Description:
Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) designated under MSA exists throughout the area affected by the proposed wind farm and associated transmission lines. The proposed action will adversely affect these resources, therefore EFH consultation is required under the MSA. Based on anticipated impacts to EFH, expanded consultation would be required.
The NMFS Essential Fish Habitat Response will be provided within 60 days of NMFS determination that all information necessary to initiate EFH consultation has been provided. The final completion date is contingent upon when NMFS receives what it concludes is a complete EFH assessment. Also note that NMFS has authorities under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act for this project. NMFS expects the coordination and consultation under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act to be concurrent with the EFH assessment.
Milestones:
This reflects the anticipated date of receipt of initial EFH application (i.e., per the previous Appendix B milestones). Receipt of an Expanded EFH initiation package expected concurrent with release of DEIS. NMFS will request any additional information required to initiate EFH consultation within 30 days. *This target timeline is dependent on receipt of a consultation request from BOEM, including an EFH Assessment.
Target: Receipt of a complete Expanded EFH initiation package expected concurrent with release of DEIS. *This target timeline is dependent on a consultation request from BOEM, including an EFH Assessment, that NMFS concludes provides all necessary information to initiate EFH consultation.
Target: 60 days following initiation of EFH consultation. *A 60 day consultation period is required due to the complexity of the proposed action, the large size of the project action area, and the potential to adversely affect EFH for large number of federally managed species. Also note that Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act recommendations will be issued at this time.