stegaria) collected on the Ohio River near a
project site.
EA is experienced in completing the necessary consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for federally protected freshwater mussel species present in streams and rivers in the vicinity of project facilities. After evaluating potential project impacts, EA has successfully justified a finding of “no effect” or “unlikely to adversely affect”, which has resulted in no further consultation. In instances where the project will “likely adversely affect” a protected species, EA routinely assists the project owner in formal Section 7 consultation, including preparation of Biological Assessments, development of mitigation measures (e.g., relocation, propagation, sediment controls, water quality controls), review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion, and negotiations with federal and state regulators.
