NOAA 2020 nearshore batch jeopardy opinion

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2020. Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Jeopardy Biological Opinion and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Response for the Issuance of Permits for 39 Projects under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act for Actions related to Structures in the Nearshore Environment of Puget Sound. Prepared for US Army Corps of Engineers or November 9, 2020. Consultation Reference Number WCRO-2020-01361. 329 pp.

Notes

  • "We have determined that the Corps’ proposed action, to permit the 39 projects, will jeopardize the continued existence of listed Puget Sound (PS) Chinook salmon and Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW). The proposed action will also adversely modify those species’ designated critical habitats." (cover letter)
  • This biological opinion initiated a process of attempting to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse modification to critical habitat as a "reasonable and prudent alternative" to development actions that do not make such efforts.