Section 7 Technical Assistance
Step-by-Step Instructions - Step 2
Step 2. Determine whether the proposed action may affect listed or proposed
species or designated or proposed critical habitat.
In step 1, you defined your action area and concluded
that a listed resource "may be present." In this step,
you will determine whether your project "may affect" species
or critical habitat. There are two possible determinations in
this step: "no
effect" or "may
affect."
To assist with making this determination, we suggest
the following:
A. Describe the proposed action. In your description,
identify the timing, location, and when applicable, the frequency
and intensity, of the proposed action.
B. Determine whether listed resources will
be exposed to the proposed action or to any of the environmental
changes that are likely to occur. You should
assess the potential for the action to affect any life stage of the species.
- If species or critical habitat will not
be exposed directly or indirectly to the proposed action
or any resulting environmental changes, conclude "no
effect" and document your finding. No further consultation
required. For your convenience, we provide an example of a "no effect" document for your use.
- If species or critical habitat may be exposed,
continue.
C. Determine if those species or critical habitat
exposed will respond upon exposure. Review the pertinent species information page and review other relevant sources of information (e.g., conduct a literature
search for the specific stressor or environmental change to
which the species will be exposed).
- If the best available data indicate that
the species and critical habitat will not respond in any
manner, conclude "no effect" and document your
finding. No further consultation required. For your use, an example of a "no effect" document is provided.
- If data indicate the species and habitat
may respond upon exposure, or if data are equivocal or lacking to justify a determination of "no effect",
conclude "may affect" and proceed to Step 3.
- If surveys are lacking, it may be appropriate to conduct surveys to determine whether listed species are present. Please contact the Ecological Services Field Office nearest the project for more information.
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