Non-RTE Species: desk report

The rule

Code computed the rating from the assessor's inputs:

impact_likely=yes -> 2

Set by the rule

Decision

Released

Evidence state

INFERRED · reasoned from several records

The assessor's comments

Scattered woodlots occur along Sugar Run, and field delineation identified four wetlands totaling 6.2 acres and three streams, providing migratory bird habitat. No avian or eagle nest survey or wildlife agency correspondence is in the data room.

• Present: yes

  Woodlots along Sugar Run (C-71ef7a1eed) and delineated forested/emergent wetlands and a perennial stream (C-473bc604fa, C-b2682b602a) provide suitable habitat for migratory birds and general wildlife. No bird or eagle survey is in the data room, so presence is based on habitat, not documented use.

  Cites C-71ef7a1eed, C-473bc604fa, C-b2682b602a

• Extent: unknown

  Woodlots are described only as scattered along Sugar Run (C-71ef7a1eed); wetlands total 6.2 acres across a 1,356-acre area (C-473bc604fa). Habitat position relative to the buildable area is not documented, so extent cannot be set as core or peripheral.

  Cites C-71ef7a1eed, C-473bc604fa

• Avoidable: yes

  Scattered woodlots and limited wetland acreage can typically be handled by clearing outside the nesting season and by siting around the Sugar Run corridor (C-71ef7a1eed, C-b2682b602a). This is a judgment; no eagle nest information is available.

  Cites C-71ef7a1eed, C-b2682b602a

• Pathway: standard

  MBTA compliance is by avoidance (F-MBTA), through seasonal clearing restrictions. No eagle nests are documented, so an individual eagle permit is not indicated on current evidence (C-71ef7a1eed).

  Cites C-71ef7a1eed

• Impact likely: yes

  A typical solar build involves grading, tree clearing and crossings of Sugar Run, which would likely disturb woodlot and stream-corridor habitat used by migratory birds (C-71ef7a1eed, C-b2682b602a). Impact is mainly timing.

  Cites C-71ef7a1eed, C-b2682b602a

Supporting statements (3)

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

1. C-473bc604fa

   Field delineation on April 10-14, 2023 identified four wetlands totaling 6.2 acres (palustrine emergent and forested) and three streams within the Project Area.

   identified four wetlands totaling 6.2 acres (palustrine emergent and palustrine forested) and three streams within the Project Area.

   Wetland and Stream Delineation Report May2023 · DR-0005 · Page 2 · 2023-05-22

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

   Cited by AQ-01 · Filed under AQ-01

   See it on page 2, claim C-473bc604fa

2. 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-01, EN-01 · Filed under AQ-01, EC-02, EN-01

   See it on page 1, claim C-71ef7a1eed

3. C-b2682b602a

   Sugar Run, a perennial stream, bisects the center of the Project Area from north to south.

   Sugar Run, a perennial stream, bisects the center of the Project Area from north to south.

   Wetland and Stream Delineation Report May2023 · DR-0005 · Page 2 · 2023-05-22

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

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

   See it on page 2, claim C-b2682b602a

• Site visit to confirm habitat and screen for eagle nests.
• Site around woodlots and Sugar Run; clear trees outside nesting season.
• Request USFWS/Indiana DNR review.

Agencies