EXHIBIT-I-Turbeville_Fire_Station_Biological_Evaluation_Report.pdf

Biological Evaluation Turbeville Fire Station 2

Turbeville, Clarendon County, South Carolina Project No. 01967-23155

PREPARED FOR:

Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Post Office Box 8147 Columbia, South Carolina 29202-8147

PREPARED BY:

The Brigman Company

Post Office Box 1532 Conway, South Carolina 29526

July 3, 2023

The Brigman Company | Post Office Box 1532 | Conway, SC 29528 | p 843.248.9388 | www.TheBrigmanCompany.com

Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Post Office Box 8147 Columbia, SC 29202-8147

Attention: Ms. Susan McRae

Reference: Biological Evaluation

Turbeville Fire Station 2 Turbeville, Clarendon County, South Carolina Project No. 01967-23155

Dear Ms. McRae :

The Brigman Company (TBC) is pleased to submit this report detailing our Biological Evaluation for the Turbeville Fire Station 2 (i.e. the Property) located on US Highway 378 just east of the Town of Turbeville, Clarendon County, South Carolina. This work was performed in accordance with TBC’s Professional Services Contract, authorized on June 9, 2023. This report and the on-site pedestrian survey have been conducted to assess the potential for the presence of federally protected species or habitat to support federally protected species prior to future development of the Property.

The Property is comprised of a tract of land (Clarendon County TMS# 316-16-04-017-00) totaling approximately 3 acres. Exhibit 1 of this report presents the approximate location of the Property. The Property is identified on a portion of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute Turbeville, SC topographic quadrangle map dated 1983.

Exhibit 2 of this report depicts the approximate location of the Property overlaid on the referenced topographic quadrangle.

Site and Habitat Descriptions The Property is located in central Clarendon County within the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province of South Carolina. The USGS topographic quadrangle (Exhibit 2) depicts the Property as cleared in 1983. The surrounding properties consist of undeveloped, forested areas bordering the site. Exhibit 3 of this report depicts the Property overlaid on an aerial photograph. The Property has been historically used as a maintained agricultural hay field dominated with Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and is bounded on the east by a narrow, approximately 20' wide swath of trees growing along the property line. The forested area is dominated with loblollly pine (Pinus taeda) and water oak (Quercus nigra) in the overstory and by Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) in the understory.

Protected Species The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&WS) South Carolina List of At-risk, Candidate, Endangered, and Threatened Species – Clarendon County, the USF&WS Information for Planning and Conservation (IPaC) website, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species and Communities Known to Occur in Clarendon County, SC were consulted regarding current federally protected species within

Turbeville, Clarendon County, South Carolina Project No. 01967-23156

Clarendon County. The information was reviewed prior to conducting the site visit, to determine if known locations of protected species were located on or near the Property. The USF&WS database has eight (8) federally protected species listed for Clarendon County, South Carolina and one (1) candidate species. However, two (2) of these species are dependent on large rivers, which the Property does not contain or border. The remaining six (6) protected species and one (1) candidate species include:

Common Name Scientific Name Survey Window Status

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus October 1 – May 15

(nesting season) Bald & Golden Eagle

Protection Act

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis March 1 – July 31

(nesting season) Endangered

American Wood Stork Mycteria americana February 15 – September 1

(nesting season) Threatened

Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis April 1-June 30 Threatened

American Chaffseed Schwalbea americana May - August

(1-2 months after a fire) Endangered

Canby's Dropwort Oxypolis canbyi Mid-July-September Endangered

Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus August-December Candidate

A pedestrian field review was performed for protected species and suitable habitats to support protected species on June 29, 2023 by Mr. Jeffery Vereen of TBC. The results of the pedestrian field review are included in the following sections of this report, as well as a discussion of the above species, where applicable.

Plants: No Effect American chaffseed typically grows in sandy, acidic, seasonally moist to dry soils in open moist pine flatwoods, pine/wiregrass savannas, and transitional areas between peaty wetlands and xeric sandy soils. Suitable habitat for this species was not observed on the Property.

Canby’s dropwort typically grows in seepage bogs, swampy depressions, and margins of flooded wetlands/ponds.

This species flowers in August and September, sometimes lasting until October. During the site reconnaissance, no suitable habitat to support Canby’s dropwort was observed on the Property.

http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=Q2DF

Vertebrates: No Effect

Birds:

Even though the bald eagle was taken off of the threatened species list, it is still offered protection under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668c), enacted in 1940. The bald eagle requires mature trees for nesting that are in close proximity to large bodies of water to feed. Site observations revealed that suitable nesting habitat does not exist on the Property. No nests were observed on the Property, nor were any bald eagles observed during the site reconnaissance.

The red-cockaded woodpecker requires mature longleaf pines or loblolly pine with an open understory that does not exceed 15’ in height, and evenly spaced trees with an open, park-like stand. Site observations revealed that suitable nesting or foraging habitat does not exist on the Property.

The wood stork typically requires coastal areas, tidal waters, marshes, swamps, streams and mangroves for nesting and feeding. Suitable nesting habitat nor foraging habitat was not present on the Property, therefore, the proposed project will have no effect on the wood stork.

The Eastern Black Rail is partially migratory and inhabit tidally or non-tidally influenced marshes or wet meadows in inland areas that have dense vegetative cover. Black Rails do not use marsh with significant amounts of standing water and require stable water levels at their nest sites which are typically built in clumps of vegetation in elevated areas with moist soil.

Because there is no suitable habitat for the Black Rail on the Property, the proposed will have no effect on the Eastern Black Rail or any of the listed species of birds for Clarendon County.

Invertebrate: No Effect Insects:

The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) originates in North America where an eastern and western population undertake extensive migrations. For overwintering monarchs, habitat with a specific microclimate is needed for protection from the elements, as well as moderate temperatures to avoid freezing. These conditions vary between populations. For the eastern North American population, most monarchs overwinter in Oyamel fir (Abies religiosa) tree roosts located in mountainous regions in central Mexico at an elevation of 2,400 to 3,600 meters.

Monarchs living west of the Rocky Mountain range in North America primarily overwinter in California at sites along the Pacific Coast, roosting in eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.), Monterey pines (Pinus radiata) and Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) trees. Whether it’s a field, roadside area, open area, wet area or urban garden, milkweed and flowering plants are needed for monarch habitat. Adult monarchs feed on the nectar of many flowers during breeding and migration, but they can only lay eggs on milkweed plants. During the site reconnaissance, no monarch butterflies or milkweed were observed on or directly adjacent to the Property, therefore should have no effect on this species.

Methodology TBC reviewed the SCDNR and the USF&WS databases for records of protected species known to occur within Clarendon County. The purpose of the search was to identify current and historic documented occurrences of protected species located within this county. Additionally, TBC personnel reviewed available supporting information including the USGS topographic quadrangle and applicable soil survey data. The purpose of reviewing this supporting information was to identify drainage features and soil types in the site area that may be suitable habitat for protected species. During field reconnaissance, TBC personnel integrated the information obtained from this supporting documentation with field evaluation for the presence of protected species or potential protected species habitat.

Summary and Conclusions Based on the literature review, habitat assessment, and pedestrian field review of the Property, it is our opinion that future land clearing activities associated with proposed development on the Property will have no effect on any federally listed protected species for Clarendon County.

Closure TBC appreciates the opportunity to be of service to you by performing this Biological Evaluation for the Property.

Please contact us at (843) 248-9388 with questions regarding this report, or if you require additional information.

Sincerely, Jeffery Vereen Project Manager jvereen@TheBrigmanCompany.com mailto:jvereen@TheBrigmanCompany.com

Appendices

Exhibit 1: Project Area Exhibit 2: USGS Topographic Map Exhibit

Exhibit 3: Aerial Exhibit Exhibit 4: USDA/SCS Soil Survey Exhibit

Site Photographs USF&WS IPaC Report

SCDNR Species List for Clarendon County SCDNR Request for Threatened and Endangered Species Consultation Report

Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri Korea, Esri (Thailand), NGCC, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Exhibit 1 - Site Vicinity Map

1 " = 1 miles jobs/2023/01967-23155607 Main Street - Conway, SC 29526 - Phone (843) 248-9388 - www.TheBrigmanCompany.com

K

0 1 2 30.5 Miles

Subject Property

33.893 / -80.007

Turbeville Fire Station 2

TMS# 316-16-04-017-00

Turbeville, Clarendon County, SC June 2023

Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed

Exhibit 2 - USGS Topographic Map

1 " = 400 ' jobs/2023/01967-23155607 Main Street - Conway, SC 29526 - Phone (843) 248-9388 - www.TheBrigmanCompany.com

K

0 400 800 1,200200 Feet

L E G E N D Subject Property

Turbeville Fire Station 2

TMS# 316-16-04-017-00

Turbeville, Clarendon County, SC

USGS 7.5-Min. Turbeville, SC Quad. (1983)

Esri, HERE, Garmin, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community

Exhibit 3 - Aerial Photograph Exhibit Turbeville Fire Station 2

TMS# 316-16-04-017-00

Turbeville, Clarendon County, SC June 2023 1 " = 100 ' jobs/2023/01967-23155607 Main Street - Conway, SC 29526 - Phone (843) 248-9388 - www.TheBrigmanCompany.com

K

0 100 200 30050 Feet

L E G E N D Subject Property: 3 Ac+/-

Ly

Ra

FuB

Os

BrA

Os

Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community

Exhibit 4 - USDA / SCS Soils Map

1 " = 100 ' jobs/2023/01967-23155607 Main Street - Conway, SC 29526 - Phone (843) 248-9388 - Fax (843) 248-9596 - wwwTtheBrigmanCompany.com

K

0 100 200 30050 Feet

L E G E N D Subject Property

US Dept. of Agriculture / Soil Conservation Service Soils Data

Turbeville Fire Station 2

TMS# 316-16-04-017-00

Turbeville, Clarendon County, SC

Site Photographs Turbeville Fire Station 2 Tract

Clarendon County, South Carolina

Project No.: 01967-23155

Taken by: JV Date Taken: 06/29/23

1 View of maintained area facing east. 2 View of maintained area facing west.

3 View of forested area along property line facing north. 4 View of forested area along property line facing south.

June 19, 2023

United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

South Carolina Ecological Services 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 200

Charleston, SC 29407-7558 Phone: (843) 727-4707 Fax: (843) 727-4218

In Reply Refer To:

Project Code: 2023-0095108 Project Name: Turbeville Fire Station 2

Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location or may be affected by your proposed project

To Whom It May Concern:

The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list.

The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat.

A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological

06/19/2023 2 evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.

If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at:

http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF

Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project-related impacts. Any activity, intentional or unintentional, resulting in take of migratory birds, including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). For more information regarding these Acts see https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations.php.

The MBTA has no provision for allowing take of migratory birds that may be unintentionally killed or injured by otherwise lawful activities. It is the responsibility of the project proponent to comply with these Acts by identifying potential impacts to migratory birds and eagles within applicable NEPA documents (when there is a federal nexus) or a Bird/Eagle Conservation Plan (when there is no federal nexus). Proponents should implement conservation measures to avoid or minimize the production of project-related stressors or minimize the exposure of birds and their resources to the project-related stressors. For more information on avian stressors and recommended conservation measures see https://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/threats-to-birds.php.

In addition to MBTA and BGEPA, Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds, obligates all Federal agencies that engage in or authorize activities that might affect migratory birds, to minimize those effects and encourage conservation measures that will improve bird populations. Executive Order 13186 provides for the protection of both migratory birds and migratory bird habitat. For information regarding the implementation of Executive Order 13186, please visit https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/ executive-orders/e0-13186.php.

We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Code in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office.

06/19/2023 3

Attachment(s):

Official Species List USFWS National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries Migratory Birds Wetlands

06/19/2023 1

OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST

This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action".

This species list is provided by:

South Carolina Ecological Services 176 Croghan Spur Road, Suite 200 Charleston, SC 29407-7558

(843) 727-4707

PROJECT SUMMARY

Project Code: 2023-0095108 Project Name: Turbeville Fire Station 2 Project Type: Government / Municipal (Non-Military) Construction Project Description: The property is proposed to used for a new fire station for the Town of

Turbeville, SC.

Project Location:

The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:// www.google.com/maps/@33.89240475,-80.00677566754774,14z

Counties: Clarendon County, South Carolina https://www.google.com/maps/@33.89240475,-80.00677566754774,14z https://www.google.com/maps/@33.89240475,-80.00677566754774,14z

1.

ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES

There is a total of 6 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.

Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species.

IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the Department of Commerce.

See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions.

NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce.

MAMMALS

NAME STATUS

Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9045

Endangered

Tricolored Bat Perimyotis subflavus No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515

Proposed Endangered

BIRDS

NAME STATUS

Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7614

Endangered

INSECTS

NAME STATUS

Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743

Candidate https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/ https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9045 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7614 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743

06/19/2023 4

FLOWERING PLANTS

NAME STATUS

American Chaffseed Schwalbea americana No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1286

Endangered

Canby's Dropwort Oxypolis canbyi No critical habitat has been designated for this species.

Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7738

Endangered

CRITICAL HABITATS

THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S

JURISDICTION.

YOU ARE STILL REQUIRED TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PROJECT(S) MAY HAVE EFFECTS ON ALL

ABOVE LISTED SPECIES.

https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1286 https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7738

USFWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LANDS

AND FISH HATCHERIES

Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a 'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to discuss any questions or concerns.

THERE ARE NO REFUGE LANDS OR FISH HATCHERIES WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA.

http://www.fws.gov/refuges/

2.

3.

MIGRATORY BIRDS

Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act .

Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats should follow appropriate regulations and consider implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described below.

The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.

50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)

The birds listed below are birds of particular concern either because they occur on the USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list or warrant special attention in your project location. To learn more about the levels of concern for birds on your list and how this list is generated, see the FAQ below. This is not a list of every bird you may find in this location, nor a guarantee that every bird on this list will be found in your project area. To see exact locations of where birders and the general public have sighted birds in and around your project area, visit the E-bird data mapping tool (Tip: enter your location, desired date range and a species on your list). For projects that occur off the Atlantic Coast, additional maps and models detailing the relative occurrence and abundance of bird species on your list are available. Links to additional information about Atlantic Coast birds, and other important information about your migratory bird list, including how to properly interpret and use your migratory bird report, can be found below.

For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, click on the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY at the top of your list to see when these birds are most likely to be present and breeding in your project area.

NAME BREEDING SEASON

American Kestrel Falco sparverius paulus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9587

Breeds Apr 1 to Aug

Brown-headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA

Breeds Mar 1 to Jul

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.

Breeds Mar 15 to Aug 25 https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/bald-and-golden-eagle-protection-act.php https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/species http://ebird.org/ebird/map/ https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9587

3.

NAME BREEDING SEASON

Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.

Breeds Apr 1 to Jul

Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.

Breeds May 10 to Sep 10

Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.

Breeds May 10 to Aug 31

PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY

The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read and understand the FAQ "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting to interpret this report.

Probability of Presence ( )

Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4-week months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort (see below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high.

How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps:

The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is 0.25.

To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12 (0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2.

The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the probability of presence score.

Breeding Season ( ) no data survey effort breeding season probability of presence

Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time-frame inside which the bird breeds across its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project area.

Survey Effort ( ) Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys.

No Data ( ) A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week.

Survey Timeframe Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse.

SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

American Kestrel

BCC - BCR

Brown-headed Nuthatch

BCC - BCR

Chimney Swift BCC Rangewide

(CON)

Prothonotary Warbler BCC Rangewide

(CON)

Red-headed Woodpecker BCC Rangewide

(CON)

Wood Thrush BCC Rangewide

(CON)

Additional information can be found using the following links:

Birds of Conservation Concern https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/species Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fws.gov/library/ collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/species https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds https://www.fws.gov/library/collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds

06/19/2023 4

▪ Nationwide conservation measures for birds https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/ documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.pdf

MIGRATORY BIRDS FAQ

Tell me more about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds.

Nationwide Conservation Measures describes measures that can help avoid and minimize impacts to all birds at any location year round. Implementation of these measures is particularly important when birds are most likely to occur in the project area. When birds may be breeding in the area, identifying the locations of any active nests and avoiding their destruction is a very helpful impact minimization measure. To see when birds are most likely to occur and be breeding in your project area, view the Probability of Presence Summary. Additional measures or permits may be advisable depending on the type of activity you are conducting and the type of infrastructure or bird species present on your project site.

What does IPaC use to generate the list of migratory birds that potentially occur in my specified location?

The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location.

The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identified as warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to offshore activities or development.

Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information Locator (RAIL) Tool.

What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs for the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location?

The probability of presence graphs associated with your migratory bird list are based on data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). This data is derived from a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets.

Probability of presence data is continuously being updated as new and better information becomes available. To learn more about how the probability of presence graphs are produced and how to interpret them, go the Probability of Presence Summary and then click on the "Tell me about these graphs" link.

How do I know if a bird is breeding, wintering or migrating in my area?

To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding, wintering, migrating or year-round), you may query your location using the RAIL Tool and look https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.pdf https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.pdf https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.pdf https://avianknowledge.net/index.php/beneficial-practices/ https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/permits.php https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/species https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/species http://www.avianknowledge.net/ http://www.avianknowledge.net/ https://data.pointblue.org/api/v3/annual-summaries-about-data-types.html https://data.pointblue.org/api/v3/annual-summaries-about-data-types.html https://www.fws.gov/program/eagle-management https://data.pointblue.org/apps/rail/ https://data.pointblue.org/apps/rail/ https://avianknowledge.net/ https://data.pointblue.org/api/v3/annual-summaries-about-data-types.html https://data.pointblue.org/apps/rail/

06/19/2023 5

3.

at the range maps provided for birds in your area at the bottom of the profiles provided for each bird in your results. If a bird on your migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated with it, if that bird does occur in your project area, there may be nests present at some point within the timeframe specified. If "Breeds elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not breed in your project area.

What are the levels of concern for migratory birds?

Migratory birds delivered through IPaC fall into the following distinct categories of concern:

"BCC Rangewide" birds are Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) that are of concern throughout their range anywhere within the USA (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands);

"BCC - BCR" birds are BCCs that are of concern only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA; and "Non-BCC - Vulnerable" birds are not BCC species in your project area, but appear on your list either because of the Eagle Act requirements (for eagles) or (for non-eagles) potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities (e.g. offshore energy development or longline fishing).

Although it is important to try to avoid and minimize impacts to all birds, efforts should be made, in particular, to avoid and minimize impacts to the birds on this list, especially eagles and BCC species of rangewide concern. For more information on conservation measures you can implement to help avoid and minimize migratory bird impacts and requirements for eagles, please see the FAQs for these topics.

Details about birds that are potentially affected by offshore projects For additional details about the relative occurrence and abundance of both individual bird species and groups of bird species within your project area off the Atlantic Coast, please visit the Northeast Ocean Data Portal. The Portal also offers data and information about other taxa besides birds that may be helpful to you in your project review. Alternately, you may download the bird model results files underlying the portal maps through the NOAA NCCOS Integrative Statistical Modeling and Predictive Mapping of Marine Bird Distributions and Abundance on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf project webpage.

Bird tracking data can also provide additional details about occurrence and habitat use throughout the year, including migration. Models relying on survey data may not include this information. For additional information on marine bird tracking data, see the Diving Bird Study and the nanotag studies or contact Caleb Spiegel or Pam Loring.

What if I have eagles on my list?

If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur.

Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report The migratory bird list generated is not a list of all birds in your project area, only a subset of birds of priority concern. To learn more about how your list is generated, and see options for identifying what other birds may be in your project area, please see the FAQ "What does IPaC use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location". Please be https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/species https://www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-species/bald-and-golden-eagle-information.php http://www.northeastoceandata.org/data-explorer/?birds https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/statistical-modeling-marine-bird-distributions/ https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/statistical-modeling-marine-bird-distributions/ https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/statistical-modeling-marine-bird-distributions/ http://www.boem.gov/AT-12-02/ http://www.boem.gov/AT-13-01/ mailto:Caleb_Spiegel@fws.gov mailto:Pamela_Loring@fws.gov https://fwsepermits.servicenowservices.com/fws

06/19/2023 6 aware this report provides the "probability of presence" of birds within the 10 km grid cell(s) that overlap your project; not your exact project footprint. On the graphs provided, please also look carefully at the survey effort (indicated by the black vertical bar) and for the existence of the "no data" indicator (a red horizontal bar). A high survey effort is the key component. If the survey effort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In contrast, a low survey effort bar or no data bar means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for identifying what birds of concern have the potential to be in your project area, when they might be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list helps you know what to look for to confirm presence, and helps guide you in knowing when to implement conservation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts from your project activities, should presence be confirmed. To learn more about conservation measures, visit the FAQ "Tell me about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds" at the bottom of your migratory bird trust resources page.

WETLANDS

Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes.

For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District.

Please note that the NWI data being shown may be out of date. We are currently working to update our NWI data set. We recommend you verify these results with a site visit to determine the actual extent of wetlands on site.

WETLAND INFORMATION WAS NOT AVAILABLE WHEN THIS SPECIES LIST WAS GENERATED.

PLEASE VISIT HTTPS://WWW.FWS.GOV/WETLANDS/DATA/MAPPER.HTML OR CONTACT THE FIELD

OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/ http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/RegulatoryProgramandPermits.aspx http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/RegulatoryProgramandPermits.aspx https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/mapper.HTML

IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION

Agency: The Brigman Company Name: Jeffery Vereen Address: 607 Main Street Address Line 2: 607 Main Street City: Conway State: SC Zip: 29526 Email jvereen@thebrigmancompany.com Phone: 8432489388

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Requested on Monday, June 19, 2023 by Jeffery Vereen.

PO Box 167 Columbia, SC 29202

(803) 734-1396 speciesreview@dnr.sc.gov

Re: Request for Threatened and Endangered Species Consultation The Brigman Company - Turbeville Fire Station 2 - Development (Commercial/Residential) - Clarendon County, South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has received your request for threatened and endangered species consultation of the above named project in Clarendon County, South Carolina. The following map depicts the project area and a 1 mile buffer surrounding:

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W a tts R d

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Sources: Esri, USGS, CNES/Airbus DS, InterMap, Kartverket, LINZ, NASA/ METI, NASA/NGS, NLS Finland, NLSI, Ordnance Survey, SKGeodesy, Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA, County of Florence, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, US

Census Bureau, USDA 0 0.35 0.70.17 Miles

This report includes the following items:

A - A report for species which intersect the project area B - A report for species which intersect the buffer around the project area C - A list of best management practices relevant to species near to or within the project area D - A list of best management practices relevant to the project type E - A list of state & federally listed species within the county of the project area F - Instructions to submit new species observation records to the SC Natural Heritage Program

Please be advised:

The contents of this report, including all tables, maps, recommendations, and various other text, are produced as a direct result of the information a user provides at the time of submission. The SCDNR assumes that all information submitted by the user represents the project scope as proposed, and recommends that additional reports be requested should the scope deviate from how the project was initially represented to the SCDNR.

The technical comments outlined in this report are submitted to speak to the general impacts of the activities as described through inquiry by parties outside the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. These technical comments are submitted as guidance to be considered and are not submitted as final agency comments that might be related to any unspecified local, state or federal permit, certification or license applications that may be needed by any applicant or their contractors, consultants or agents presently under review or not yet made available for public review. In accordance with its policy 600.01, Comments on Projects Under Department Review, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, reserves the right to comment on any permit, certification or license application that may be published by any regulatory agency which may incorporate, directly or by reference, these technical comments.

Interested parties are to understand that SCDNR may provide a final agency position to regulatory agencies if any local, state or federal permit, certification or license applications may be needed by any applicant or their contractors, consultants or agents. For further information regarding comments and input from SCDNR on your project, please contact our Office of Environmental Programs by emailing environmental@dnr.sc.gov or by visiting www.dnr.sc.gov/environmental. Pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, requests for formal letters of concurrence with regards to federally listed species should be directed to the USFWS.

Should you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact our office by email at speciesreview@dnr.sc.gov or by phone at 803-734-1396.

Sincerely, Joseph Lemeris, Jr.

Heritage Trust Program SC Department of Natural Resources

There are 0 tracked species records found within the project foot print. The following table outlines occurrences found within the project footprint (if any), sorted by listing status and species name. Please keep in mind that this information is derived from existing databases and do not assume that it is complete. Areas not yet inventoried may contain significant species or communities. You can find more information about global and state rank status definitions by visiting Natureserve's web page. Please note that certain sensitive species found on site may be listed in this table but are not represented on the map. Please contact speciesreview@dnr.sc.gov should you have further questions related to sensitive species found within the project area.

Map Credits: Sources: Esri, USGS, CNES/Airbus DS, InterMap, Kartverket, LINZ, NASA/METI, NASA/NGS, NLS Finland, NLSI, Ordnance Survey, SKGeodesy, Esri Community Maps Contributors, County of Florence, © OpenStreetMap, Microsoft, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, A. Project Area - Species Report

No records for species of concern are found within the project area

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B. Buffer Area - Species Report The following table outlines rare, threatened or endangered species found within 1 miles of the project footprint, arranged in order of protection status and species name. Please keep in mind that this information is derived from existing databases and do not assume that it is complete. Areas not yet inventoried may contain significant species or communities. You can find more information about global and state rank status definitions by visiting Natureserve's web page. Please note that certain sensitive species found within the buffer area may be listed in this table but are not represented on the map.

Map Credits: Sources: Esri, USGS, CNES/Airbus DS, InterMap, Kartverket, LINZ, NASA/METI, NASA/NGS, NLS Finland, NLSI, Ordnance Survey, SKGeodesy, Esri, NASA, NGA, USGS, FEMA, County of Florence, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA

No records for species of concern are found within the buffered search distance area

C. Species Best Management Practices (1 of 1)

SCDNR offers the following comments and best management practices (BMPs) regarding this project's potential impacts to species of concern which may be found on or near to the project area. Please contact speciesreview@dnr.sc.gov should you have further questions with regard to survey methods, consultation, or other species-related concerns.

Map Credits: Sources: Esri, USGS, CNES/Airbus DS, InterMap, Kartverket, LINZ, NASA/METI, NASA/NGS, NLS Finland, NLSI, Ordnance Survey, SKGeodesy, Esri Community Maps Contributors, County of Florence, © OpenStreetMap, Microsoft, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, Related to American alligator (1 of 3):

American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), a federally and state regulated species, is common throughout freshwater habitats in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina. Juvenile alligators frequently utilize stormwater or stormwater-like ponds, such as golf course ponds or resort lagoons, to avoid being preyed upon by larger adult alligators. Alligators are ambush predators that spend most of their lives in water. They have a natural fear of people unless they become habituated. Most often alligators become habituated when people feed them, either purposefully or accidentally. Please note it is illegal to feed, entice or molest an alligator pursuant to S.C.

Code of Laws §50-15-500(C); it is also illegal to kill or possess an alligator without a permit pursuant to S.C. Code §50-15-500(D).

Accidental feeding can occur when people do not properly dispose of food or fish carcasses associated with recreational fishing or indirect feeding of other wildlife, such as fish, turtles, or ducks, where alligators resides. A habituated alligator is more likely to approach or be near people and pose a potential threat. Therefore, any development should be designed in a manner that will substantially minimize the interaction of alligators and people.

Related to American alligator (2 of 3):

The SCDNR recommends the following best management practices to deter human and alligator interactions:

• Any private property or private yards near ponds or waterways should be fenced to limit unexpected alligator encounters. If fencing individual yards is not possible, fencing around the pond should occur. Keeping people, pets, and children from the edge of the water is the single best way to prevent alligator interactions. Due to the alligator’s ability to ambush and lunge a great distance to capture its prey, walking paths around ponds should be a minimum of 10 feet from the shoreline.