Description:
Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation. *The initiation and final completion dates are contingent upon NMFS receiving what it concludes is adequate information to initiate ESA consultation.
ESA-listed species exist throughout the area affected by the wind farm and associated transmission line. The proposed action will adversely affect these resources, therefore formal ESA Section 7 consultation is required.
Milestones:
Target: Consultation request expected concurrent with BOEM’s issuance of the draft EIS. *This target timeline is dependent on receipt of a complete consultation request from BOEM, including a Biological Assessment, which is expected concurrent with issuance of the draft EIS.
Target: Concurrent with receipt of a complete Biological Assessment (expected concurrent with release of DEIS). *This target timeline is dependent on receipt of a complete consultation request from BOEM, including a Biological Assessment, that NMFS concludes has adequate information to initiate ESA consultation.
Target: 135 days following the Consultation Initiation Date. *The final completion date is contingent upon NMFS receiving sufficient information to initiate formal ESA consultation.