Source: https://openei.org/wiki/RAPID/Roadmap/12-FD-c
Timestamp: 2020-02-19 22:34:31
Document Index: 201679648

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1536', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 1532', '§ 1532', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 1532', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402', '§ 402']

Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultation (12-FD-c)
Each lead federal agency (lead agency), must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and/or NOAA Fisheries (the Services) if a federal action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1536(a)(2). A “lead federal agency” is an agency with high degree of involvement or expertise in a project (e.g. it manages the land where a project takes place, provides a significant amount of financial assistance for a project, or has broad control over how a project may be designed). 50 C.F.R. § 402.07.
A “federal action” means all activities or programs of any kind authorized, funded, or carried out in whole or in part by a federal agency (e.g. conducting exploratory drilling for a geothermal project, constructing a transmission line or implementing a solar project on agency managed land). 50 C.F.R. § 402.02.
An “endangered species” means any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. 16 U.S.C. § 1532(6)
A “threatened species” means any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. 16 U.S.C. § 1532(20).
To “jeopardize the continued existence of” means to engage in an action that reasonable would be expected, directly or indirectly, to reduce appreciable the likelihood of both the survival and recovery of a listed species in the wild by reducing the reproduction, numbers, or distribution of that species. 50 C.F.R. § 402.02.
A “listed species” is any species of wildlife, plant or fish, which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined is endangered or threatened. 50 C.F.R. § 402.02.
“Critical habitat” means specific areas within or outside a geographical location occupied by a listed species, which contain physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species and which may require special management or protection. 16 U.S.C. § 1532(5).
Section 7 consultation may take on different forms, as described below:
Early consultation is a prospective, optional process conducted between a lead agency, prospective developer (developer) and the Services, which is appropriate if the prospective developer thinks that a federal action may affect listed species or critical habitat. A developer may initiate early consultation before filing an application for a federal permit or license by requesting that a lead agency enter into early consultation with the Services in writing. 50 C.F.R. § 402.11(a)-(b).
Informal consultation is an optional process conducted through discussions and correspondence between the Services and the lead agency and/or a designated non-federal representative to assist the lead agency in determining whether a proposed action may adversely affect listed species or critical habitat. A designated non-federal representative refers to a person designated by a lead federal agency as its representative to conduct informal consultation. A designated non-federal representative is typically a project developer (developer), but may also be a person, organization or agency agreed upon by the lead agency and developer. 50 C.F.R. § 402.02. A lead agency or designated non-federal representative may request informal consultation with the Services in the early stages of project planning. 50 C.F.R. § 402.11(a)-(b); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 3-1. Although informal consultation is an optional process, most consultations are conducted informally. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 3-6.
Formal consultation is required if a federal action may affect a listed species or critical habitat unless the Services issue a written concurrence that a proposed action is not likely to adversely affect listed species or critical habitat following the conclusion of informal consultation. 50 C.F.R. § 402.14(a)-(b); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 4-1.
Conferences are an interagency cooperation process involving informal or formal discussions regarding the likely impacts of an action on species or critical habitat, which are proposed for listing, but not yet listed. An informal or formal conference is required if an action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a species proposed for listing or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat proposed for listing. 50 C.F.R. § 402.10(a)-(d); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, xi.
12-FD-c.1 – Designate a Non-Federal Representative (Optional)
A lead agency may designate a person, agency, or organization as a non-federal representative (designated non-federal representative) to conduct elements of early, informal or formal consultation and/or conferences (e.g. discussions within informal consultation or preparation of biological assessments) on their behalf. 50 C.F.R. §§ 402.02, 402.08, 402.12(a),(i),(k).
A designated non-federal representative is often the developer of a project. If the developer is not the designated non-federal representative, then the developer and the lead agency must agree on the designated non-federal representative. 50 C.F.R. §§ 402.02; 402.08; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, xiii.
12-FD-c.2 – Request or Submit Species List
The lead agency or designated non-federal representative may either:
Request a list from the Services of any listed or proposed species or designated or proposed critical habitat that may be present in the project area; or
Provide the Services with a notification containing the species and critical habitat that may be included in a biological assessment if the Services determines that listed species or critical habitat are present in the project area.
50 C.F.R. § 402.12(c).
12-FD-c.3 – Provide Species List or Concur with Species List
Within 30 days of receiving the lead agency or designated non-federal representative’s request for a species list or proposed species list, the Services:
Advise the lead agency or designated non-federal representative in writing whether any listed species or designated critical habitat may be present in the project area;
Advise the lead agency or designated non-federal representative in writing whether any proposed species or critical habitat may be present in the project area; or
Concur with and/or revise the species list provided by the lead agency or designated non-federal representative; and
Provide a list of candidate species that may be present in the project area.
50 C.F.R. § 402.12(d).
Proposed species and critical habitat mean species and habitat which are proposed in the Federal Register to be listed or designated. 50 C.F.R. § 402.02. Candidate species refer to any species that are being considered by the Services for listing as endangered or threatened but are not yet listed or proposed. Although candidate species have no legal status and are not protected under the Endangered Species Act, their inclusion in the species list may alert a lead agency of potential proposed species or listings 50 C.F.R. § 402.12(d).
12-FD-c.4 to 12-FD-c.5 – Are Any Proposed Species or Critical Habitat Present in the Project Area?
If any proposed species or proposed critical habitat are present in the project area, then the lead agency or the Services must initiate an informal conference. 50 C.F.R. § 402.12(d)(1).
12-FD-c.6 – Conduct Informal Conference
The lead agency or the Services must conduct a conference if a project is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a proposed species or destroy or adversely modify proposed critical habitat. Most conferences are conducted informally. 50 C.F.R. § 402.10(a); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-1. Conferences are an interagency cooperation process conducted between a lead agency and the Services regarding the likely impact of a federal action on proposed species or proposed critical habitat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-1.
Conferences typically involve informal discussions among the Services and the lead agency. During the conference, the Services may assist the lead agency in:
Identifying the effects of a federal action on proposed species and proposed critical habitat; and
Developing ways to avoid or minimize adverse effects to proposed species. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-1.
Although not required, the Services encourage the lead agency to consider the effects on candidate species as well as proposed species, since candidate species may warrant future protection. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-1.
12-FD-c.7 to 12-FD-c.9 – Is the Federal Action Likely to Result in Jeopardy of a Proposed Species or Critical Habitat?
If, during informal conference, the Services determine that a federal action is likely to result in jeopardy of a proposed species or destroy or adversely modify proposed critical habitat, then the Services initiate a formal conference. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-2, 6-3.
If, during informal conference, the Services determine that a federal action is not likely to result in jeopardy of a proposed species or destroy or adversely modify proposed critical habitat, then the Services issue a Conference Report. A Conference Report may contain advisory recommendations for reducing effects to proposed species or critical habitat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.
12-FD-c.10 – Formal Conference Notice
The Services initiate a formal conference by providing the lead action with a Formal Conference Notice. The Formal Conference Notice typically takes the form of a memorandum or letter. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-2.
Note: The lead agency may also request a formal conference if it determines that a proposed action is likely to result in jeopardy of a proposed species or destroy or adversely modify proposed critical habitat. However, the Services have authority to determine whether a formal conference is appropriate. 50 C.F.R. § 402.10(d); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-2.
12-FD-c.11 – Conduct Formal Conference
The lead agency and the Services conduct a formal conference, which follows the same procedures as formal consultation. 50 C.F.R. § 402.10(d); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-2.
12-FD-c.12 – Formal Conference Opinion
At the end of formal consultation, the Services issue a Formal Conference Opinion, which has the same format and content as a Biological Opinion. A Biological Opinion is a document that states the opinion of the Service as to whether or not a federal action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed or proposed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated or proposed critical habitat. 50 C.F.R. §§ 402.01; 402.10(d); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-2.
12-FD-c.13 – Is the Proposed Species or Habitat Subsequently Listed or Designated?
If, after the Formal Conference Opinion is issued, a proposed species is subsequently listed and/or a proposed habitat is designated as critical habitat, then the lead agency writes to the Services to request that the Formal Conference Opinion is confirmed as a Biological Opinion. 50 C.F.R. § 402.10(d); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-5.
12-FD-c.14 to 12-FD-c.16 – Review Formal Conference Opinion for Confirmation as Biological Opinion
The Services must confirm or deny the Formal Conference Opinion as a Biological Opinion within 45 days after receipt of the lead agency’s request if no significant changes have occurred in the proposed action or the information used during the formal conference. 50 C.F.R. § 402.10(d); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-5.
If significant changes have occurred in the proposed action or the information used during formal conference, then the lead agency must initiate formal consultation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 6-6.
12-FD-c.17 to 12-FD-c.18 – Are Listed Species or Critical Habitat Present in the Project Area?
If listed species or designated critical habitat are present in the project area, then the lead agency must conduct consultation with the Services. If no listed species or critical habitat are present in the project area, no further consultation is necessary. 50 C.F.R. § 402.11(a)-(b).
12-FD-c.19 – Is the Federal Action a Major Construction Activity?
If the federal action is a major construction activity, then the lead agency or designated non-federal representative must conduct a biological assessment. 50 C.F.R. § 402.11(a)-(b). A major construction activity is a “construction project (or other undertaking having similar physical impacts) which is a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.” National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4332(c).
12-FD-c.20 – Conduct Biological Assessment
The lead agency must conduct a biological assessment to determine whether listed species and designated critical habitat are likely to be adversely affected by a federal action, or to form the basis of a Biological Opinion written by the Services. A Biological Opinion is a document that states the Services’ opinion as to whether a federal action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species. 50 C.F.R. § 402.12(a),(i),(k).
A lead agency or designated non-federal representative must complete a Biological Assessment within 180 days of initiation. A Biological Assessment may contain:
An analysis of the effects of the action on the species and habitat, including consideration of cumulative effects, and the result of any related studies;
50 C.F.R. § 402.12(a).
12-FD-c.21 – Submit Biological Assessment
The lead agency or designated non-federal representative must submit the completed Biological Assessment to the Services for review. 50 C.F.R. § 402.12(j).
12-FD-c.22 to 12-FD-c.23 – Review Biological Assessment for Completeness
The Services review the Biological Assessment for administrative and technical completeness.
12-FD-c.24 – Biological Assessment Response
Within 30 days of receipt of the biological assessment, the Services must respond in writing to the lead agency or designated non-federal representative as to whether they concur with the findings of the biological assessment as to the potential effects of the action on listed species or critical habitat. 50 C.F.R. § 402.12(j).
12-FD-c.25 – Early Consultation Certification (Optional)
A developer may submit an Early Consultation Certification to the lead agency to conduct early consultation if a prospective project may affect a listed species or critical habitat by providing a lead agency with a written certification that states that the developer:
Has a definite proposal outlining the action and its effects; and
If authorized, the developer will implement the proposal.
50 C.F.R. § 402.11(a)-(b).
Early consultation is a prospective, optional process conducted between a lead agency, developer and the Services. Early consultation is intended to reduce the potential for conflicts between listed species or critical habitat early and proposed actions. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 7-1.
12-FD-c.26 to 12-FD-c.27 – Review Early Consultation Certification for Completeness
The lead agency reviews the Early Consultation Certification for administrative and technical completeness.
12-FD-c.28 to 12-FD-c.29 – Early Consultation Request
The lead agency submits an Early Consultation Request to the Services to initiate early consultation. The Early Consultation Request must, at minimum, include the following information:
A description of any listed species or critical habitat that may be affect by the action;
A description of the manner in which the action may affect any listed species or critical habitat and analysis of any cumulative effects;
Relevant reports, including any Environmental Impact Statement, Environmental Assessment, or biological assessment; and
Any other relevant available information on the action, affected listed species, or critical habitat.
50 C.F.R. §§ 402.11(c)-(d); 402.14(c).
The developer, lead agency and the Services conduct early consultation. Early consultation is conducted within 90 days unless the Services and/or lead agency agree to extend the consultation period. 50 C.F.R. §§ 402.11(c)-(d); 402.14(e).
12-FD-c.30 – Preliminary Biological Opinion
Within 45 days after concluding early consultation, the Services must deliver a Preliminary Biological Opinion to the lead agency and developer. The Preliminary Biological Opinion is based upon the Biological Assessment and any other relevant reports and information the Services received in the Early Consultation Request. The Preliminary Biological opinion must include:
The Services’ opinion on whether the action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat (a jeopardy biological opinion) or not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat (a no jeopardy biological opinion). A jeopardy opinion must include reasonable and prudent alternatives, if any exist. 50 C.F.R. §§ 402.11(e); 402.14(g)(5)-(h).
12-FD-c.31 to 12-FD-c.32 – May a Federal Action Result in the Incidental Take of a Listed Species?
If the Services determines that a federal action may result in the incidental take of a listed species during early consultation, then the Services provide, along with the Biological Opinion, a statement concerning incidental take (Incidental Take Statement). An incidental take refers to a taking (e.g. capturing, killing, or pursuing a listed species) that results from, but is not the purpose of a federal action. 50 C.F.R. §§ 402.02; 402.11(e); 402.14(j).
An Incidental Take Statement:
Specifies the impact of the incidental take on the species;
Species reasonable and prudent measures that may minimize such impact;
Sets forth terms and conditions, including reporting requirements, that must be complied with; and
Specifies the procedures to be used to handle or dispose of any species taken.
50 C.F.R. §§ 402.11(e); 402.14(i).
12-FD-c.33 – Request Confirmation of Preliminary Biological Opinion (Optional)
After early consultation concludes, if the developer files an application for a federal permit or license, the lead agency may request confirmation of the Preliminary Biological Opinion as a Final Biological Opinion. The lead agency must request confirmation of the Preliminary Biological Opinion from the Services in writing. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 7-4.
12-FD-c.34 to 12-FD-c.36 – Review the Request for Approval
The Services must confirm the Preliminary Biological Opinion as a Final Biological Opinion if there are no significant changes to the planned action or the information used to form the Preliminary Biological Opinion within 45 days of receipt of the lead agency’s request.] If the Services deny the request, the lead agency must initiate formal consultation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 7-4.
12-FD-c.37 to 12-FD-c.38 – Request Informal Consultation (Optional)
The lead agency or designated non-federal representative may request informal consultation with the Services if a federal action may affect listed species or designated critical habitat. Informal consultation is an optional process between the Services, the lead agency and/or the designated non-federal representative. Although the process is optional, most consultations with the Services are conducted informally. 50 C.F.R. §§ 402.13(a); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 3-1.
Informal consultation is an unstructured process that includes phone contacts, meetings, conversations, letters, and any other documents relevant to the project including Biological Assessments (if conducted). Informal consultation can last as long as all parties are willing to participate. Documentation and records of informal consultation are essential to the process. The parties should compile an administrative file of records of phone contacts, meeting summaries, and any advice or recommendations provided by the Services. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 3-1.
12-FD-c.39 to 12-FD-c.40 – Is the Federal Action Likely to Adversely Affect Species or Critical Habitat?
If after informal consultation, the Services determines that the federal action is likely to adversely affect listed species or designated critical habitat, then the lead agency must initiate formal consultation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 3-12.
If, after informal consultation, the Services determines that the federal action is not likely to adversely affect listed species or critical habitat, the Services issues a Written Concurrence, which completes informal consultation. The Written Concurrence contains an analysis of the action, based on review of all potential effects, direct and indirect on listed species and designated critical habitat. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 3-12.
12-FD-c.41 – Formal Consultation Initiation Package
The lead agency initiates formal consultation by submitting a Formal Consultation Initiation Package to the Services. A Formal Consultation Initiation Package must include:
A description of the federal action being considered;
A description of the specific area that may be affected by the federal action;
A description of any listed or critical habitat that may be affected by the federal action;
A description of the manner in which the federal action may affect any listed species or critical habitat and an analysis of any cumulative effects;
Another other relevant available information on the federal action, the affected listed species, or critical habitat.
50 C.F.R. § 402.14(c); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 4-4.
Formal consultation is conducted by the lead agency and the Services to determine whether a federal action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Formal consultations perform several functions including:
Identification of the nature and effects of the federal action on listed species and critical habitat;
Identification of reasonable and prudent alternatives;
Providing an exception of specified levels of incidental take;
Providing mandatory measures to minimize the impacts of incidental take to listed species;
Identification of way action agencies can help conserve listed species or critical habitat; and
Providing an administrative record of effects on species that can help establish the species environmental baseline in future Biological Opinions. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 4-1.
12-FD-c.42 to 12-FD-c.43 – Review Formal Consultation Initiation Package for Completeness
The Services review the Formal Consultation Initiation Package for administrative and technical completeness. 50 C.F.R. § 402.14(c); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, 4-5.
12-FD-c.44 – Conduct Formal Consultation
Formal consultation is conducted between the lead agency and the Services for 90 days after its initiation. During formal consultation, the Services must review all relevant information provided by the lead agency, evaluate the current status of the listed species or critical habitat, evaluate the effects of the federal action and cumulative effects on the listed species or critical habitat, and have discussions regarding the Services’ evaluation and review of the federal action for inclusion in the Biological Opinion. 50 C.F.R. § 402.14(e) and (g).
12-FD-c.45 – Is Additional Data Requested?
If the Services determines that additional data would provide a better information base from which to form a Biological Opinion, the Services may request an extension of formal consultation and request that the lead agency obtain additional data, which may include studies, to determine how or to what extent the action may affect a listed species or designated critical habitat. The responsibility for conducting and/or funding any additional studies belongs to the lead agency, not the Services. 50 C.F.R. § 402.14(e) and (f).
12-FD-c.46 – Biological Opinion
Within 45 days after concluding formal consultation, the Services deliver a Biological Opinion to the lead agency. The Biological Opinion is based upon the Biological Assessment and any other relevant reports and information the Services received during Formal Consultation. The Biological Opinion must include:
A summary of the information on which the opinion of the Services is based;
A detailed discussion of the effects of the federal action on listed species or critical habitat; and
The Service’s opinion on whether the federal action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat; and
Any reasonable and prudent alternatives to the federal action, if any.
50 C.F.R. § 402.14(h).
12-FD-c.47 to 12-FD-c.48 – May a Federal Action Result in the Incidental Take of a Listed Species?
50 C.F.R. §§ 402.01-402.48 – Interagency Cooperation – Endangered Species Act of 1973, as Amended
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Endangered Species Consultation Handbook
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