ATTACHMENT N - NDDB Determination Renewal 16JAN2026.pdf

File.HTML[2/9/2024 9:34:51 AM]

1/16/2026

Casey Hogan casy@avizinis.com

Jane Urban

NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE NEW LONDON

PWD, Env Div.,PO Box 400, 439 Tautog Ave Rm #104 Groton, CT 06349 jane.urban@navy.mil

Subject: Weapons Compound Recapitalization Project Filing #: 98035

NDDB - New Determination Number: 202304009- Renewal

Expiration Date: 1/16/2028

Location: New London Submarine Base, Triton Ave, Ledyard

Additional Reporting Requirements have been removed, any questions should be addressed to Rachael Gaudio, Staff Attorney, rachael.gaudio@ct.gov.

I have reviewed Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) maps and files regarding this project. According to our records, there are State-listed species (RCSA Sec. 26-306) that may be influenced by activities within the proposed project area.

Eastern ribbon snake (Thamnophis sauritus)- State Special Concern

Eastern ribbon snakes inhabit areas with shallow water, grassy or shrubby areas bordering streams and wooded swamps. They also prefer sunny areas with low dense vegetation near shallow water areas. Their diet consists of insects, fish, frogs, salamanders and toads.

They are dormant between Oct 15- March 31. Hibernacula are generally near feeding grounds, but can extend as far as 200m from shorelines if elevation is less than 1m above water body.

Please refer to reptile protection plan (attached).

Your submission information indicates that your project requires a state permit, license, registration, or authorization, or utilizes state funding or involves state agency action. This NDDB - New determination may be utilized to fulfill the Endangered and Threatened Species requirements for state-issued permit applications, licenses, registration submissions, and authorizations.

Please be aware of the following limitations and conditions:

Natural Diversity Database information includes all information regarding listed species available to us at the time of the request. This information is a compilation of data collected over the years by the Department of mailto:jane.urban@navy.mil mailto:rachael.gaudio@ct.gov

Energy and Environmental Protection's Natural History Survey and cooperating units of DEEP, land owners, private conservation groups and the scientific community. This information is not necessarily the result of comprehensive or site-specific field investigations. Current research projects and new contributors continue to identify additional populations of species and locations of habitats of concern, as well as enhance existing data. Such new information is incorporated into the Database and accessed through the ezFile portal as it becomes available. New information may result in additional review, and new or modified restrictions or conditions may be necessary to remain in compliance with certain state permits.

During your work listed species may be encountered on site. A report must be submitted by the observer to the Natural Diversity Database promptly and additional review and restrictions or conditions may be necessary to remain in compliance with certain state permits. Please fill out the appropriate survey form and follow the instructions for submittal.

Your project involves the state permit application process or other state involvement, including state funding or state agency actions; please note that consultations with your permit analyst or the agency may result in additional requirements. In this situation, additional evaluation of the proposal by the DEEP Wildlife Division may be necessary and additional information, including but not limited to species-specific site surveys, may be required. Any additional review may result in specific restrictions or conditions relating to listed species that may be found at or in the vicinity of the site.

If your project involves preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment, this NDDB consultation and determination should not be substituted for biological field surveys assessing on-site habitat and species presence.

The NDDB - New determination for the Weapons Compound Recapitalization Project as described in the submitted information and summarized at the end of this document is valid until 2/9/2026. This determination applies only to the project as described in the submission and summarized at the end of this letter. Please re-submit an updated Request for Review if the project's scope of work and/or timeframe changes, including if work has not begun by 2/9/2026.

Additional reporting requirements indicated above have been requested. Include the Project Name Weapons Compound Recapitalization Project and Determination Number 202304009 on all correspondence. Please note that, as stated above, survey data indicating the presence of listed species not described in this letter may necessitate additional review and restrictions or conditions. Forward additional reporting requirements to each of the following two addresses:

1. Shannon.Kearney@ct.gov

2. deep.nddbrequest@ct.gov

If you have further questions, please contact me at the following:

Shannon Kearney CT DEEP Bureau of Natural Resources

Wildlife Division Natural Diversity Database

79 Elm Street Hartford, CT 06106-5127

(860) 424-3170 Shannon.Kearney@ct.gov

Please reference the Determination Number 202304009 when you e-mail or write. Thank you for consulting the Natural Diversity Data Base.

Shannon Kearney Wildlife Division- Natural Diversity Data Base 79 Elm Street https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/NDDB/Contribute-Data-to-the-NDDB https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/NDDB/Contribute-Data-to-the-NDDB mailto:Shannon.Kearney@ct.gov mailto:deep.nddbrequest@ct.gov mailto:Shannon.Kearney@ct.gov

Hartford, CT 06106-5127

(860) 424-3170 Shannon.Kearney@ct.gov mailto:Shannon.Kearney@ct.gov

Application Details:

Project involves federal funds or federal permit: Yes Project involves state funds, state agency action, or relates to CEPA request:

No

Project requires state permit, license, registration, or authorization:

Yes

DEEP enforcement action related to project:

Project Type:

Project Sub-type: Addition to an existing facility Project Name: Weapons Compound Recapitalization

Project Project Description:

Eastern Ribbon Snake Construction Impact Protection Plan

The Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus) is a non-venomous species of snake found in wetlands, forests, and shrub lands near bodies of water. Eastern ribbon snakes can be identified by their dark brown to black backs with three well defined yellow stripes running from head to tail. These snakes are harmless to humans and rarely grow above 32 inches in length. Eastern Ribbon Snakes have an active period lasting from April 1 to October 1 and hibernate for the remainder of the year.

Eastern ribbon snakes are listed as a Species of Special Concern under the Connecticut Endangered

Species Act. The following protective measures will mitigate harm to Eastern Ribbon Snakes while also limiting impact to other herptofauna within the project area.

Either a Navy employee or a Navy contractor will serve as the Environmental Monitor for this project to ensure that the following protective measures are implemented properly:

1. Construction Worker and Contractor Education

2. Exclusionary Barrier Installation and Maintenance

3. Targeted Searches

4. Construction Protective Measures

5. Reporting

1. Construction Worker and Contractor Education

a. Prior to the start of construction any and all personnel working within the Eastern

Ribbon Snake habitat will attend an education session at the preconstruction meeting.

This educational session will consist of an introduction to the species including photos, emphasis of their non-aggressive nature, and the need to follow prescribed protection measures.

b. Personnel will be provided with contacts for the Environmental Monitor to immediately report encounters or sightings of Eastern Ribbon Snakes in or around the construction area.

c. Educational posters will be displayed on the job site to maintain worker awareness of the species.

2. Exclusionary Barrier Installation and Maintenance

a. To prevent Eastern Ribbon Snake entry into construction areas exclusionary barriers will be installed where wetlands are present at the limits of disturbance as shown on the plans.

b. The barrier must be installed and inspected after April 1 and prior to October 1.

c. Exclusionary fencing shall be at least 20 inches tall and must be secured to be in full and continuous contact with the ground. Standard silt fencing is adequate; fencing with netting shall not be used to avoid accidental harm of Eastern Ribbon Snakes.

d. The Environmental Monitor will inspect the barrier after install to ensure it has been satisfactorily installed; Regular inspections will occur to ensure no gaps in the barrier or between the barrier and ground exist.

e. All openings within the barrier, used for work day accessibility, shall be closed by the completion of each work day.

f. No heavy equipment, vehicles, or construction materials shall be stored outside the exclusionary barrier

3. Targeted Searches

a. Upon completion of the exclusionary barrier the project limits will be searched for

Eastern Ribbon Snakes during their active period from April 1 to October 1

b. A Relocation Zone will be designated by the Environmental Monitor as a location external to the project area that satisfies the habitat requirements of the species.

c. Prior to work commencing each morning the project area will be searched for the presence of Eastern Ribbon snakes.

d. All Eastern Ribbon Snakes observed in the initial and daily searches will be removed from within the barrier and relocated to the designated Relocation Zone.

4. Construction Protective Measures

a. Care should be taken to not disrupt exclusionary barriers and to close up openings used for access quickly.

b. Any Eastern Ribbon Snakes found during construction activities should be moved with care using a light grasp and supporting its body using two hands. They are non-venomous and unlikely to bite but may excrete a smelly substance called musk as a defense.

5. Reporting

a. Following the completion of construction activities, the Environmental Monitor will provide a report documenting the monitoring and maintenance of exclusionary barriers and other aspects of the protection plan.

b. Any observations of Eastern Ribbon Snakes or other state listed species will be reported to Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection with photographs, location, disposition, and any other information of the animal gathered.

Please refer to reptile protection plan (attached).