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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPPROVED ARMY CORP-Permit Regulatory Division South Branch Palm Beach Gardens Permits Section SAJ-2013-02369(GP-JKA) Scott Sullivan 3038 NW Radcliffe Way Palm City, Florida 34990 Scott.d.sullivan@icloud.com Dear Mr. Sullivan: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) assigned your application for a Department of the Army permit, which the Corps received on December 4, 2020, the file number SAJ-2013-02369. A review of the information and drawings provided indicates that the proposed work would result in the construction of a new dock and boat lift. Specifically activities include the construction of a new 760 square foot L-shaped dock with a 4 foot wide by 150 long access walkway and a 16-foot by 10-foot terminal platform and install a 4-piling boat lift on the north side of the terminal platform measuring 12.5 feet long by 14 feet wide. The activities subject to this permit are authorized pursuant to authorities under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. § 403). The project is located within the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, Waters of the United States, adjacent to 3038 NW Radcliffe Way, Section 25, Township 37 South, Range 40 East, Palm City, Martin County, Florida. Your project, as depicted on the enclosed drawings, is authorized by Regional General Permit (GP) SAJ-20 and its subsequent modifications, if applicable. This authorization is valid until March 27, 2023. Please access the Corps' Jacksonville District Regulatory Division Internet page to view the special and general conditions for SAJ-20, which apply specifically to this authorization. The Internet URL address is: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx Please be aware this Internet address is case sensitive; and, you will need to enter it exactly as it appears above. Once there you will need to click on “Source Book”; and, then click on “General Permits.” Then you will need to click on the specific SAJ permit noted above. You must comply with all of the special and general conditions of the permit; and, any project-specific conditions noted below, or you may be subject to enforcement action. The following project-specific conditions are included with this authorization: DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT 4400 PGA BOULEVARD, SUITE 500 PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA 33410 May 11, 2021 -2- 1. Reporting Address: The Permittee shall submit all reports, notifications, documentation and correspondence required by the general and special conditions of this permit to either (not both) of the following addresses: a. For electronic mail (preferred): SAJ-RD-Enforcement@usace.army.mil (not to exceed 15 MB). b. For standard mail: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Division, Enforcement Section, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, Florida 32232-0019. The Permittee shall reference this permit number, SAJ-2013-02369(GP-JKA), on all submittals. 2. Commencement Notification: Within 10 days from the date of initiating the work authorized by this permit the Permittee shall submit a completed “Commencement Notification” Form (Attachment 2). 3. Self-Certification: Within 60 days of completion of the work authorized by this permit, the Permittee shall complete the attached “Self -Certification Statement of Compliance” form (Attachment 3) and submit it to the Corps. In the event that the completed work deviates in any manner from the authorized work, the Permittee shall describe the deviations between the work authorized by this permit and the work as constructed on the “Self-Certification Statement of Compliance” form. The description of any deviations on the “Self -Certification Statement of Compliance” form does not constitute approval of any deviations by the Corps. 4. Assurance of Navigation and Maintenance: The Permittee understands and agrees that, if future operations by the United States require the removal, relocation, or other alteration, of the structures or work herein authorized, or if, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army or his authorized representative, said structure or work shall cause unreasonable obstruction to the free navigation of the navigable waters, the Permittee will be required, upon due notice from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to remove, relocate, or alter the structural work or obstructions caused thereby, without expense to the United States. No claim shall be made against the United States on account of any such removal or alteration. 5. Manatee Conditions: The Permittee shall comply with the “Standard Manatee Conditions for In-Water Work – 2011” (Attachment 4). -3- 6. Project Design Criteria (PDCs) for In-Water Activities: The Permittee shall comply with National Marine Fisheries Service’s “PDCs for In-Water Activities” dated November 20, 2017 (Attachment 5). 7. Daylight Hours: All activities must be completed during daylight hours. 8. North Atlantic Right Whale: Attachment 6 describes the presence of North Atlantic right whales in the area and the Federal regulations governing the approach to North Atlantic right whales. 9. Construction Location: Project construction shall take place from uplands or from floating equipment (e.g., barge); prop or wheel-washing is prohibited. 10. Eastern Indigo Snake Protection Measures and Inspection: Permittee shall comply with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's “Standard Protection Measures for the Eastern Indigo Snake” dated August 12, 2013, as provided in Attachment 7 of this permit. All gopher tortoise burrows, active or inactive, shall be evacuated prior to site manipulation in the vicinity of the burrow. If excavating potentially occupied burrows, active or inactive, individuals must first obtain state authorization via a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent permit. The excavation method selected shall minimize the potential for injury of an indigo snake. The Permittee shall follow the excavation guidance provided in the most current FWC Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines found at http://myfwc.com/gophertortoise. If an indigo snake is encountered, the snake must be allowed to vacate the area prior to additional site manipulation in the vicinity. Holes, cavities, and snake refugia other than gopher tortoise burrows shall be inspected each morning before planned site manipulation of a particular area, and if occupied by an indigo snake, no work shall commence until the snake has vacated the vicinity of the proposed work. 11. Cultural Resources: a. No structure or work shall adversely affect impact or disturb properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or those eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. b. If during the ground disturbing activities and construction work within the permit area, there are archaeological/cultural materials encountered which were not the subject of a previous cultural resources assessment survey (and which shall include, but not be limited to: pottery, modified shell, flora, fauna, human remains, ceramics, stone tools or metal implements, dugout -4- canoes, evidence of structures or any other physical remains that could be associated with Native American cultures or early colonial or American settlement), the Permittee shall immediately stop all work and ground - disturbing activities within a 100-meter diameter of the discovery and notify the Corps within the same business day (8 hours). The Corps shall then notify the Florida State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the appropriate Tribal Historic Preservation Officer(s) (THPO(s)) to assess the significance of the discovery and devise appropriate actions. c. Additional cultural resources assessments may be required of the permit area in the case of unanticipated discoveries as referenced in accordance with the above Special Condition ; and if deemed necessary by the SHPO, THPO(s), or Corps, in accordance with 36 CFR 800 or 33 CFR 325, Appendix C (5). Based, on the circumstances of the discovery, equity to all parties, and considerations of the public interest, the Corps may modify, suspend or revoke the permit in accordance with 33 CFR Part 325.7. Such activity shall not resume on non-federal lands without written authorization from the SHPO for finds under his or her jurisdiction, and from the Corps. d. In the unlikely event that unmarked human remains are identified on non- federal lands, they will be treated in accordance with Section 872.05 Florida Statutes. All work and ground disturbing activities within a 100- meter diameter of the unmarked human remains shall immediately cease and the Permittee shall immediately notify the medical examiner, Corps, and State Archaeologist within the same business day (8-hours). The Corps shall then notify the appropriate SHPO and THPO(s). Based, on the circumstances of the discovery, equity to all parties, and considerations of the public interest, the Corps may modify, suspend or revoke the permit in accordance with 33 CFR Part 325.7. Such activity shall not resume without written authorization from the State Archaeologist and from the Corps. This authorization does not give absolute Federal authority to perform the work as specified on your application. The proposed work may be subject to local building restrictions mandated by the National Flood Insurance Program. You should contact your local office that issues building permits to determine if your site is located in a flood-prone area, and if you must comply with the local building requirements mandated by the National Flood Insurance Program. -5- If you are unable to access the internet or require a hardcopy of any of the conditions, limitations, or expiration date for the above RGP(s), please contact Jerilyn Ashworth by telephone at 561-472-3516. Thank you for your cooperation with our permit program. The Corps’ Jacksonville District Regulatory Division is committed to improving service to our customers. We strive to perform our duty in a friendly and timely manner while working to preserve our environment. We invite you to complete our automated Customer Service Survey at https://regulatory.ops.usace.army.mil/customer-service-survey/. Please be aware this Internet address is case sensitive; and, you will need to enter it exactly as it appears above. Your input is appreciated – favorable or otherwise. Sincerely, Jerilyn Ashworth Project Manager Enclosures cc: Chris Croushore GENERAL CONDITIONS 33 CFR PART 320-330 1. The time limit for completing the work authorized ends on the dates identified in the letter. 2. You must maintain the activity authorized by this permit in good condition and in conformance with the terms and conditions of this permit. You are not relieved of this requirement if you abandon the permitted activity, although you may make a good faith transfer to a third party in compliance with General Condition 4 below. Should you wish to cease to maintain the authorized activity or should you desire to abandon it without a good faith transfer, you must obtain a modification of this permit from this office, which may require restoration of the area. 3. If you discover any previously unknown historic or archeological remains while accomplishing the activity authorized by this permit, you must immediately notify this office of what you have found. We will initiate the Federal and state coordination required to determine if the remains warrant a recovery effort or if the site is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. 4. If you sell the property associated with this permit you must obtain the signature of the new owner in the space provided and forward a copy of the permit to this office to validate the transfer of this authorization. 5. If a conditioned water quality certification has been issued for your project, you must comply with the conditions specified in the certification as special conditions to this permit. For your convenience, a copy of the certification is attached if it contains such conditions. 6. You must allow a representative from this office to inspect the autho rized activity at any time deemed necessary to ensure that it is being or has been accomplished in accordance with the terms and conditions of your permit. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY PERMIT TRANSFER REQUEST PERMIT NUMBER: SAJ-2013-02369(GP-JKA) When the structures or work authorized by this permit are still in existence at the time the property is transferred, the terms and conditions of this permit will continue to be binding on the new owner(s) of the property. Although the construction period for works authorized by Department of the Army permits is finite, the permit itself, with its limitations, does not expire. To validate the transfer of this permit and the associated responsibilities associated with compliance with its terms and conditions, have the transferee sign and date below and mail to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Enforcement Section, P .O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019 or by electronic mail at saj-rd-enforcement@usace.army.mil. ___________________________________ ___________________________ (TRANSFEREE-SIGNATURE) (SUBDIVISION) ___________________________________ ___________ ____________ (DATE) (LOT) (BLOCK) __________________________ __________________________________ (STREET ADDRESS) (NAME-PRINTED) ___________________________________ ___________________________________ (MAILING ADDRESS) ___________________________________ (CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE) 4/26/2021 3038 NW Radcliffe Way - Google Maps https://www.google.com/maps/place/3038+NW+Radcliffe+Way,+Palm+City,+FL+34990/@27.2336541,-80.3273076,13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x88dee81…1/1 Map data ©2021 1 mi 3038 NW Radclie Way Building Directions Save Nearby Send to your phone Share 3038 NW Radcliffe Way, Palm City, FL 34990 3038 NW Radcliffe Way ATTACHMENT 1:SAJ-2013-02369 Dated 9/18/2019 COMMENCEMENT NOTIFICATION Within ten (10) days of initiating the authorized work, submit this form via electronic mail to saj-rd-enforcement@usace.army.mil (preferred, not to exceed 15 MB) or by standard mail to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Enforcement Section, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019. 1.Department of the Army Permit Number: SAJ-2013-02369(GP-JKA) 2.Permittee Information: Name: __________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________ 3.Construction Start Date: ______________________ 4.Contact to Schedule Inspection: Name: __________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________ ______________________________ Signature of Permittee ______________________________ Printed Name of Permittee ______________________________ Date ATTACHMENT 2: SAJ-2013-02369 Dated 9/18/2019 SELF-CERTIFICATION STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE Within sixty (60) days of completion of the authorized work, submit this form via electronic mail to saj-rd-enforcement@usace.army.mil (preferred, not to exceed 15MB) or by standard mail to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Enforcement Section, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019. 1.Department of the Army Permit Number: SAJ-2013-02369(GP-JKA) 2.Permittee Information: Name: ____________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________ 3.Date Authorized Work Started: _________________ Completed: _______________ 4.Contact to Schedule Inspection: Name: ____________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________ 5.Description of Authorized Work (e.g. bank stabilization, fill placed within wetlands, docks, dredging, etc.): ________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 6.Acreage or Square Feet of Impacts to Waters of the United States: _________________ 7.Describe Mitigation completed (if applicable): __________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 8.Describe any Deviations from Permit (attach drawing(s) depicting the deviations): ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ******************** I certify that all work and mitigation (if applicable) was done in accordance with the limitations and conditions as described in the permit. Any deviations as described above are depicted on the attached drawing(s). ______________________________ Signature of Permittee ______________________________ Printed Name of Permittee ______________________________ Date ATTACHMENT 3: SAJ-2013-02369 STANDARD MANATEE CONDITIONS FOR IN-WATER WORK 2011 The permittee shall comply with the following conditions intended to protect manatees from direct project effects: a.All personnel associated with the project shall be instructed about the presence of manatees and manatee speed zones, and the need to avoid collisions with and injury to manatees. The permittee shall advise all construction personnel that there are civil and criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing manatees which are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. b.All vessels associated with the construction project shall operate at "Idle Speed/No Wake” at all times while in the immediate area and while in water where the draft of the vessel provides less than a four-foot clearance from the bottom. All vessels will follow routes of deep water whenever possible. c.Siltation or turbidity barriers shall be made of material in which manatees cannot become entangled, shall be properly secured, and shall be regularly monitored to avoid manatee entanglement or entrapment. Barriers must not impede manatee movement. d.All on-site project personnel are responsible for observing water-related activities for the presence of manatee(s). All in-water operations, including vessels, must be shutdown if a manatee(s) comes within 50 feet of the operation. Activities will not resume until the manatee(s) has moved beyond the 50-foot radius of the project operation, or until 30 minutes elapses if the manatee(s) has not reappeared within 50 feet of the operation. Animals must not be herded away or harassed into leaving. e.Any collision with or injury to a manatee shall be reported immediately to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Hotline at 1-888-404-3922. Collision and/or injury should also be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Jacksonville (1-904-731-3336) f or north Florida or Vero Beach (1-772-562-3909) for south Florida, and to FWC at ImperiledSpecies@myFWC.com f.Temporary signs concerning manatees shall be posted prior to and during all in-water project activities. All signs are to be removed by the permittee upon completion of the project. Temporary signs that have already been approved for this use by the FWC must be used. One sign which reads Caution: Boaters must be posted. A second sign measuring at least 8 ½” by 11" explaining the requirements for “Idle Speed/No Wake” and the shut down of in-water operations must be posted in a location prominently visible to all personnel engaged in water-related activities. These signs can be viewed at MyFWC.com/manatee. Questions concerning these signs can be sent to the email address listed above. ATTACHMENT 4: SAJ-2013-02369 CAUTION: MANATEE HABITAT All project vessels IDLE SPEED / NO WAKE When a manatee is within 50 feet of work all in-water activities must SHUT DOWN Report any collision with or injury to a manatee: Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) cell * FWC or #FWC U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District's Programmatic Biological Opinion (JaxBO) Project Design Criteria (PDCs) for In-Water Activities November 20, 2017 1)(AP .7.) Education and Observation: The permittee must ensure that all personnel associated with the project are instructed about the potential presence of species protected under the ESA and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). All on-site project personnel are responsible for observing water-related activities for the presence of protected species. All personnel shall be advised that there are civil and criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing ESA-listed species or marine mammals. To determine which species may be found in the project area, please review the relevant Protected Species List at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/protected_resources/section_7/threatened_endangered/in dex.html 2)(AP .8.) Reporting of interactions with protected species: a)Any collision(s) with and/or injury to any sea turtle, sawfish, whale, or sturgeon occurring during the construction of a project, shall be reported immediately to NMFS’s Protected Resources Division (PRD) at (1-727-824-5312) or by email to takereport.nmfsser@noaa.gov and SAJ-RD-Enforcement@usace.army.mil. b)Smalltooth sawfish: Report sightings to 1-844-SAWFISH or email Sawfish@MyFWC.com c)Sturgeon: Report dead sturgeon to 1-844-STURG 911 (1-844-788-7491) or email nmfs.ser.sturgeonnetwork@noaa.gov d)Sea turtles and marine mammals: Report stranded, injured, or dead animals to 1- 877-WHALE HELP (1-877-942-5343). e)North Atlantic right whale: Report injured, dead, or entangled right whales to the USCG via VHF Channel 16. 3)(AP .9.) Vessel Traffic and Construction Equipment: All vessel operators must watch for and avoid collision with species protected under the ESA and MMPA. Vessel operators must avoid potential interactions with protected species and operate in accordance with the following protective measures: a)Construction Equipment: i)All vessels associated with the construction project shall operate at “Idle Speed/No Wake” at all times while operating in water depths where the draft of the vessel provides less than a 4-foot (ft) clearance from the bottom, and in all depths after a protected species has been observed in and has departed the area. ii)All vessels will follow marked channels and/or routes using the maximum water depth whenever possible. iii)Operation of any mechanical construction equipment, including vessels, shall cease immediately if a listed species is observed within a 50-ft radius of ATTACHMENT 5: SAJ-2013-02369 construction equipment and shall not resume until the species has departed the area of its own volition. iv)If the detection of species is not possible during certain weather conditions (e.g., fog, rain, wind), then in-water operations will cease until weather conditions improve and detection is again feasible. b)All Vessels: i)Sea turtles: Maintain a minimum distance of 150 ft. ii)North Atlantic right whale: Maintain a minimum 1,500-ft distance (500 yards). iii)Vessels 65 ft in length or longer must comply with the Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule (50 CFR 224.105) which includes reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in Seasonal Management Areas (http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike/). iv)Mariners shall check various communication media for general information regarding avoiding ship strikes and specific information regarding right whale sightings in the area. These include NOAA weather radio, USCG NAVTEX broadcasts, and Notices to Mariners. v)Marine mammals (i.e., dolphins, whales [other than North Atlantic right whales], and porpoises): Maintain a minimum distance of 300 ft. vi)When these animals are sighted while the vessel is underway (e.g., bow- riding), attempt to remain parallel to the animal’s course. Avoid excessive speed or abrupt changes in direction until they have left the area. vii)Reduce speed to 10 knots or less when mother/calf pairs or groups of marine mammals are observed, when safety permits. 4)(AP.10.) Turbidity Control Measures during Construction: Turbidity must be monitored and controlled. Prior to initiating any of the work covered under this Opinion, the Permittee shall install turbidity curtains as described below. In some instances, the use of turbidity curtains may be waived by the USACE project manager if the project is deemed too minimal to generate turbidity (e.g., certain ATON installation, scientific survey device placement, marine debris removal) or if the current is too strong for the curtains to stay in place. Turbidity curtains specifications: a)Install floating turbidity barriers with weighted skirts that extend to within 1 ft of the bottom around all work areas that are in, or adjacent to, surface waters. b)Use these turbidity barriers throughout construction to control erosion and siltation and ensure that turbidity levels within the project area do not exceed background conditions. c)Position turbidity barriers in a way that does not block species’ entry to or exit from designated critical habitat. d)Monitor and maintain turbidity barriers in place until the authorized work has been completed and the water quality in the project area has returned to background conditions. e)In the range of ESA-listed corals (St. Lucie Inlet, Martin County south to the Dry Tortugas and the U.S. Caribbean) and Johnson’s seagrass (Turkey Creek/Palm Bay south to central Biscayne Bay in the lagoon systems on the east coast of Florida): i)Projects that include upland earth moving (e.g., grading to install a building or parking lot associated with a dock and seawall project), must install sediment control barriers to prevent any upland sediments from reaching estuarine or marine waters. ii)The turbidity curtain requirement cannot be waived for any project that moves or removes sediment (e.g., dredging, auger to create a pile, trenching to install a cableline). If turbidity curtains are not feasible in an area based on site conditions such as water current, high wave action, or stormy conditions, the project must undergo individual Section 7 consultation and is not covered under this Programmatic Opinion. 5)(AP.11.) Entanglement: All turbidity curtains and other in-water equipment must be properly secured with materials that reduce the risk of entanglement of marine species (described below). Turbidity curtains likewise must be made of materials that reduce the risk of entanglement of marine species. a)In-water lines (rope, chain, and cable, including the lines to secure turbidity curtains) must be stiff, taut, and non-looping. Examples of such lines are heavy metal chains or heavy cables that do not readily loop and tangle. Flexible in- water lines, such as nylon rope or any lines that could loop or tangle, must be enclosed in a plastic or rubber sleeve/tube to add rigidity and prevent the line from looping and tangling. In all instances, no excess line is allowed in the water. b)Turbidity curtains and other in-water equipment must be placed in a manner that does not entrap species within the construction area or block access for them to navigate around the construction area. North Atlantic Right Whale Information Form Federal Regulations Governing the Approach to North Atlantic Right Whales 1. Federal regulations governing the approach to North Atlantic right whales can be found at 50 CFR 224.103(c). It is illegal to approach and remain within 500 yards of right whales; 500 yards is equal to the distance of 5 football fields. Prohibitions on approaching right whales are as follows (Excerpts from 50 CFR 224.103(c), available at www.ecfr.gov): Unless otherwise lawfully allowed or unless doing so would create an imminent and serious threat to a person or vessel, it is unlawful to: (i)Approach (including by interception) within 500 yards (460 m) of a right whale by vessel (ii)Fail to undertake required right whale avoidance measures. If underway, a vessel must steer a course away from the right whale and immediately leave the area at a slow safe speed. 2. Updates can be downloaded from: a.http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/cetaceans/rightwhale_northatlantic.htm, or b.www.ecfr.gov ATTACHMENT 6: SAJ-2013-02369 1 STANDARD PROTECTION MEASURES FOR THE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service August 12, 2013 The eastern indigo snake protection/education plan (Plan) below has been developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Florida for use by applicants and their construction personnel. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall notify the appropriate USFWS Field Office via e-mail that the Plan will be implemented as described below (North Florida Field Office: jaxregs@fws.gov; South Florida Field Office: verobeach@fws.gov; Panama City Field Office: panamacity@fws.gov). As long as the signatory of the e-mail certifies compliance with the below Plan (including use of the attached poster and brochure), no further written confirmation or “approval” from the USFWS is needed and the applicant may move forward with the project. If the applicant decides to use an eastern indigo snake protection/education plan other than the approved Plan below, written confirmation or “approval” from the USFWS that the plan is adequate must be obtained. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall submit their unique plan for review and approval. The USFWS will respond via e- mail, typically within 30 days of receiving the plan, either concurring that the plan is adequate or requesting additional information. A concurrence e-mail from the appropriate USFWS Field Office will fulfill approval requirements. The Plan materials should consist of: 1) a combination of posters and pamphlets (see Poster Information section below); and 2) verbal educational instructions to construction personnel by supervisory or management personnel before any clearing/land alteration activities are initiated (see Pre-Construction Activities and During Construction Activities sections below). POSTER INFORMATION Posters with the following information shall be placed at strategic locations on the construction site and along any proposed access roads (a final poster for Plan compliance, to be printed on 11” x 17” or larger paper and laminated, is attached): DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 feet in length. They derive their name from the glossy, blue-black color of their scales above and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they have orange to coral reddish coloration in the throat area, yet some specimens have been reported to only have cream coloration on the throat. These snakes are not typically aggressive and will attempt to crawl away when disturbed. Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should NOT be handled. SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the only other solid black snake resembling the eastern indigo snake. However, black racers have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and WILL BITE if handled. LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat types throughout Florida. Although they have a preference for uplands, they also utilize some wetlands ATTACHMENT 7: SAJ-2013-02369 2 and agricultural areas. Eastern indigo snakes will often seek shelter inside gopher tortoise burrows and other below- and above-ground refugia, such as other animal burrows, stumps, roots, and debris piles. Females may lay from 4 - 12 white eggs as early as April through June, with young hatching in late July through October. PROTECTION UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW: The eastern indigo snake is classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Taking” of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act without a permit. “Take” is defined by the USFWS as an attempt to kill, harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect, or engage in any such conduct. Penalties include a maximum fine of $25,000 for civil violations and up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for criminal offenses, if convicted. Only individuals currently authorized through an issued Incidental Take Statement in association with a USFWS Biological Opinion, or by a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS, to handle an eastern indigo snake are allowed to do so. IF YOU SEE A LIVE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE: • Cease clearing activities and allow the live eastern indigo snake sufficient time to move away from the site without interference; • Personnel must NOT attempt to touch or handle snake due to protected status. • Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes. • Immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake. • If the snake is located in a vicinity where continuation of the clearing or construction activities will cause harm to the snake, the activities must halt until such time that a representative of the USFWS returns the call (within one day) with further guidance as to when activities may resume. IF YOU SEE A DEAD EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE: • Cease clearing activities and immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake. • Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes. • Thoroughly soak the dead snake in water and then freeze the specimen. The appropriate wildlife agency will retrieve the dead snake. Telephone numbers of USFWS Florida Field Offices to be contacted if a live or dead eastern indigo snake is encountered: North Florida Field Office – (904) 731-3336 Panama City Field Office – (850) 769-0552 South Florida Field Office – (772) 562-3909 3 PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES 1. The applicant or designated agent will post educational posters in the construction office and throughout the construction site, including any access roads. The posters must be clearly visible to all construction staff. A sample poster is attached. 2. Prior to the onset of construction activities, the applicant/designated agent will conduct a meeting with all construction staff (annually for multi-year projects) to discuss identification of the snake, its protected status, what to do if a snake is observed within the project area, and applicable penalties that may be imposed if state and/or federal regulations are violated. An educational brochure including color photographs of the snake will be given to each staff member in attendance and additional copies will be provided to the construction superintendent to make available in the onsite construction office (a final brochure for Plan compliance, to be printed double-sided on 8.5” x 11” paper and then properly folded, is attached). Photos of eastern indigo snakes may be accessed on USFWS and/or FWC websites. 3. Construction staff will be informed that in the event that an eastern indigo snake (live or dead) is observed on the project site during construction activities, all such activities are to cease until the established procedures are implemented according to the Plan, which includes notification of the appropriate USFWS Field Office. The contact information for the USFWS is provided on the referenced posters and brochures. DURING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES 1. During initial site clearing activities, an onsite observer may be utilized to determine whether habitat conditions suggest a reasonable probability of an eastern indigo snake sighting (example: discovery of snake sheds, tracks, lots of refugia and cavities present in the area of clearing activities, and presence of gopher tortoises and burrows). 2. If an eastern indigo snake is discovered during gopher tortoise relocation activities (i.e. burrow excavation), the USFWS shall be contacted within one business day to obtain further guidance which may result in further project consultation. 3. Periodically during construction activities, the applicant’s designated agent should visit the project area to observe the condition of the posters and Plan materials, and replace them as needed. Construction personnel should be reminded of the instructions (above) as to what is expected if any eastern indigo snakes are seen. POST CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES Whether or not eastern indigo snakes are observed during construction activities, a monitoring report should be submitted to the appropriate USFWS Field Office within 60 days of project completion. The report can be sent electronically to the appropriate USFWS e-mail address listed on page one of this Plan. ATTENTION: THREATENED EASTERN INDIGO SNAKES MAY BE PRESENT ON THIS SITE!!! IF YOU SEE A LIVE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE: •Cease clearing activities and allow the eastern indigo snake sufficient time to move away from the site without interference. •Personnel must NOT attempt to touch or handle snake due to protected status. •Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes. •Immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) office, with the location information and condition of the snake. •If the snake is located in a vicinity where continuation of the clearing or construction activities will cause harm to the snake, the activities must halt until such time that a representative of the USFWS returns the call (within one day) with further guidance as to when activities may resume. IF YOU SEE A DEAD EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE: •Cease clearing activities and immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake. •Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes. •Thoroughly soak the dead snake in water and then freeze the specimen. The appropriate wildlife agency will retrieve the dead snake. USFWS Florida Field Offices to be contacted if a live or dead eastern indigo snake is encountered: North Florida Field Office – (904) 731-3336 Panama City Field Office – (850) 769-0552 South Florida Field Office – (772) 562-3909 Killing, harming, or harassing indigo snakes is strictly prohibited and punishable under State and Federal Law. DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 feet in length. They derive their name from the glossy, blue-black color of their scales above and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they have orange to coral reddish coloration in the throat area, yet some specimens have been reported to only have cream coloration on the throat. These snakes are not typically aggressive and will attempt to crawl away when disturbed. Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should NOT be handled. SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the only other solid black snake resembling the eastern indigo snake. However, black racers have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and WILL BITE if handled. LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat types throughout Florida. Although they have a preference for uplands, they also utilize some wetlands and agricultural areas. Eastern indigo snakes will often seek shelter inside gopher tortoise burrows and other below- and above- ground refugia, such as other animal burrows, stumps, roots, and debris piles. Females may lay from 4 - 12 white eggs as early as April through June, with young hatching in late July through October. PROTECTION: The eastern indigo snake is classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Taking” of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act without a permit. “Take” is defined by the USFWS as an attempt to kill, harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect, or engage in any such conduct. Penalties include a maximum fine of $25,000 for civil violations and up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for criminal offenses, if convicted. Only individuals currently authorized through an issued Incidental Take Statement in association with a USFWS Biological Opinion, or by a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS, to handle an eastern indigo snake are allowed to do so. Photo: Dirk Stevenson August 12, 2013 IF YOU SEE A LIVE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE: • Cease clearing activities and allow the eastern indigo snake sufficient time to move away from the site without interference. • Personnel must NOT attempt to touch or handle snake due to protected status. • Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes. • Immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) office, with the location information and condition of the snake. • If the snake is located in a vicinity where continuation of the clearing or construction activities will cause harm to the snake, the activities must halt until such time that a representative of the USFWS returns the call (within one day) with further guidance as to when activities may resume. IF YOU SEE A DEAD EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE: • Cease clearing activities and immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake. • Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes. • Thoroughly soak the dead snake in water and then freeze the specimen. The appropriate wildlife agency will retrieve the dead snake. USFWS Florida Field Offices to be contacted if a live or dead eastern indigo snake is encountered: North Florida ES Office – (904) 731-3336 Panama City ES Office – (850) 769-0552 South Florida ES Office – (772) 562-3909 DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 feet in length. They derive their name from the glossy, blue-black color of their scales above and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they have orange to coral reddish coloration in the throat area, yet some specimens have been reported to only have cream coloration on the throat. These snakes are not typically aggressive and will attempt to crawl away when disturbed. Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should NOT be handled. SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the only other solid black snake resembling the eastern indigo snake. However, black racers have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and WILL BITE if handled. LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat types throughout Florida. Although they have a preference for uplands, they also utilize some wetlands and agricultural areas. Eastern indigo snakes will often seek shelter inside gopher tortoise burrows and other below- and above- ground refugia, such as other animal burrows, stumps, roots, and debris piles. Females may lay from 4 - 12 white eggs as early as April through June, with young hatching in late July through October. Killing, harming, or harassing indigo snakes is strictly prohibited and punishable under State and Federal Law. Only individuals currently authorized through an issued Incidental Take Statement in association with a USFWS Biological Opinion, or by a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS, to handle an eastern indigo snake are allowed to do so. LEGAL STATUS: The eastern indigo snake is classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “Taking” of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act without a permit. “Take” is defined by the USFWS as an attempt to kill, harm, harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect, or engage in any such conduct. Penalties include a maximum fine of $25,000 for civil violations and up to $50,000 and/or imprisonment for criminal offenses, if convicted. ATTENTION: THREATENED EASTERN INDIGO SNAKES MAY BE PRESENT ON THIS SITE!!! Please read the following information provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to become familiar with standard protection measures for the eastern indigo snake. Photo: Dirk Stevenson August 12, 2013