Threatened and Endangered Species: desk report

The rule

Code computed the rating from the assessor's inputs:

impact_likely=yes -> 2

Set by the rule

Decision

Released with flags

The engine's reasons

• Numbers not found in cited evidence: 02, 2023
• Presence and impact_likely are supported, but the northern long-eared bat is now endangered as of 2023-03-31, before the cut-off. The "standard" pathway and the claim that formal consultation is not indicated are overconfident. The tricolored bat is omitted. The category likely stays at 2.
• Revision proposed category 3 against a unanimous 2 without a critical issue; revision rejected.

Evidence state

INFERRED · reasoned from several records

The assessor's comments

IPaC list (2023-02-10) identifies Indiana bat (endangered), northern long-eared bat (threatened) and monarch butterfly (candidate). No critical habitat in project area. Scattered woodlots along Sugar Run. No habitat assessment or state heritage review is in the data room.

• Present: yes

  IPaC official species list (C-fff17bba4d, C-5a80fc5958, C-5357a5411b) names Indiana bat (endangered), northern long-eared bat (threatened) and monarch (candidate) for the project. The 'no critical habitat' statement (C-00290ee736) concerns critical habitat only, so it does not conflict with species presence.

  Cites C-fff17bba4d, C-5a80fc5958, C-5357a5411b, C-00290ee736

• Extent: unknown

  Scattered woodlots along Sugar Run are noted (C-71ef7a1eed), but no habitat assessment or mapping shows how much suitable bat habitat lies within the buildable area. Extent is not established.

  Cites C-71ef7a1eed

• Avoidable: unknown

  Without a habitat assessment or layout, it is not known whether woodlot clearing can be avoided or timed out. Woodlots are scattered along Sugar Run (C-71ef7a1eed), which suggests avoidance may be feasible but is unconfirmed.

  Cites C-71ef7a1eed

• Pathway: standard

  No critical habitat is in the project area (C-00290ee736), which rules out prohibition. Woodlots are scattered (C-71ef7a1eed), so a typical build can use technical assistance, seasonal tree-clearing windows and surveys. Formal consultation or an incidental take permit is not indicated by the evidence.

  Cites C-00290ee736, C-71ef7a1eed, C-fff17bba4d, C-5a80fc5958

• Impact likely: yes

  Listed bats are on the species list (C-fff17bba4d, C-5a80fc5958) and woodlots occur along Sugar Run (C-71ef7a1eed). A typical build with Sugar Run crossings, collection lines and grading would likely clear some tree habitat, so seasonal restrictions and surveys are likely.

  Cites C-fff17bba4d, C-5a80fc5958, C-71ef7a1eed

Supporting statements (5)

Each claim the row cites: the statement in the assessor's words, then the quote the engine found on the page.

1. C-00290ee736

   No critical habitats are within the project area under the Indiana Ecological Services Field Office's jurisdiction.

   Critical habitats: There are no critical habitats within your project area under this office's jurisdiction.

   IPaC Official Species List 2023-02-10 · DR-0003 · Page 1 · 2023-02-10

   Source agency_determination · Claim type absence · Polarity absence · Confidence high · Quote check exact, 100 of 100

   See it on page 1, claim C-00290ee736

2. C-5357a5411b

   The official species list identifies the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as a Candidate species for the project.

   Insects: Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) - Candidate

   IPaC Official Species List 2023-02-10 · DR-0003 · Page 1 · 2023-02-10

   Source agency_determination · Claim type presence · Polarity presence · Confidence high · Quote check exact, 100 of 100

   See it on page 1, claim C-5357a5411b

3. C-5a80fc5958

   The official species list identifies the Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), federally Threatened, for the project.

   Mammals: Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) - Threatened

   IPaC Official Species List 2023-02-10 · DR-0003 · Page 1 · 2023-02-10

   Source agency_determination · Claim type presence · Polarity presence · Confidence high · Quote check exact, 100 of 100

   See it on page 1, claim C-5a80fc5958

4. C-71ef7a1eed

   Scattered woodlots occur along Sugar Run.

   scattered woodlots along Sugar Run

   Brook Hollow Project Overview 2023-03-15 · DR-0001 · Page 1 · 2023-03-15

   Source developer_document · Claim type presence · Polarity presence · Confidence medium · Quote check exact, 100 of 100

   Cited by EC-02, EN-01 · Filed under AQ-01, EC-02, EN-01

   See it on page 1, claim C-71ef7a1eed

5. C-fff17bba4d

   The official species list identifies the Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis), federally Endangered, for the Brook Hollow Solar project.

   Mammals: Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) - Endangered

   IPaC Official Species List 2023-02-10 · DR-0003 · Page 1 · 2023-02-10

   Source agency_determination · Claim type presence · Polarity presence · Confidence high · Quote check exact, 100 of 100

   See it on page 1, claim C-fff17bba4d

• Commission bat habitat assessment of woodlots along Sugar Run and survey if warranted.
• Request Indiana DNR environmental review and USFWS technical assistance.
• Site to avoid tree clearing or limit it to seasonal windows.

Agencies