB.
Project Timing
The WDFW in-water salmonid work window extends from June 16 through March 14, while the
Corps salmon in-water work window for Tidal Reference Area 3 (South Puget Sound) is July 2
through March 2. These work windows are designed to protect juvenile salmonids that could
migrate through the action area after leaving their natal streams. The estimated drilling duration
is one week. The preferred timing for the geotechnical investigation includes one week on-site
from early August through mid September, 2009.
CONSERVATION MEASURES
The following Conservation Measures will be incorporated into the project to prevent potential
impacts to listed species and their habitats:
Construction Conservation and Performance Measures
• A Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures(SPCC) Plan will be developed and
implemented for the project to ensure that all pollutants and products will be controlled and
contained.
• Construction impacts will be confined to the minimum area necessary to complete the
project.
• All Best Management Practices(BMPs)will be installed according to Ecology standards and
will be inspected and maintained throughout the life of the project.
• There will be no discharge of oil, fuels, or chemicals to surface waters, or onto land where
there is a potential for reentry into surface waters.
• No cleaning solvents or chemicals used for tools or equipment cleaning will be discharged to
surface waters.
Mr. Pat Leach
May 27, 2009
Page 9
• The contractor will regularly check fuel hoses, oil drums, oil or fuel transfer valves, fittings,
etc. for leaks, and will maintain and store materials properly to prevent spills.
No pollutants are expected to be discharged during sampling. However, the SPCC Plan will
provide methods to minimize spillage and address spillage should that occur. The SPCC Plan
will include the following elements:
• Site-and project-specific information;
• Spill prevention, control, and contamination methods;
• Response protocols and reporting procedures for construction-related leaks or spills;
• Contingency plan and provisions;
• Waste disposal methods and locations;
• Proper management of oil, gasoline, and solvents used in the operation and maintenance
of construction equipment.
The SPCC Plan will also ensure that equipment remains free of external petroleum-based
products prior to entering the work area and during the work, and for making any necessary
repairs prior to returning the equipment to operation in the work area. The SPCC Plan will be
consistent with the State of Washington Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
IMPACT ANALYSIS AND EFFECT DETERMINATIONS
The project involves drilling three 8-inch-diameter holes in the substrate within a one-week
period during the approved in-water work window.The proposed project will result in short-term
noise above ambient levels and localized marine sediment disturbance. This minor substrate
alteration is not expected to have a measureable affect on the marine environment. The project
location and timing will avoid disturbance when listed species are expected to occur in the action
area.
Steelhead Trout. Project timing will avoid steelhead trout being within the action area during
the geotechnical investigation and the project actions will not have a measurable affect on
steelhead habitat. Based on this data, the proposed project will have "no-effect" on steelhead
trout.
Bull Trout. Bull trout have not been documented in the action area, nor does suitable habitat
existing within any of the streams that drain to North Bay.North Bay is not designated as critical
habitat for bull trout. Based on this data, the proposed project will have "no-effect" on bull trout
or their designated critical habitat.
Marbled Murrelet. No designated critical habitat for the marbled murrelet occurs in the action
area. Marbled murrelets have are not expected to occur in the action area and the closest
documented occurrence is over two miles from the project area. No suitable nesting habitat
occurs in the action area; therefore, no nesting habitat will be impacted by the proposed project.
Based on this data, the proposed project will have "no-effect" on marbled murrelets or their
designated critical habitat.
Mr. Pat Leach
May 27, 2009
Page 10
Chinook Salmon. Coulter Creek Hatchery produces Chinook salmon, but streams within North
Bay are not known to produce any wild/self-sustaining populations of Chinook salmon that
existed prior to hatchery programs in southern Puget Sound. Project timing will avoid Chinook
salmon being within the action area during the geotechnical investigation and the project will not
have a measurable affect on suitable habitat. Therefore, the proposed project will have "no-
effect" on Chinook salmon or their designated critical habitat.
Southern Resident Killer Whales. North Bay is located at the extreme northern tip of Case
Inlet in estuarine waters that are relatively shallow and mostly exposed during periods of low-
tide. Shallow waters such as those in the action area are not designated critical habitat. Killer
whales have been observed in Case Inlet but not North Bay. Project timing would avoid the
months when killer whales have been observed in Case Inlet. Potential prey items such as
Chinook or chum salmon will not be impacted by the proposed project. Based on this data, the
proposed project will have "no-effect" on southern resident killer whales or their designated
critical habitat.
Essential Fish Habitat. In-water work is limited to geotechnical investigations, which involves
drilling a total of three 8-inch-diameter holes in the substrate. Based on this data, the proposed
project will have"no adverse affect" on EFH for Pacific salmon or groundfish.
It is our understanding that this satisfies our responsibilities under §7(c) of the ESA at this time.
We are sending you this copy of our assessment for your files.
Sincerely,
Scott Swarts
Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist
Attachments: Vicinity Map, Site/Action Area Map, USFWS and NMFS species list, Aerial
Photo, and Site Photos.
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LISTED AND PROPOSED ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES AND
CRITICAL HABITAT; CANDIDATE SPECIES; AND SPECIES OF CONCERN
N MASON COUNTY
AS PREPARED BY
THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
WESTERN WASHINGTON FISH AND WILDLIFE OFFICE
(Revised November 1, 2007)
LISTED
Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus)
Marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus)
Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina)
Major concerns that should be addressed in your Biological Assessment of
project impacts to listed species include:
1. Level of use of the project area by listed species.
2. Effect of the project on listed species' primary food stocks, prey
species, and foraging areas in all areas influenced by the project.
3. Impacts from project activities and implementation (e.g., increased
noise levels, increased human activity and/or access, loss or
degradation of habitat) that may result in disturbance to listed
species and/or their avoidance of the project area.
DESIGNATED
Critical habitat for bull trout
Critical habitat for the marbled murrelet
Critical habitat for the northern spotted owl
PROPOSED
None
CANDIDATE
(Shelton) Mazama pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama ssp. couchi)
Streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata)
SPECIES OF CONCERN
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Cascades frog (Rana cascadae)
Coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) [southwest Washington DPS]
Long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis)
Long-legged myotis (Myotis volans)
Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni)
Olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)
Olympic torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton olympicus)
Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata)
Pacific Townsend=s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii townsendii)
Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
River lamprey (Lampetra ayresi)
Tailed frog (Ascaphus trues)
Van Dyke's salamander (Plethodon vandykei)
Western toad (Bufo boreas)
Botrychium ascendens (triangular-lobed moonwort)
Endangered Species Act Status of West Coast Salmon & Steelhead
Current
Species' Endangered ESA Listing Actions
Species Act Under Review
Listing Statnsa
1 SnAe R,cr
Sockeye Salmon 2 Ozette I.Ac
(Oncorhynchus ---
nerka) 3^ Baker River Aw Ilan-untrJ
4 Okanogan River .Na Warranted
5 _Lake Wenatchee Not Wan-ami•d
6 Quinalt Lake Not Warranlr d
7 Lake Pleasant I Nor Warrarrred
8 Sacramento River Winter-run
Chinook Salmon 9 Upper Columbia River Spring-run
(O.lshauryrscha) 10 Snake River Spring/Summer-tun
11 Snake River Fall-run
12 Puget Sound
13 Lower Columbia River
14 Upper Willamette River
15 Central Valley Spring-run
16 California Coastal
17 Central.Valley Fall and Late Fall-rain Species ojConcern
18 Upper Klamath-Trinity Rivers A w II to/
19 Oregon Coast Not Warranted
�I 20 Washington Coast Not Warranted
21 Middle Columbia River spring-run Not Warranted__
22 Upper Columbia River summer/fall-run Not Warratned
23 Southern Oregon and Northern California Coast Not Warranted
24 Deschutes River summer/fall-run Not Warranted
25 ' Central California Coast _
Cohn Salmon 26 Southem Oregort/Northem Califomia
(O.kisutch) 27 Lower Columbia River • Critical habitat
28 _Oregon Coast
29 Southwest Washington Undetermined
30 Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia S
31 Olympic Peninsula A'ot li,ur„ntrd
Chum Salmon 32 Hood Canal Summer-mn
(O.keta) 33 Columbia River
34 _Puget Sound/Strait of Georgia Nor Ilaty-untrd
35 Pacific Coast Not Warranted
36 Southern California
Steelhead 37 _Upper Columbia River
(O.m-vkiss) 38 Central California Coast
39 South Central Califomia Coast
40 _Snake River Basin
41 Lower Columbia River
42 Califomia Central Valley
43 -Upper Willamette River
44 Middle Columbia River
45 Northern California
46 _Oregon Coast Species of Conc
47 Southwest Washington A•,r ll,uv•„nr,l
48 _Olympic Peninsula A,,n.,,r,,•,t,,/
49 Puget Sound l ritical habitat
50 Klamath Mountains Province ll,uranwd
Pink Salmon 51 Even-year Not Warranted
(O.gorbuscha) ---
52 Odd-ear NaI Warrunhzl
1 The ESA defines a"species"to include any distinct population segment of any species of vertebrate fish or wildlife.For Pacific salmon,NOAA
Fisheries Service considers an evolutionarily significant unit,or"ESU,"a"species"under the ESA.For Pacific Steelhead,NOAA Fisheries Service
has delineated distinct population segments(DPSs)for consideration as"species"under the ESA.
Page Title: ESA MM List
URL: http://www.nwr.noaa.gov/Marine-Mammals/ESA-MM-List.cfm
ESA-Listed Marine Mammals
Under the jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries Service that may occur off Washington &
Oregon:
• Southern Resident Killer Whale (E), Orcinus orca
• Humpback Whale (E), Megaptera novaeangliae
• Blue Whale (E), Balaenoptera musculus
• Fin Whale (E), Balaenoptera physalus
• Sei Whale (E), Balaenoptera borealis
• Sperm Whale (E), Physeter macrocephalus
• Steller Sea Lion (T), Eumetopias jubatus
Under the jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries Service that may occur in Puget Sound:
• Southern Resident Killer Whale (E), Orcinus orca
• Humpback Whale (E), Megaptera novaeangliae
• Steller Sea Lion (T), Eumetopias jubatus
(E) = Endangered
(T) = Threatened
Page last updated:2009-03-03 10:50:07
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