Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: f0baf50b-5bb7-4783-b2f9-9586e09c97e1
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Stations + HISTORY - HISTORY 02/2017 – DG-4026 , Proposed Revision 3 09/2014 – Periodic Review of Revision 2 – Revise (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 4
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1611/ML16116A068.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-4.2
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Content:
abitat; however, NRC typically chooses to seek Services concurrence on all but the most obvious “no effect” conclusions. As a result of consultation, the Services may issue a Biological Opinion, a document that states the opinion of the Service as to whether the Federal action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. The Biological Opinion may include an incidental take statement, reasonable and prudent measures to reduce impacts on species or habitats, and terms and conditions which the NRC must ensure that its licensee complies with DG-4026, Appendix B, Page B-2 in order to be exempt from the prohibitions of Section 7(o)(2) of the ESA (50 CFR 402.14(h)-(j)). The Biological Opinion may also contain conservation recommendations which are voluntary actions that the applicant or licensee can take that benefit the species or critical habitat. The NRC may need to prepare a Biological Assessment to support informal or formal consultation. A Biological Assessment is a document that evaluates the potential effects of the action on listed and proposed species and critical habitats potentially affected by the action, and determines whether any species or habitats are likely to be adversely affected by the action. The “Consultation Handbook” (Ref. B3) prepared by the Services, discusses the Section 7 consultation process, which includes a discussion of the information to be included in a Biological Assessment. Note that re-initiation of consultation may also be required under certain conditions (e.g., the take of a species not authorized in a biological opinion or the listing of a new species under the ESA). B.2 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1996 (MSA) (Ref. B4) ensures that renewable fishery resources are not exhausted by overharvesting or other environmental damage. Section 305