HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter; Service's View on the Effects of the proposed action�12/08/00 12:14 FAX 1 561 286 0138 KIMLEY HORN
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Untied States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
South Florida Ecological Services Office
1339 20'd Street
Vero Beach, Florida 32960
November 30, 2000
Tort Agramonte
Army Corps of.Engizteexs
Stuart Regulatory Office
P.O. Box 2391
Stuart, Florida 34995
-PhOw
Log No.:
4-1-00-I-686
Application No.:
198302025 (LP -TA)
Dated:
August 17, 2000 -
Applicant:
Harbour Midge Property Owner's
Association
County:
St. Lucie
Dear Ms. Agramonte:
The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the Public Notice regarding the project
referenced above. This letter represents the Service's view on the effects of the proposed action,
in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C., as amended,
1531 et seq.)(ESA) and the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958 (48 Stat.
401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) proposes to modify a permit for an existing marina. The
znodif cation includes a reduction, iti total boat slips from 118 to 108 slips. The purpose of the
project is to increase mooring space for larger boats up to 60 feet in length. —Me project is
located in the North Fork St. Lucia River, section 26, Township 37S, Range 40E, St. Lucie
County, Florida.
THREATENED AND ENDANOERED SPECIES
By letter dated October 16, 2000, the consultant for the applicaftt informed us that the existing
facility is fully occupied seasonally and that reducing the number of boat slips to increase mooring
space for larger boats will result in a reduction of boats at the facility. According to the Public
Notice, the standard precautions for the protection of the West Indian manatee (Tricheehus
manatus) will be incorporated as special conditions of the permit. Thus, the Corps has .
determined that the project "rmay affect, but is not likely to adversely effect" the manatee. Based
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on the Corps inclusiort of the standard manatee protection measures as special conditions of the
Department of the Army permit issued for this project, the Service concurs with this
determination. There is no designated critical habitat for this species in the vicinity of the project..
site, therefore, none shall be affected.
This written concurrence letter fulfills the consultation requirements of section 7 of the ESA, and
no further action is required. If modifications am made in the project, if additional information
involving potential effects to listed species becomes available, if a new species is listed, or if
designated critical habitat may be adversely affected by the project, reinitiation of consultation
may be necessary.
FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES
According to your letter, the lagoon bottom at the site is unvegetated. Therefore, the Service
does not object to the issu$nce of the Department of the Arrtiy permit for the proposed action.
Thank you for your cooperation in the effort w protect fish and wildlife tesources. If you have
any questions regarding this project, please contact Chuck SultznM at (561) 562-3909, extension
241.
Sincerely yours,
Gov James J. Slack
Field Supervisor
South Florida Ecological Services Office
cc:
Service, Ecological Services (attn. Joe Johnston)
Solicitor, Atlanta GA (atta: Delores Young)
NMFS, Miami, FL.
FWC (BPSM), Tallahassee, FL
EPA, Vilest Palm, Beach, FL