Zasoby i środowisko · 22/08/2011

Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the Madison Cave Isopod From Dominion Virginia Power; Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan

Pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or "we") announces the availability of an application for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) and a proposed Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan (LEHCP) from Dominion Virginia Power for public review and comment. We received the permit application from Dominion Virginia Power for incidental take of the Madison Cave isopod during construction of a new natural gas-fired combined-cycle power station in Warren County, Virginia, extending over the next 9 years, until 2020. Our preliminary determination is that the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) qualifies as a low-effect plan under NEPA. To make this determination, we used our LEHCP Screening Form/Environmental Action Statement (EAS), which is also available for review. We provide this notice to (1) seek public comments on the proposed HCP and application; (2) seek public comments on our preliminary determination that the HCP qualifies as a low-effect plan and is therefore eligible for a categorical exclusion under NEPA; and (3) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of