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Appendix B

 


APPENDIX B


ACTIVITIES LEADING TO SECTION 7 CONSULTATION ON THE GULF STURGEON

Action Agency

Consulting Service1

Activity

Activity Description

Number of Consultations

(Ten Years)2

Potential Project Modification

Unit 1 - Pearl and Bogue Chitto Rivers in Louisiana and Mississippi

ACOE

FWS

Dredging and disposal

ACOE is in process of deauthorizing one old navigation project with sills.

n/a

n/a

ACOE

FWS

Flood control and navigation

Multimillion dollar study of Pearl River watershed.

1 formal

Unknown.

ACOE

FWS

Ross Barnett Dam (state-operated)

No flow issues anticipated. Ross Barnett has had the same operating procedures for 20 years and is unlikely to change due to sturgeon critical habitat.

n/a

n/a

ACOE

FWS

Gravel mining

Issuance of permits for gravel mining operations near Pearl River (not in-stream).

10 informal

n/a

ACOE

FWS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for docks, fishing piers, and small dredging projects.

100 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

36 informal

n/a

FHWA

FWS

Bridge construction

County bridge construction and replacement projects.

5 informal

Limit construction to months when sturgeon migration is not occurring. Apply measures to reduce turbidity and siltation.

Unit 2 - Pascagoula, Leaf, Bowie, Big Black Creek and Chickasawhay Rivers in Mississippi

ACOE

FWS

Dredging and disposal

One authorized Federal navigation project on Pascagoula involving infrequent maintenance dredging and disposal.

2 formal3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

FWS

Wetland/habitat creation

Restoring habitat via placement of dredged material (beneficial reuse).

15 informal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

FWS

Water supply

Water withdrawn on the East Pascagoula River.

1 formal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations; alter dam release patterns.

ACOE

FWS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for docks, fishing piers, mining, and wetlands fill.

15 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

40 informal

n/a

Unit 3 - Escambia, Conecuh, and Sepulga Rivers in Alabama and Florida

ACOE

FWS

Dredging and disposal

One authorized Federal navigation project on Escambia River involving maintenance dredging.

2 formal3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

FWS

Wetland/ habitat creation

Restoring habitat via placement of dredged material (beneficial reuse).

5 informal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

FWS

Flood control

Construction of flood protection in Brewton/East Brewton.

2 formal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

FWS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities.

10 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

24 informal

n/a

FERC

FWS

Hydroelectric plant relicensing

Relicensing of Alabama Electric Cooperative plant on Conecuh River upon permit expiration in 2005.

1 informal

Unknown.

FHWA

FWS

Bridge construction

County bridge construction and replacement project on the Conecuh River.

1 formal

Limit construction to months when sturgeon migration is not occurring. Apply measures to reduce turbidity and siltation.

Unit 4 - Yellow, Blackwater, and Shoal Rivers in Alabama and Florida

ACOE

FWS

Dredging and disposal

Authorized Federal navigation project on Blackwater River involving maintenance channel dredging.

1 formal3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

FWS

Water supply

Construction of dam in Okaloosa County, FL on Yellow River for purposes of water supply and recreation. May be ACOE operated or require an ACOE permit.

1 formal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations; alter dam release patterns; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

FWS

Wetland/habitat creation

Restoring habitat via placement of dredged material (beneficial reuse).

2 informal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

FWS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities.

10 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

12 informal

n/a

DOD

FWS

Eglin AFB

Army Ranger activities on the Yellow River, including explosives detonation to remove logjams, road maintenance projects, and other miscellaneous projects.

50 informal

n/a

Unit 5 - Choctawhatchee and Pea Rivers in Florida and Alabama

ACOE

FWS

Dredging and disposal

Within-banks and open water dredging projects, plus channel dredging.

1 formal3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

FWS

Clearing and snagging

Removal of debris from navigation channels.

1 formal

Clearing and snagging windows; minimize extent and length of time of clearing and snagging; sequence activity according to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

FWS

Wetland/habitat creation

Restoring habitat via placement of dredged material (beneficial reuse).

4 informal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

FWS

Flood control

Rehabilitation of levees for flood control.

2 formal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

FWS

Water supply

Water supply for southeast Alabama.

1 formal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

FWS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities.

5 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

8 informal

n/a

Unit 6 - Apalachicola and Brothers Rivers in Florida

ACOE

FWS

Dredging and disposal

Major navigation project on Apalachicola-Chattahoochie-Flint (ACF) river systems involving hydraulic dredging and dredged material disposal.

1 formal3

Avoid dredging and disposal activities during spring staging, migration and spawning activities (dredging deferred until after May 15). Confer with FWS to reduce impact to staging/spawning locations if dredging occurs between March 15 and May 15. Modify dredging locations to avoid or minimize impact to spawning areas and gravel beds.

ACOE

FWS

Maintenance of navigation channel

Routine operations and maintenance of navigation channel.

20 informal3

Avoid dredging and disposal activities during spring staging, migration and spawning activities (dredging deferred until after May 15). Confer with FWS to reduce impact to staging/spawning locations if dredging occurs between March 15 and May 15. Modify dredging locations to avoid or minimize impact to spawning areas, resting areas, and gravel beds.

ACOE

FWS

Expand within-bank disposal area

Expand existing site or designate new site for disposal of dredged sediment.

1 informal

Avoid disposal activities during spring staging, migration and spawning activities (dredging deferred until after May 15). Confer with FWS to reduce impact to staging/spawning locations if dredging occurs between March 15 and May 15. Modify disposal locations to avoid or minimize impact to spawning areas, staging areas, and resting areas.

ACOE

FWS

Water allocation formula

Changes in river flow regime to implement ACF water allocation formula.

1 formal

Provide for minimum flows during spring spawning periods; provide for minimum flows during periods when sturgeon are in thermal refuge/resting areas; assure that fluctuations in flow will not prevent access to spawning areas or adherence of eggs to substrate; assure that release patterns do not significantly change temperature regime in spawning and resting areas during spawning and resting times.

ACOE

FWS

Water control plans

Updates and revisions to water control plans for reservoirs.

1 informal,

4 formal

(5 total)

Provide for minimum flows during spring spawning periods; provide for minimum flows during periods when sturgeon are in thermal refuge/resting areas; assure that fluctuations in flow will not prevent access to spawning areas or adherence of eggs to substrate; assure that release patterns do not significantly change temperature regime in spawning and resting areas during spawning and resting times.

ACOE

FWS

Maintenance of Jim Woodruff Dam

Routine dam maintenance activities.

2 informal

Schedule work in Jim Woodruff Dam tailwater below the dam between November 1 and March 15; assure that spawning habitat below dam is not altered.

ACOE

FWS

Special releases from Jim Woodruff Dam

Increased release of water to the river to facilitate barge traffic.

1 informal,

2 formal

(3 total)

Schedule work in Jim Woodruff Dam tailwater below the dam between November 1 and March 15; if releases occur during this time, provide for minimum flows to assure inundation of spawning habitat and thermal refuge/resting areas; assure that fluctuations in flow will not prevent access to spawning areas or adherence of eggs to substrate; assure that release patterns do not significantly change temperature regime in spawning and resting areas during spawning and resting times.

ACOE

FWS

Spot dredging to correct cross-current below Jim Woodruff Dam

Removal of gravel bar that is an obstacle to barge traffic.

1 formal

Schedule work in Jim Woodruff Dam tailwater below the dam between November 1 and March 15; assure that spawning habitat below dam is not altered.

ACOE

FWS

Modified dam release pattern

Changes in release pattern to accommodate hydropower generation schedules.

1 formal

Provide for minimum flows during spring spawning periods; provide for minimum flows during periods when sturgeon are in thermal refuge/resting areas; assure that fluctuations in flow will not prevent access to spawning areas or adherence of eggs to substrate; assure that release patterns do not significantly change temperature regime in spawning and resting areas during spawning and resting times.

ACOE

FWS

Fish passage modifications to Jim Woodruff Dam

Investigation of possibilities for fish passage, including modifying lock structure or operations, or construction of a bypass.

1 informal

Schedule work in Jim Woodruff Dam tailwater below the dam between November 1 and March 15; assure that spawning habitat below dam is not altered.

ACOE

FWS

Slough restoration

Dragline removal of sand and snags to restore access by fish to spring areas.

10 informal

Time slough/spring restoration to avoid work when sturgeon are using areas for thermal refuge; avoid material disposal/placement that restricts access to thermal refuges; assure opening of areas for other fish access does not alter temperature regime in thermal refuges.

ACOE

FWS

Site rejuvenation

Removal of sand within disposal area by conveyor or dragline dredge; construction of new containment dikes onshore; construction of bank protection.

3 informal

Mobilize and stage equipment such that sturgeon movements are not interrupted during spring and fall migrations.

ACOE

FWS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities.

10 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

8 informal

n/a

Unit 7 - Suwannee and Withlacoochee River in Florida

ACOE

FWS

Dredging and disposal

One small dredging project near the mouth of the Suwannee River. Not well-maintained because no good disposal areas.

1 informal

n/a

ACOE

FWS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities.

40 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

20 informal

n/a

FHWA

FWS

Bridge construction

Construction of small bridge on the Withlacoochie River at the border of Florida and Georgia. Located upstream of critical habitat.

1 formal

Adopt time windows, use silt curtains, use bubble curtains and scare charges when detonating explosives, monitor turbidity.

Unit 8 - Lake Ponchartrain (east of causeway), Lake Catherine, Little Lake, the Rigolets, Lake Borgne, Pascagoula Bay and Mississippi Sound Systems in Louisiana and Mississippi

ACOE

NMFS

Dredging and disposal

Authorized projects include maintenance of Gulf Intercoastal Waterway (GIWW) across Lake Borgne and Mississippi Sound. Federal navigation authorized for Bayou Cadet, Pass Christian, Gulfport Harbor, Biloxi Harbor, and Pascagoula Harbor and Gulfport Harbor, Biloxi Harbor, and Pascagoula Harbor in Mississippi. Disposal of dredged material at ocean disposal sites at Gulfport (two sites) and Pascagoula (one site south of Horn Island).

12 formal3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies. Potential for bucket drop warning.

ACOE

NMFS

Wetland/habitat creation

Restoring coastal habitat via placement of dredged material at Deer Island (Biloxi) and Belle Fontaine.

10 formal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations; fund research studies.

ACOE

NMFS

Erosion control

Projects funded under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA - Breaux Bill) around Lake Borgne will involve using bargeloads of rock to prevent erosion of the lakeshore.

4 informal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

NMFS

Clearing and snagging

Clearing of debris from Bayou Lacombe.

1 informal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

NMFS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for marine construction, oil and gas pipelines, pumping stations, oyster harvesting, and private dredging.

50 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

64 informal

n/a

FHWA

FWS

Bridge construction

Highway 90 bridge replacement in Rigolets Pass and Highway 11 bridge replacement over Lake Ponchartrain.

2 formal

Adopt time windows, use silt curtains, use bubble curtains and scare charges when detonating explosives, monitor turbidity.

MMS

NMFS

Oil and gas leases and related projects

Lease sales of offshore oil and gas exploration blocks to private companies in Central and Eastern Planning Areas; environmental assessments of waste disposal facilities, explosives removal, and other projects; reinitiation of consultation in Eastern and Central Planning Areas.

10 formal;

3 informal;

5 formal reinitiations

Include sturgeon impacts in oil and hazardous spill contingency plan. Fund one additional study.

Unit 9 - Pensacola Bay System in Florida

ACOE

NMFS

Dredging and disposal

Authorized projects include Pensacola Harbor Dredged Material Management Plan recertification and U.S. Navy permit for dredging. Also maintenance activities on GIWW, Bayou Chico, and Bayou Texar. Disposal of sediment may include beach placement, ocean disposal, and littoral zone disposal.

4 formal3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

NMFS

Wetland/habitat creation

Restoring coastal habitat via placement of dredged material.

6 formal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

NMFS

Modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities, shoreline stabilization, reefs, and aquaculture.

50 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

16 informal

n/a

DOD

NMFS

Pensacola NAS

Natural resources management, including exotic plant species control, beach nourishment, establishment of shoreline vegetation, and revision of INRMP.

4 formal

n/a

Unit 10 - Santa Rosa Sound in Florida

ACOE

NMFS

Dredging and disposal

Recertification of maintenance on the GIWW.

1 formal3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

NMFS

Wetland/ habitat creation

Restoring coastal habitat via placement of dredged material (beneficial reuse).

6 formal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

NMFS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities, shoreline stabilization, reefs, and aquaculture.

200 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

12 informal

n/a

Unit 11 - Near shore Gulf of Mexico in Florida

ACOE

NMFS

Dredging and disposal

Maintenance of Pensacola Naval channel, dredged material management for Port St. Joe, recertification of navigation channels at East Pass at Destin and Panama City Harbor (St. Andrew Bay) using hydraulic pipeline dredge. Disposal of dredged sediment at downdrift beaches, and offshore ocean disposal at Pensacola and estuarine/littoral disposal at Perdido Key, St. Andrew State Park, St. Joe spit.

3 formal,

1 informal

(4 total)3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies. Past modifications were time constraints on dredge operation and funding a fish monitoring study at East Pass, at a cost of approximately $25,000.

ACOE

NMFS

Beach nourishment

Renourishment of Panama City and other beaches.

1 formal;

4 informal

(5 total)

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

NMFS

Jetty rehabilitation

Rehabilitation for St. Andrew Bay/Panama City Harbor Project.

1 formal

Sequence work to minimize impacts to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

NMFS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including piers, beach nourishment, and artificial reefs.

20 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

NMFS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

NMFS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

16 informal

n/a

DOD

NMFS

Tyndall AFB

Revision of Tyndall AFB’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan.

1 informal

n/a

DOD

NMFS

Eglin AFB

Navy testing and training mission activities, including detonation of explosives.

20 formal

Sponsor sturgeon monitoring studies in Choctawhatchee Bay, Santa Rosa Sound, and the Yellow River; conduct aerial surveys for sturgeon prior to tests; “ramp up” explosives use to warn sturgeon.

Unit 12 - Choctawhatchee Bay in Florida

ACOE

NMFS

Dredging and disposal

Maintenance of GIWW, hydraulic pipeline dredging of East Pass at Destin and LaGrange Bayou. East Pass and GIWW projects discussed under previous units. Resumption of maintenance dredging at La Grange Bayou is likely.

3 formal3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; minimize extent of disposal activity; adapt disposal areas; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

NMFS

Wetland/habitat creation

Restore coastal habitat.

4 formal

Sequence work according to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

NMFS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities, shoreline stabilization, reefs, and aquaculture.

225 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

4 informal

n/a

Unit 13 - Apalachicola Bay in Florida

ACOE

NMFS

Dredging and disposal

Shallow draft navigation projects including GIWW, Two-Mile, East Point, Carrabelle, Sikes (St. George Island) Cut, and Scipio Creek. Both hydraulic pipeline and mechanical dredging. Projects may involve upland, open water, and estuarine/littoral disposal of dredged sediment.

6 formal3

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; minimize extent of disposal activity; adapt disposal areas; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

NMFS

Wetland/habitat creation

Restoring coastal habitat.

4 formal

Sequence work according to sturgeon migrations.

ACOE

NMFS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structures located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities, shoreline stabilization, reefs, and aquaculture.

40 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act.

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies.

4 informal

n/a

Unit 14 - Suwannee Sound in Florida

ACOE

NMFS

Dredging and disposal

No new dredging projects or maintenance of existing navigation channels is anticipated

n/a

n/a

ACOE

NMFS

Regulated modifications of surface water bodies

Issuance of permits for structure located in bodies of water, including docks and boat launch facilities, shoreline stabilization, reefs, and aquaculture.

2 informal

Modifications unlikely.

EPA

FWS

Impaired water body listings

Listing of impaired water bodies under section 303 (d) of the Clean Water Act

5 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

TMDLs

Noncompliances with water quality standards on impaired water bodies

16 informal

n/a

Consultations Affecting Multiple Units

ACOE

FWS and NMFS

Programmatic consultation on dredging and disposal 4

Programmatic consultation on dredging and disposal activities between Panama City FWS and Mobile District of ACOE. Potentially affected units: Units 2-6, 8-13.

1 major programmatic (level of effort equivalent to 3 formal consultations)

Dredging windows; minimize extent of dredging; minimize length of time of dredging; sequence dredging according to sturgeon migrations; minimize extent of disposal activity; adapt disposal areas; adopt standard monitoring measures; fund research studies.

ACOE

NMFS

Region-wide hopper dredging

Reinitiation of programmatic consultation on hopper dredging covering all four ACOE districts in the Gulf of Mexico. Potentially affected units: Units 8-14.

1 reinitiated programmatic

Unknown.

DOD

FWS and NMFS

Eglin AFB

Revision of Eglin AFB’s Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan. Potentially affected units: Units 4, 9-12.

2 fomal

n/a

EPA

FWS

Review of state water quality standards

Triennial review of water quality standards delegated to Alabama under section section 303 (c) of the Clean Water Act. Alabama consultations are historically more complex than other states and are expected to be formal. Potentially affected units:

Units 4, 5, 8.

3 formal

n/a

EPA

FWS

Review of state water quality standards

Triennial review of water quality standards delegated to Florida under section section 303 (c) of the Clean Water Act. Potentially affected units: Units 4-7, 9-14.

3 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

Review of state water quality standards

Triennial review of water quality standards delegated to Louisiana under section section 303 (c) of the Clean Water Act. Potentially affected units: Units 1, 8.

3 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

Review of state water quality standards

Triennial review of water quality standards delegated to Mississippi under section section 303 (c) of the Clean Water Act. Potentially affected units: Units 1, 2, 8.

3 informal

n/a

EPA

FWS

National water quality criteria

Programmatic consultation on national water quality criteria, which provide basis for State standards. Potentially affected units: All.

1 formal

n/a

NMFS - Office of Sustainable Fisheries

NMFS

Fishery management plans

Developing and amending Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). Reinitiation of FMP for Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery. Potentially affected units: Units 8-14.

2 formal;

10 informal;

1 formal reinitiation

n/a

FERC

NMFS

Interstate pipelines

Interstate oil and gas pipeline construction and related structures covered by blanket approval certificates. Potentially affected units: All.

20 informal

Use best management practices, change route of pipeline, change time of year that construction takes place.

FEMA

FWS

Emergency response

Emergency cleanup activities, such as beach nourishment and debris removal. Potentially affected units: All.

2 informal

n/a

n/a = No consultations/modifications anticipated.


1 We determine which Service will consult based on the jurisdictional responsibilities described in the proposed rule designating critical habitat. The Services propose that the FWS will be responsible for all consultations in riverine habitat and that NMFS will be responsible for all consultations in marine habitat. In estuarine units, the Services propose to divide responsibility based on the Action agency involved.


2 For private projects regulated by the ACOE, we project the number of permits based on the past record of permit applications received in each unit and the past proportion of total permits that were individual permits, standard permits, and letters of permission (LOPs). Based on the past permit history across units, approximately 20 percent of total permits are likely to lead to consultation. Permit data provided by Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, May 28, 2002; Vicksburg District, May 31, 2002; Mobile District, June 21, 2002; and Jacksonville District, June 3 and 13, 2002.


3 Predicted consultations on dredging projects are based on a without-programmatic consultation scenario, in which ACOE and the Services have not developed a programmatic consultation on dredging and disposal projects to streamline the consultation process. In a with-programmatic scenario, informal rather than formal consultations are predicted for these projects.


4 This programmatic consultation is only predicted for the with-programmatic scenario. If it is developed, the consultations noted in footnote 3 are likely to be informal, rather than formal.