The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment for the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative Request for Amending Right-of-Way to allow relocation of their transmission line at the northern end of the Rodanthe Bridge. The proposed utility corridor relocation will be conducted on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The Service is seeking comments on the benefits and impacts from amending the existing utility right-of-way through February 24, 2021.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. These actions include decisions on permit applications, adopting federal land management actions, and constructing highways and other publicly-owned facilities. Using the NEPA process, the Refuge can evaluate the environmental and related social and economic effects of these proposed actions.
National Wildlife Refuges are required by law to determine the compatibility of any proposed non-wildlife dependent use with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the purpose for which a particular refuge was established. The compatibility determination was available for public review in July 2020, but is included with the draft Environmental Assessment for reference. The mission of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is to protect migratory birds and other native wildlife and their breeding grounds and habitat for the benefit of the American people,” stated Refuge Manager Scott Lanier. He added, “We want the community to be informed about the work being proposed and to have an opportunity to weigh in on the pros and cons of that work.”
If you wish to review the Environmental Assessment, a copy is available at the Refuge website at: https://fws.gov/ncgatewayvc/images/publications/CHEC_ROW10_EA_PINWR_public_review.pdf. [HR1]
The best way to submit your comments is by email to alligatorriver@fws.gov. If email is not possible, you can submit written comments by mail to Refuge Manager, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge at PO Box 1969, Manteo, NC 27954.
All comments must be submitted no later than close of business (4:00 PM) on February 24, 2021. For additional information or to request documents in alternative formats, please contact Refuge Assistant Manager Art Beyer at 252-475-9517 or Refuge Manager Scott Lanier at 252-473-1132 x223.
