Agricultural runoff, siltation, and waste discharges have reduced the area's water quality. This poses serious, even irreversible, threats to these species. Agriculture, primarily cotton growing, occurs in the surrounding area of the Round Island, Limestone, and Piney creek drainages. These creeks, therefore, are highly susceptible to pesticide contamination. In addition, all three creeks are criss-crossed by a number of roads, railroads, and power lines.
Land clearing from timber harvesting also produces increased siltation.
Because populations of both species are isolated, their long-term genetic viability is at risk, and the recolonization of an extirpated population is unlikely to occur without human intervention. The Service will be working with Alabama's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, other State and Federal agencies, and private land owners to protect and improve the water quality of Piney, Limestone, and Round Island creeks. In addition, efforts will be made to better understand the biology and habitat of the species and search for improved ways to restore them to their historical habitats. The Service published its decision to list the two species as endangered in today's Federal Register. The Service received four written comments, only one of which opposed the proposal.