The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment and habitat conservation plan for mining activities by Hanson Materials Services in Will County, Illinois. The draft HCP accompanies an Endangered Species Act permit application by HMS for limited, unintentional take of the Hine’s emerald dragonfly, spotted turtle and Blanding’s turtle.
The Hine’s emerald dragonfly is listed as endangered under the ESA. The spotted turtle and Blanding’s turtle are species of concern. The HCP outlines measures the company would take for long-term conservation of these species if the Service approves the permit.
“Under the ESA, it is illegal to kill, harm or harass federally endangered or threatened species – even unintentionally – without a permit,” said Lori Nordstrom, Assistant Regional Director for the Service’s Great Lakes Region. “The ESA provides for permits when applicants develop conservation plans that address impacts to listed species and their habitats. The actions outlined in the Hanson Materials Services HCP are aimed at reducing impacts to these species and the ecosystems in which they live.”
Habitat conservation plans are agreements between the Service and a landowner, private company or non-federal agency allowing them to undertake otherwise lawful activities on their property that may result in the incidental take of a federally endangered or threatened species. Permit applicants must minimize and mitigate the impact of the incidental take caused by their actions.
The draft habitat conservation plan developed by HMS includes measures to avoid impacts to groundwater and protection of wetlands where Hine’s emerald dragonflies breed. The HCP also includes an ongoing groundwater monitoring program, along with restoration, management and preservation of approximately 354 acres of habitat for covered species on 531 acres of land on eight HMS parcels.
If approved, the incidental take permit would authorize the loss of 49.6 acres of adult Hine’s emerald dragonfly foraging and dispersal habitat (but no larval habitat). The permit would be valid for 30 years.
Draft documents may be reviewed at www.regulations.gov under docket number FWS–R3–ES–2021–0005. Public comments regarding the HMS draft habitat conservation plan and environmental assessment can be submitted by the following methods:
- Online: Submit comments at http://www.regulations.gov under docket number FWS–R3–ES–2021–0005.
- By hard copy: Submit comments by U.S. mail to Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS–R3–ES–2021–0005 ; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: JAO/lN; Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.
Please specify whether your comment addresses the draft HCP, EA or any combination of these or other supporting documents. The public comment period will be open for 30 days through April 28, 2021.
Get additional information about habitat conservation plans.
