2017 L. G. Hanscom Field Environmental Status & Planning Report F-1

Appendix F

Appendix F – Wetlands and Rare

Species

F-2 2017 L. G. Hanscom Field Environmental Status & Planning Report

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United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICENew England Ecological Services Field Office

70 Commercial Street, Suite 300

Concord, NH 03301-5094

Phone: (603) 223-2541 Fax: (603) 223-0104

http://www.fws.gov/newengland

In Reply Refer To:

Consultation Code: 05E1NE00-2018-SLI-2114

Event Code: 05E1NE00-2018-E-04895

Project Name: 2018 Hanscom AF Environmental Status and Planning Report

Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project

location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project

To Whom It May Concern:

The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as

well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your

proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the

requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the

Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of

species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to

contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to

federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical

habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the

Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be

completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be

completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and

implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested

through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.

The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the

ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the

Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to

utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered

species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or

designated critical habitat.

June 15, 2018

06/15/2018 Event Code: 05E1NE00-2018-E-04895   2

   

A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having

similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the

human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)

(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological

evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may

affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended

contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.

If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that

listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the

agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service

recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed

within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7

consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered

Species Consultation Handbook" at:

http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF

Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle

Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), and projects affecting these species may require

development of an eagle conservation plan (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/

eagle_guidance.html). Additionally, wind energy projects should follow the wind energy

guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to migratory birds and

bats.

Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communications

towers (e.g., cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at: http://

www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm; http://

www.towerkill.com; and http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/

comtow.html.

We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages

Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project

planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in

the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project

that you submit to our office.

Attachment(s):

▪ Official Species List

06/15/2018 Event Code: 05E1NE00-2018-E-04895   1

   

Official Species ListThis list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the

requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether

any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed

action".

This species list is provided by:

New England Ecological Services Field Office

70 Commercial Street, Suite 300

Concord, NH 03301-5094

(603) 223-2541

06/15/2018 Event Code: 05E1NE00-2018-E-04895   2

   

Project SummaryConsultation Code: 05E1NE00-2018-SLI-2114

Event Code: 05E1NE00-2018-E-04895

Project Name: 2018 Hanscom AF Environmental Status and Planning Report

Project Type: LAND - MANAGEMENT PLANS

Project Description: The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is in the process of updating

the 2012 L.G. Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report

(2012 ESPR). Through the ESPR, Massport provides a status report on

activity levels, environmental conditions, and provides data and analyses

on noise, ground transportation, air quality, and water quality at Hanscom

Field since 2012. The ESPR compares these conditions to historic data

from the 2012 ESPR and evaluates the cumulative environmental effects

of a moderate growth scenario for subsequent outyears (2020 and 2030).

The ESPRs serve as an effective planning tool from which Massport’s

policy and program developments are derived. Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc.

Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) is part of the Harris Miller Miller &

Hanson Inc. (HMMH) team engaged by Massport to prepare the 2018

Hanscom ESPR. FHI is requesting updated information since 2012 on

known occurrences of Federal rare, endangered, threatened, or special

status species at the Airfield.

Project Location:

Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https://

www.google.com/maps/place/42.46889866706253N71.2837951176814W

Counties: Middlesex, MA

06/15/2018 Event Code: 05E1NE00-2018-E-04895   3

   

Endangered Species Act SpeciesThere is a total of 1 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.

Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include

species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species

list because a project could affect downstream species.

IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA

Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the

Department of Commerce.

See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially

within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office

if you have questions.

1. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an

office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of

Commerce.

MammalsNAME STATUS

Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalisNo critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9045

Threatened

Critical habitatsTHERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S JURISDICTION.

1

Innovative Planning, Better Communities

July 30, 2018 Lauren Glorioso Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program Attn: Regulatory Review Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 100 Hartwell St, Ste 230 West Boylston, MA 01583

Re: Request for MESA Information to support the 2018 Hanscom Environmental Status and Planning Report

Dear Ms. Glorioso:

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is in the process of updating the 2012 L.G. Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report (2012 ESPR). Through the ESPR, Massport provides a status report on activity levels, environmental conditions, and provides data and analyses on noise, ground transportation, air quality, and water quality at Hanscom Field since 2012. The ESPR compares these conditions to historic data from the 2012 ESPR and evaluates the cumulative environmental effects of a moderate growth scenario for subsequent outyears (2020 and 2030). The ESPRs serve as an effective planning tool from which Massport’s policy and program developments are derived.

Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) is part of the Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc. (HMMH) team engaged by Massport to prepare the 2018 Hanscom ESPR. FHI is responsible for preparing information on wetlands, wildlife and waterways and for updating the information that was used in the 2012 ESPR documents. FHI is requesting from the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program updated information since 2012 on known occurrences of species designated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as rare, endangered, threatened, or other special status at the Project site (Figure 1).

We greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter. If you have any questions concerning this project, please feel free to contact me at (860) 321-9018.

Lauren Glorioso July 30, 2018 Page 2

Sincerely, FHI

Anthony Zemba Certified Ecologist / Soil Scientist Attachment: Project Location Map and MESA Information Request Form Cc: Mike Gove, Massport

Katherine Preston, HMMH

Innovative Planning, Better Communities

July 30, 2018 Mr. Thomas Chapman U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service New England Field Office 70 Commercial Street, Suite 300 Concord, NH 03301-5087

Re: Request for ESA Information to support the 2018 Hanscom Environmental Status and Planning Report

Dear Mr. Chapman:

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is in the process of updating the 2012 L.G. Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report (2012 ESPR). Through the ESPR, Massport provides a status report on activity levels, environmental conditions, and provides data and analyses on noise, ground transportation, air quality, and water quality at Hanscom Field since 2012. The ESPR compares these conditions to historic data from the 2012 ESPR and evaluates the cumulative environmental effects of a moderate growth scenario for subsequent outyears (2020 and 2030). The ESPRs serve as an effective planning tool from which Massport’s policy and program developments are derived.

Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) is part of the Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc. (HMMH) team engaged by Massport to prepare the 2018 Hanscom ESPR. FHI is requesting updated information since 2012 on known occurrences of Federal rare, endangered, threatened, or special status species at the project site (Figure 1) including but not necessarily limited to species presented in the Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) report generated via the USFWS Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS) by FHI for the site. A copy of the report is attached.

We greatly appreciate your assistance in this matter. If you have any questions concerning this project, please feel free to contact me at (860) 321-9018.

USFWS July 30, 2018 Page 2

Sincerely, FHI

Anthony Zemba Certified Ecologist / Soil Scientist Attachments: Project Location Map IPAC Report Cc: Mike Gove, Massport

Katherine Preston, HMMH

Request for State-listed Species Information Please complete this form to request state-listed species information from the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program for a particular location (please submit only one project per form).

Fee: $50.00, Payable to Comm. of MA – NHESP (as required in 321 CMR 10.17(3)) No fee required if request is for conservation purposes or habitat management and you are a non-profit conservation group, government agency or are working with a government agency.

Requestor Information Name: Affiliation: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Daytime Phone: Ext. Email address:

Project Information Project or Site Name: Location: Town: Name of Landowner or Project Proponent (if different from Requestor): Acreage of the Property: Description of Proposed Project and Current Site Conditions: (If necessary attach additional sheet) Required: Enclose a map with the site location clearly marked and centered on the page.

Please mail this completed form, a topographic map, and fee (if applicable) to the above address, Attn: Regulatory Review. If no fee is required, you can email the information to natural.heritage@state.ma.us.

A written response will be returned within 30 days of receipt of all information required.

Anthony Zemba Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc.

416 Asylum Street

Hartford CT 06103

(860) 321-9018 Azemba@fhiplan.com

L. G. Hanscom Field

200 Hanscom Dr. Ste 315 Bedford, MA

MassPort

1,300

Please see attached sheet

Attachment: Project Description for Request for State-listed Species Information - L.G. Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report Update August 2018

L.G. Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report Update (2018)

Project Description

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is in the process of updating the 2012 L.G. Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report (2012 ESPR). Through the ESPR, Massport provides a status report on activity levels, environmental conditions, and provides data and analyses on noise, ground transportation, air quality, and water quality at Hanscom Field since 2012. The ESPR compares these conditions to historic data from the 2012 ESPR and evaluates the cumulative environmental effects of a moderate growth scenario for subsequent outyears (2020 and 2030). The ESPRs serve as an effective planning tool from which Massport’s policy and program developments are derived.

Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI) is part of the Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc. (HMMH) team engaged by Massport to prepare the 2018 Hanscom ESPR. FHI is requesting updated information since 2012 on known occurrences of state rare, endangered, threatened, or special status species at the project site (Figure 1).

LEGEND

USGS Topographic Maps

Massachuse s Towns Black Labels

Major MassDOT Routes

Massachuse s Towns Survey BoundariesMuted Colors Interstate Town

Hanscom Field

Hanscom Topo Map

August 24, 2018

Anthony Zemba Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc 416 Asylum St. Hartford CT 06103 RE: Project Location: Hanscom Field

Town: BEDFORD, CONCORD, LEXINGTON, LINCOLN NHESP Tracking No.: 06-19316

To Whom It May Concern: Thank you for contacting the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of the MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (the “Division”) for information regarding state-listed rare species in the vicinity of the above referenced site. Based on the information provided, this project site, or a portion thereof, is located within Priority Habitat 1128 and 1555 (PH 1128, PH 1555) and Estimated Habitat 1623 and 1096 (EH 1623 & EH 1096) as indicated in the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas (14th Edition) for the following state-listed rare species: Priority Habitat 1128 (PH 1128) and Estimated Habitat 1623 (EH 1623):

Scientific name Common Name Taxonomic Group State Status Emydoidea blandingii Blanding's Turtle Reptile Threatened

Priority Habitat 1555 (PH 1555) and Estimated Habitat 1096 (EH 1096):

Scientific name Common Name Taxonomic Group State Status Glyptemys insculpta Wood Turtle Reptile Special Concern

Priority Habitat 1555 (PH 1555):

Scientific name Common Name Taxonomic Group State Status Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper Bird Endangered

Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper Sparrow Bird Threatened The species listed above are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) (M.G.L. c. 131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00). State-listed wildlife are also protected under the state’s Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) (M.G.L. c. 131, s. 40) and its implementing regulations (310 CMR 10.00). Fact sheets for most state-listed rare species can be found on our website (www.mass.gov/nhesp). Please note that projects and activities located within Priority and/or Estimated Habitat must be reviewed by the Division for compliance with the state-listed rare species protection provisions of MESA (321 CMR 10.00) and/or the WPA (310 CMR 10.00).

NHESP File No. 06-19316,Page 2 of 2

Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) If the project site is within Estimated Habitat and a Notice of Intent (NOI) is required, then a copy of the NOI must be submitted to the Division so that it is received at the same time as the local conservation commission. If the Division determines that the proposed project will adversely affect the actual Resource Area habitat of state-protected wildlife, then the proposed project may not be permitted (310 CMR 10.37, 10.58(4)(b) & 10.59). In such a case, the project proponent may request a consultation with the Division to discuss potential project design modifications that would avoid adverse effects to rare wildlife habitat. A streamlined joint MESA/WPA review process is available. When filing a Notice of Intent (NOI), the applicant may file concurrently under the MESA on the same NOI form and qualify for a 30-day streamlined joint review. For a copy of the NOI form, please visit the MA Department of Environmental Protection’s website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/wpa-form-3-wetlands-notice-of-intent. MA Endangered Species Act (MESA) If the proposed project is located within Priority Habitat and is not exempt from review (see 321 CMR 10.14), then project plans, a fee, and other required materials must be sent to Natural Heritage Regulatory Review to determine whether a probable Take under the MA Endangered Species Act would occur (321 CMR 10.18). Please note that all proposed and anticipated development must be disclosed, as MESA does not allow project segmentation (321 CMR 10.16). For a MESA filing checklist and additional information please see our website: https://www.mass.gov/regulatory-review. We recommend that rare species habitat concerns be addressed during the project design phase prior to submission of a formal MESA filing, as avoidance and minimization of impacts to rare species and their habitats is likely to expedite endangered species regulatory review. This evaluation is based on the most recent information available in the Natural Heritage database, which is constantly being expanded and updated through ongoing research and inventory. If the purpose of your inquiry is to generate a species list to fulfill the federal Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) information requirements for a permit, proposal, or authorization of any kind from a federal agency, we recommend that you contact the National Marine Fisheries Service at (978)281-9328 and use the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Information for Planning and Conservation website (https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac). If you have any questions regarding this letter please contact Lauren Glorioso, Endangered Species Review Assistant, at (508) 389-6361. Sincerely,

Thomas W. French, Ph.D. Assistant Director