Permanente Site Operations and Maintenance, Santa Clara County, California; Draft Screening Form and Draft Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan

Issuing agencies

Abstract

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of a draft low-effect screening form (screening form) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), supported by a draft low-effect habitat conservation plan (draft HCP). The Lehigh Southwest Cement Company (Lehigh) (applicant) has applied for an ITP under the ESA for Permanente Site Operations and Maintenance in Santa Clara County, California. The requested ITP, which would be in effect for a period of 20 years, if granted, would authorize incidental take of the federally threatened California red-legged frog. In accordance with NEPA requirements, we have determined that the proposed action qualifies for a categorical exclusion as low effect. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the application. Before issuing the requested permit, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.