Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Manager Scott Lanier announced on Monday that the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision for the final environmental assessment (EA) of the NCDOT’s proposed construction of the new Jug Handle Bridge is available for public review and comment until October 15, 2018.
The project will transition off the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge about 1.8 miles north of Rodanthe and into the Pamlico Sound along an approximate 1,300’ ft. corridor, and would require approximately 2.94 acres of new N.C. Highway 12 right-of-way to be constructed on the Refuge. Approximately 18.93 acres of existing NC Highway 12 will be restored to natural habitat, and returned to the Refuge.
Comments are being sought on the merits of the Environmental Assessment with regards to Refuge resources upon amending the existing N.C. Highway 12 Right-of-Way to allow construction of the new bridge.
Federal wildlife refuges are required by law to prepare a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) if it determines that there are no significant environmental impacts after completion of an Environmental Assessment. The FONSI briefly explains why a proposed action is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.
If you wish to review the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact, copies are available at the Pea Island Visitor Center on N.C. Highway 12, the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters at 100 Conservation Way Manteo NC 27954, online at https://www.fws.gov/ncgatewayvc/images/FONSI%20B2500IIb%20092718%20public%20review.pdf , and at the Dare County Public Library in Manteo.
Written comments may be sent to: Refuge Manager, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge PO Box 1969 Manteo, NC 27954 or emailed to alligatorriver@fws.gov .
All comments must be submitted no later than close of business (4:00 PM) on October 15, 2018. If you need additional information, please contact Assistant Refuge Manager Art Beyer at 252-473-1132 ext 235.
