Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Diamond Darter, 45074-45095 [2013-17938]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 144 (Friday, July 26, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45074-45095]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17938]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2012-0045; 4500030113]
RIN 1018-AY12


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species 
Status for Diamond Darter

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine 
endangered species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
(Act), as amended, for diamond darter (Crystallaria cincotta), a fish 
species from Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The 
effect of this regulation will be to add this species to the Lists of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.

DATES: This rule becomes effective August 26, 2013.

ADDRESSES: This final rule is available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov and at the West Virginia Field Office. Comments and 
materials we received, as well as supporting documentation used in 
preparing this rule, are available for public inspection at https://www.regulations.gov. All of the comments, materials, and documentation 
that we considered in this rulemaking are available, by appointment, 
during normal business hours at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, West 
Virginia Field Office, 694 Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV 26241, by telephone 
(304) 636-6586 or by facsimile (304) 636-7824.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Schmidt, Acting Field Supervisor, 
West Virginia Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section). If you 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Summary

    Why we need to publish a rule. Under the Endangered Species Act 
(Act), a species may warrant protection through listing if it is 
endangered throughout all or a significant portion of its range. 
Listing a species as an endangered or threatened species can only be 
completed by issuing a rule. We will also be finalizing a designation 
of

[[Page 45075]]

critical habitat for the diamond darter under the Act in the near 
future.
    This rule will finalize the listing of the diamond darter 
(Crystallaria cincotta) as an endangered species.
    The basis for our action. Under the Act, we can determine that a 
species is an endangered or threatened species based on any of five 
factors: (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) Overutilization for 
commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; (C) 
Disease or predation; (D) The inadequacy of existing regulations; or 
(E) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence. 
The Act also requires that we designate critical habitat concurrently 
with listing determinations, if designation is prudent and 
determinable. We have determined that the diamond darter is endangered 
by water quality degradation; habitat loss; a small population size 
that makes the species vulnerable to the effects of the spread of 
invasive species; loss of genetic fitness; and catastrophic events, 
such as toxic spills.
    Peer review and public comment. We sought comments from independent 
specialists to ensure that our designation is based on scientifically 
sound data, assumptions, and analyses. We invited these peer reviewers 
to comment on our listing proposal. We also considered all comments and 
information received during the comment periods.

Previous Federal Actions

    Please refer to the proposed listing rule for the diamond darter 
(77 FR 43906, July 26, 2012) for a detailed description of previous 
Federal actions concerning this species.
    We will also finalize a designation of critical habitat for the 
diamond darter under the Act in the near future.

Background

    Please refer to the proposed listing rule for the diamond darter 
(77 FR 43906, July 26, 2012) for a complete summary of the species' 
information.

Summary of Biological Status and Threats

    The diamond darter, a fish species in the perch family, inhabits 
medium to large, warmwater streams with moderate current and clean sand 
and gravel substrates (Simon and Wallus 2006, p. 52). In the Elk River 
of West Virginia, the diamond darter has been collected from riffles 
and pools where swift currents result in clean-swept, predominately 
sand and gravel substrates that lack silty depositions (Osier 2005, p. 
11).
    Historical records of the species indicate that the diamond darter 
was distributed throughout the Ohio River Basin and that the range 
included the Muskingum River in Ohio; the Ohio River in Ohio, Kentucky, 
and Indiana; the Green River in Kentucky; and the Cumberland River 
Drainage in Kentucky and Tennessee. The species is currently known to 
exist only within the lower Elk River in Kanawha and Clay Counties, 
West Virginia, where it was rediscovered in 1980 (Cincotta and Hoeft 
1987, p. 133), and is considered extirpated from the remainder of the 
Ohio River Basin (Cicerello 2003, p. 3; Welsh and Wood 2008, pp. 62, 
68). The species has not been collected since 1899 in Ohio, 1929 in 
Kentucky, and 1939 in Tennessee (Grandmaison et al. 2003, p. 6).
    Despite extensive surveys using multiple gear types, including many 
specifically targeting the diamond darter, no diamond darters have been 
found anywhere besides the Elk River, West Virginia, in more than 70 
years. The diamond darter has been extirpated from most of its 
historical range, and is currently known to occur only within a single 
reach of the Elk River in West Virginia. Extirpation from these 
historical habitats likely resulted from a progression of habitat 
degradation and subsequent reductions in fish populations; this started 
with a significant increase in siltation due to land use changes 
beginning in the mid 1800s and continuing into the early 1900s, 
followed by water quality degradation associated with increases in 
sewage, industrial discharges, and mining effluents entering the water, 
and then finally the impoundment of rivers that inundated riffle 
habitat and further increased the amount of siltation (Preston and 
White 1978, pp. 2-4; Trautman 1981, pp. 21-29; Pearson and Pearson 
1989, pp. 181-184). The combination of these factors, culminating in 
the impoundment of rivers, likely led to population reductions and then 
eventual extirpations of the diamond darter from historical habitats.
    A number of factors have likely allowed the Elk River to continue 
to support this species. The Elk River watershed is dominated by steep, 
relatively inaccessible terrain. As a result, the area was not easy to 
settle or develop, and large-scale land use changes, industrial 
development, and human population increases, along with the resultant 
siltation and reductions in water quality, did not begin in this area 
until much later and were much less pervasive than in many other 
portions of the species' range (Northern and Southern West Virginia 
Railroad Company 1873, pp. 9-32; Brooks 1910, p. 1; West Virginia 
Agricultural Experiment Station 1937, p. 1; Trautman 1981, pp. 13-35; 
Strager 2008, p. 9). In addition, the Elk River is located adjacent to 
the main Appalachian Plateau, with steep valleys and underlying porous 
soils. This allows for the absorption of a considerable portion of 
rainfall, which tends to retard runoff and maintain the flow of larger 
streams in the watershed even in periods of low rainfall (Baloch et al. 
1970, p. 3). Finally, the Elk River is still free flowing and largely 
unimpounded for much of its length. These factors likely reduced the 
duration and severity of historical water quality degradation and 
siltation experienced in this watershed compared to other portions of 
the species' range. Other species, such as the Western sand darter, 
show a similar pattern to the diamond darter of extirpation in other 
Ohio River watersheds, while retaining populations within the Elk River 
(Cincotta and Welsh 2010, pp. 318-325).
    Very little information is available on the reproductive biology 
and early life history of the diamond darter (Welsh et al. 2008, p. 1; 
Ruble and Welsh 2010, p. 1), but spawning likely occurs mid-April to 
May, and larvae hatch within 7 to 9 days afterward (Ruble et al. 2010, 
pp. 11-12). If the diamond darter's reproductive behavior is similar to 
crystal darters in the wild, then females may be capable of multiple 
spawning events and producing multiple clutches of eggs in one season 
(George et al. 1996, p. 75). Crystal darters lay their eggs in side 
channel riffle habitats over sand and gravel substrates in moderate 
current. Adult crystal darters do not guard their eggs (Simon and 
Wallus 2006, p. 56). Embryos develop in the clean interstitial spaces 
of the coarse substrate (Simon and Wallus 2006, p. 56).
    After hatching, the larvae are pelagic and drift within the water 
column (Osier 2005, p. 12; Simon and Wallus 2006, p. 56; NatureServe 
2008, p. 1). The larva may drift downstream until they reach slower 
water conditions such as pools, backwaters, or eddies (Lindquist and 
Page 1984, p. 27). Darter larva may be poorly developed skeletally and 
unable to hold position or swim upstream where stronger currents exist 
(Lindquist and Page 1984, p. 27). It is not known how long diamond 
darters or crystal darters remain in this pelagic phase, but the 
pelagic phase of other darters adapted to larger rivers lasts for 15 to 
30 days (Rakes 2013, p.

[[Page 45076]]

1). The duration of time that larvae drift in the current (the drift 
interval) differs between species based on the size of the stream the 
larvae use and the food that the larvae eat (Lindquist and Page 1984, 
pp. 27-28). Species with smaller drift intervals may have reduced 
genetic exchange as less mixing may occur between stocks in upstream 
and downstream populations, and, therefore, they may be more 
susceptible to genetic isolation (Lindquist and Page 1984, pp. 28-29). 
Downstream movement of young during larval drift must be offset by 
upstream migration of juveniles and adults, so species with longer 
drift intervals likely undertake more extensive spawning migrations 
than those without (Lindquist and Page 1984, p. 27). The life 
expectancy and age of first reproduction of diamond darters is unknown 
in the wild, but has been reported to range from two to four years, 
although some authors have suggested the potential to live up to seven 
years (Osier 2005, Simon and Wallus 2006). Individual diamond darters 
have been maintained in captivity for 2 years.
    Although there are currently insufficient data available to develop 
an overall population estimate for the species, the results of numerous 
survey efforts confirm that the species is extremely rare. Fish surveys 
have been conducted in the Elk River in 1936, 1971, 1973, 1978 to 1983, 
1986, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, and every year since 1999 (Welsh et al. 
2004, pp. 17-18; Welsh 2008, p. 2; Welsh 2009a, p. 1). Survey methods 
included backpack and boat electrofishing, underwater observation, kick 
seines, bag seines, benthic trawls, and spotlights (Welsh et al. 2004, 
p. 4; Welsh et al. 2012, 1-18). Starting in early 1990s, the timing of 
sampling and specific methods used were targeted towards those shown to 
be effective at capturing Crystallaria and similar darter species 
during previous efforts (Welsh et al. 2004, pp. 4-5; Hatch 1997, 
Shepard et al. 1999, and Katula 2000 in Welsh et al. 2004, p. 9; Ruble 
2011a, p. 1). Despite extensive and targeted survey efforts within the 
species' known range and preferred habitat in the Elk River, fewer than 
125 individuals have been collected in the more than 30 years since the 
species was first collected in the Elk River (SEFC 2008 p. 10; Cincotta 
2009a, p. 1; Cincotta 2009b, p. 1; Welsh 2009b, p. 1, Ruble and Welsh 
2010, p. 2). Over 80 percent of these collections occurred in the past 
5 years. The increased capture rates in recent years are most likely a 
direct result of more focused conservation efforts, including recent 
research on the species' habitat requirements, coupled with the 
availability of habitat maps for the entire Elk River, which has 
allowed survey efforts to concentrate on specific areas of the Elk 
River where diamond darters are most likely to be found. Also, the 
development and use of new survey techniques that have a higher 
detection rate for diamond darters have resulted in more comprehensive 
surveys (Ruble 2011a, p. 1; West Virginia Division of Natural Resources 
(WVDNR) 2012, p. 83; Welsh et al. 2012, pp. 8-10).
    For example, previous research documented that diamond darters are 
most likely to be captured in shoals and concentrate in these areas to 
forage. In 2012, additional focused survey efforts were conducted in 
selected shoals that had previously been mapped, and either had 
previous diamond darter captures or appeared to be highly suitable 
habitat for the species based on visual assessments (Ruble 2011a, p. 1; 
Welsh et al. 2012, pp. 8-10). Habitat evaluations were conducted within 
these shoals to refine the delineation areas that appeared to have the 
most likely foraging habitat for the species; areas were then sampled 
using survey techniques that have been most successful at locating 
diamond darters (Welsh et al. 2012, pp. 1-18). Surveys were conducted 
during low water conditions and during the time of night when diamond 
darters were expected to be active and foraging, so that most diamond 
darters present should be visible. Transects were spaced across the 
surveyed areas so that the entire delineated habitat area was sampled 
(Welsh et al. 2012, p. 9). Ten of the 28 shoals within the range of the 
species were sampled. The number of diamond darters located at each 
shoal ranged from 0 to 20. A total of 82 diamond darters were 
documented. Four additional shoals located upstream of King Shoals, 
outside the currently known range of the diamond darter, were also 
sampled. No diamond darters were located in these upstream areas (Welsh 
et al. p. 10). These recent numbers provide a sense of the potential 
distribution and total abundance of the species present in the Elk 
River in 1 year.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

    In the proposed rule to list the diamond darter as endangered and 
designate critical habitat that published on July 26, 2012 (77 FR 
43906), we requested that all interested parties submit written 
comments by September 25, 2012. We also contacted appropriate Federal 
and State agencies, scientific experts and organizations, and other 
interested parties and invited them to comment on the proposal. 
Newspaper notices inviting general public comment were published in the 
Charleston Gazette and the Courier Journal, which in combination cover 
all affected counties in West Virginia and Kentucky. We did not receive 
any requests for a public hearing. The second comment period opened on 
March 29, 2013, and closed on April 29, 2013 (78 FR 19172), and 
requested comments on the proposed rule and a draft economic analysis 
(DEA) prepared in support of the proposed critical habitat designation.
    During the first comment period, we received 14 comment letters, 1 
of which was a duplicate, from 13 individuals or entities directly 
addressing the proposed listing of the diamond darter as endangered. 
During the second comment period, we received 10 additional comment 
letters, 1 of which bulk-submitted approximately 4,840 form letters, 
from 9 individuals or entities. General, nonsubstantive comments of an 
editorial nature were incorporated in the final rule as appropriate. 
Substantive comments regarding the proposed listing are summarized and 
addressed below. Comments addressing the proposed designation of 
critical habitat and the associated DEA, rather than the proposed 
listing, are discussed and addressed under a separate rulemaking 
finalizing a designation of critical habitat for the diamond darter 
under the Act, that we intend to publish in the near future.

Peer Reviewer Comments

    In accordance with our peer review policy published on July 1, 1994 
(59 FR 34270), we solicited expert opinion from five knowledgeable 
individuals with scientific expertise on the diamond darter and its 
habitat, biological needs, and threats. We received individual 
responses from three of the peer reviewers. One peer reviewer's 
response was incorporated into comments submitted by his employer, the 
WVDNR. Those comments are addressed under Comments from States.
    We reviewed all comments received from the peer reviewers for 
substantive issues and new information regarding the listing of the 
diamond darter. The peer reviewers all generally concurred with our 
conclusions and provided supporting information on the taxonomy, 
distribution, and threats described in the proposed rule. Two peer 
reviewers explicitly concurred that threats to the only remaining 
population of the diamond darter in the Elk River, West Virginia, were 
accurately

[[Page 45077]]

described, and that scientific evidence supported listing the species 
as endangered. One peer reviewer also commented about the similarities 
between the diamond darter and the only other species in the genus, the 
crystal darter, and described how that species has also been extirpated 
from much of its historic range. Minor edits as a result of these peer 
reviewer comments were incorporated into the final rule as appropriate. 
We received one additional substantive comment as described below.
    (1) Comment: The extent of potential larval drift should be 
considered when describing potential diamond darter distribution. 
Additional research is needed to determine how far larval drift occurs 
and what larvae are eating in the wild.
    Our Response: We concur that it is important to consider 
requirements of larval life stages and the potential for larval drift. 
We have added information to the life history section about potential 
larval movements. We also concur that additional species-specific 
research on this topic is needed so we can more accurately describe the 
life history of this species. However, the Act requires that the 
Secretary shall make determinations solely on the basis of the best 
available scientific and commercial data available. Because further 
information about the diamond darter's larval stage is not available 
and the current data supports our endangered status determination for 
the species, we have determined that larval drift information is not 
required to finalize the listing of the diamond darter.

Federal Agency Comments

    The only Federal agency comments we received were from the Natural 
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The NRCS submitted comment 
letters during each of the two comment periods.
    (2) Comment: The NRCS acknowledged its responsibility under section 
7(a)(1) of the Act to conserve listed species and its numerous programs 
that focus on aquatic restoration that could benefit the diamond 
darter. The agency indicated a willingness to work with us to 
concentrate implementation of its programs in the areas that support 
the diamond darter. The agency also indicated that it has already 
incorporated programmatic measures to ensure many of its activities 
avoid adverse effects to the diamond darter and include implementation 
of species-specific conservation measures. The agency recommended that 
the Service work with the NRCS to update these programmatic agreements 
and develop mutually acceptable avoidance measures and beneficial 
practices for the diamond darter. The programmatic approach will reduce 
regulatory burdens on landowners who are working with the NRCS and will 
expedite conservation of the species.
    Our Response: The Service concurs that the NRCS has acted 
proactively to protect the diamond darter and other sensitive aquatic 
species and that the NRCS has many programs that can benefit this 
species. We appreciate its support and recognize that partnerships are 
essential for the conservation of the diamond darter and other 
federally listed or imperiled species. We fully support developing and 
updating programmatic approaches to recover this species and look 
forward to continued work with the NRCS.

Comments From States

    Section 4(i) of the Act states, ``the Secretary shall submit to the 
State agency a written justification for his failure to adopt 
regulations consistent with the agency's comments or petition.'' We 
received comments from two State agencies, the WVDNR and the West 
Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). Comments 
received from the State agencies are summarized below, followed by our 
responses to their additional substantive comments.
    The WVDNR concurred with the proposed designation and stated that 
the Service has ``conclusively substantiated that the only known 
population of this species . . . is vulnerable to destruction, 
modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range, and is without 
adequate existing regulations to assist its continued survival.'' The 
agency further stated that the Service has provided an ``overwhelming 
amount of data'' that the species meets the criteria for endangered 
status, and that the only known population of this species could be 
extirpated by a single adverse event or from chronic pollution or 
sedimentation. The agency provided additional comments supportive of 
our description of the species' taxonomy, and of our descriptions of 
habitats used by the species.
    The WVDNR agreed with our assessment of the threats to the species' 
habitat and range as listed under the Summary of Factors Affecting the 
Species--Factor A, including sedimentation, mining, and oil and gas 
development. The agency stated that the documentation provided 
demonstrates conclusively that the threats described may either 
independently or cumulatively impact the existence of the diamond 
darter in the Elk River. The agency particularly noted the threats 
associated with sedimentation, and described it as one of the most 
underrated impacts to aquatic environments in the State. The agency 
suggested that increased inspections and enforcement of regulations at 
mining, gas, and forestry sites to control sedimentation within the Elk 
River watershed should occur. The WVDNR concurred that there were no 
major threats associated with overutilization or disease or predation 
as described under the Summary of Factors Affecting the Species--
Factors B and C, respectively, but expressed a willingness to develop 
additional protections for this species through the West Virginia 
scientific collecting or fishing permit process, if this is deemed 
necessary. In regard to Factor D, the WVDNR concurred that existing 
regulatory mechanisms are often vague and are not directly applicable 
to the needs of the diamond darter. Existing laws such as the Clean 
Water Act, Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, and State 
natural resource laws may indirectly mitigate threats, but protections 
under the Act may be necessary to provide for the continued maintenance 
and preservation of the last remaining population. Finally, the WVDNR 
expressed a willingness to work with us on developing a recovery plan.
    The WVDEP concurred that the diamond darter's small remaining 
population is susceptible to the effects of diminished genetic 
variability and invasive species such as Didymosphenia geminate, but 
questioned the significance of various threats to the species, as well 
as our description of embeddedness and sedimentation in relation to the 
species' habitat requirements. A summary of additional substantive 
comments received from State agencies and our responses are provided 
below.
    (3) Comment: The WVDNR does not concur with Woolman (1892) that the 
diamond darter was probably always uncommon throughout its range. 
Rather, based on recent sampling efforts, the WVDNR suggested that the 
species is evasive to standard collecting methods that were common 
during Woolman's time period. The agency, therefore, concurs with 
Trautman (1981) that the species was probably common before 1900 and 
suggests that diamond darter populations must be of a certain size 
before their presence can be detected with traditional collecting 
methods. The agency submits that the diamond darter was first detected 
in the Elk River in the 1980s because the diamond darter

[[Page 45078]]

population had increased in response to water quality improvements 
resulting from environmental regulations enacted in the late 1970s. The 
agency provided additional data regarding similar population increases 
seen in other fish in the Ohio, Monongahela, Kanawha, and Little 
Kanawha Rivers.
    Our Response: We have reexamined the original text from Woolman 
(1892, pp. 249-288). His statement about the species being ``not widely 
distributed, nor common anywhere'' appears to refer specifically to the 
results of his surveys within selected streams in Kentucky, and does 
not apply to the species' entire range. Woolman does not provide 
detailed descriptions of the methods used during his collection, but 
based on references to seines in several places of the document, and 
the description of the conditions experienced at sampling sites, it 
appears his collections were made during the day using seines. Based on 
our review of recent captures and survey techniques used and the 
biology of the species, we concur that diamond darters are not likely 
to be frequently captured by the sampling techniques used by Woolman. 
In addition, Woolman captured multiple diamond darters with relatively 
little effort (time spent sampling) while conducting surveys using 
seine nets during the day when the species is likely to be buried in 
the sand. Woolman's sampling method is in comparison to the level of 
effort recently required to collect multiple diamond darters using 
seine nets at night when the species is likely more active and not 
buried in the sand. This discrepancy in sampling methodology would 
indicate that diamond darters were likely more abundant and thus more 
likely to be captured, during the time of Woolman's sampling. It 
therefore seems reasonable and logical to infer that diamond darters 
were historically more widespread and abundant than would be indicated 
by the results of surveys conducted by Woolman and others of his time 
period who were using methods now known to be not well suited to 
documenting the species and during times of day when the species is 
less likely to be active.
    It is also reasonable to assume that water quality improvements 
since the late 1970s may have had a positive effect on diamond darter 
populations, similar to the effect on populations of other fish 
species. In addition to the data cited by the WVDNR, surveys on the 
Ohio River mainstem between 1957 and 2001 documented a general 
improvement in abundance and diversity of fish populations over that 
time. Of the 56 species whose population trends could be analyzed, 35 
(62 percent) showed an increase (Thomas et al. 2004, p. 436). In 
addition, 11 out of 13 fish species listed as of special concern, 
threatened, or endangered by one or more of the Ohio River border 
States showed population increases (Thomas et al. 2004, p. 439). These 
improvements were attributed to improved water quality in the Ohio 
River mainstem and its tributaries (Pearson and Pearson 1989, p. 186; 
Thomas et al. 2004, pp. 440-442). This may be one factor that allowed 
the diamond darter to be detected in the Elk River in the late 1980s. 
Another factor may be that, before the 1950s, the West Virginia fish 
fauna were poorly sampled due to difficult terrain and limited roads, 
so few surveys took place historically in the Elk River and other 
relatively inaccessible West Virginia watersheds, while there are more 
extensive records from watersheds in other States that were more 
accessible and, thus, more frequently sampled (Cincotta and Welsh 2010, 
p. 323).
    Therefore, we concur that the diamond darter was likely more 
abundant and widespread than may be indicated by historical surveys, 
and also may have responded positively to previous water quality 
improvements. However, we lack empirical data on which to base 
historical estimates of population or distribution beyond the actual 
results of collections as described in the Species Distribution and 
Status section of the proposed listing rule, and we cannot speculate on 
historical distribution or actual historical abundances of the diamond 
darter in those areas, including in the Elk River. Current survey 
methods using multiple gear types, or using methods targeted toward 
capturing the diamond darter, provide a more accurate indication of the 
current potential abundance and distribution of the species.
    (4) Comment: The WVDNR commented that the only record for the 
Western sand darter in the State is from the same area as the diamond 
darter, and that the Western sand darter shares a pattern of 
extirpation within Ohio River drainages similar to that seen in the 
diamond darter. The Elk River likely functioned as a refugium for these 
two species because of the fairly large size of the watershed, the 
free-flowing nature of much of the Elk River, and its position adjacent 
to the montane, high-gradient flows of the main Appalachian Plateau, 
all of which kept the habitats sufficiently clean.
    Our Response: We concur that these factors allowed the Elk River to 
serve as a refugium for many aquatic species, including both the 
diamond darter and the Western sand darter. Of the watersheds that 
either currently or were historically known to support the species, the 
Elk River is unique in having this combination of factors, and this 
combination of factors likely allowed this river to continue to support 
these species despite historical perturbations. Cincotta and Welsh 
(2010, pp. 318-325) provide additional documentation of the Western 
sand darter's similar pattern of historical rangewide distribution and 
extirpation, as well as subsequent rediscovery in the Elk River in the 
mid-1980s. We have added a discussion in the final rule about 
additional factors that may have allowed the Elk River to retain 
populations of the diamond darter, and referenced similar trends in 
distribution and abundance seen in the Western sand darter.
    (5) Comment: The WVDEP suggests that the primary and most direct 
cause of the diamond darter's decline was from habitat loss and 
population isolation associated with historical impoundment of streams 
that the species inhabited, rather than water quality degradation or 
inadequate regulatory mechanisms. The agency suggested that the diamond 
darter likely has persisted in the Elk River because it is largely 
unimpounded, and that the impacts of impoundment are understated in the 
proposed rule.
    Our Response: We concur that impoundment was one of the most direct 
and dramatic historical causes of diamond darter habitat loss. 
Impoundment of rivers for navigation may have been the final factor 
resulting in extirpation of the diamond darter from many of its 
historical habitats. However, most citations that discuss historical 
conditions within the previous range of the diamond darter mention a 
progression of habitat degradation and subsequent reductions in fish 
populations; this progression started with a significant increase in 
siltation due to land use changes in the mid-1800s and continued into 
the early 1900s, followed by water quality degradation associated with 
increases in sewage, industrial discharges, and mining effluents 
entering the water, and then, finally, the impoundment of rivers that 
inundated riffle habitat and further increased the amount of siltation 
(Preston and White 1978, pp. 2-4; Trautman 1981, pp. 21-29; Pearson and 
Pearson 1989, pp. 181-184). Consistent with the discussions in these 
references, we conclude that the combination of these factors, 
culminating in the impoundment of rivers, likely led to population 
reductions and then eventual extirpations of the fish species. We have 
thus retained discussions of

[[Page 45079]]

siltation and the various sources of water quality degradation as 
threats to the diamond darter discussed under the Summary of Factors 
Affecting the Species--Factor A. We have also included a statement 
about the significance of impoundment in extirpating the species from 
much of its historical range. See our response to comment 4 
for further discussion of factors that may have allowed the species to 
survive in the Elk River, including the river's relatively free-flowing 
condition, and our response to comment 3 for discussion of the 
potential effects of historical water quality degradation and 
regulatory mechanisms.
    (6) Comment: The WVDEP commented that the concept of embeddedness 
described in the proposed rule is inconsistent with the species' 
habitat requirements. The agency stated that, if the diamond darter 
occupies habitats with ample sand, some embeddedness of the larger 
particles in these areas is expected and necessary. If diamond darters 
are captured on sand, they are likely not being collected from 
substrates with `sparse to low embeddedness.' The agency further 
suggested that the concepts of siltation versus sedimentation be 
clarified since it would appear that the diamond darter is susceptible 
to the effects of siltation, which is the accumulation of fines (e.g., 
particles smaller than sand), while being dependent upon a relative 
abundance of sand to fulfill life history functions.
    Our Response: Embeddedness is generally described as a measure of 
the degree that cobble, gravel, and boulder substrates are surrounded, 
impacted in, or covered by fine materials (Shipman 2000, p. 12). As 
substrates become embedded, the surface area available to 
macroinvertebrates and fish (shelter, spawning, and egg incubation) is 
decreased (Barbour et al. 1999, pp. 5-13; Sylte and Fischenich 2007, p. 
12). Researchers use at least five methods for measuring embeddedness, 
but sampling methods are not standardized and ``fines'' are not 
consistently defined (Sylte and Fischenich 2007, p. 12). As noted by 
WVDEP, many methodologies include sands as ``fines'' that increase 
embeddedness (Barbour et al. 1999, pp. 5-13). However, other methods 
are more ambiguous. For example, Shipman (2000, p. 12) explains that 
``naturally sandy streams are not considered embedded; however, a sand 
predominated stream that is the result of anthropogenic activities that 
have buried the natural course substrates is considered embedded.'' 
These inconsistent definitions may make use of the term embeddedness 
confusing, particularly for a species such as the diamond darter that 
requires substrates with a high natural percentage of sands.
    We concur with the WVDEP that the diamond darter is susceptible to 
the effects of siltation, which is the accumulation of fines, or 
particles smaller than sand, while being dependent upon a relative 
abundance of natural sand to fulfill certain life-history functions. We 
have therefore clarified in the final rule that the diamond darter 
requires substrates that are not embedded with fine silts or clays, and 
removed references to measures of embeddedness that are not 
consistently defined.
    We have also clarified our use of the terms siltation and 
sedimentation. We note that many publications use these two terms 
interchangeably and do not define or differentiate between the terms. 
For the final rule, we have used the term siltation to specifically 
refer to the pollution of water by fine particulate terrestrial 
material, with a particle size dominated by silt or clay. It refers 
both to the increased concentration of suspended sediments and to the 
increased accumulation (temporary or permanent) of fine sediments on 
stream bottoms; whereas, sedimentation refers to the deposition of 
suspended soil particles of various sizes from large rocks to small 
particles (Wikipedia 2013a, p. 1; Wikipedia 2013b, p. 1). Sedimentation 
is used as the opposite of erosion, is often caused by land use changes 
or disturbances, and is a common source of siltation in a stream 
(Wikipedia 2013b, p. 1). However, while we have clarified terminology, 
the best available data illustrate that the diamond darter requires low 
levels of siltation and substrates with naturally high percentages of 
sands that are not embedded with silts and clays. Excess sedimentation 
can degrade diamond darter habitat by both increasing siltation 
resulting in increased substrate embeddedness and by destabilizing 
stream channels, banks, and substrates.
    (7) Comment: The WVDEP commented that the impacts of coal mining 
activities may not be a leading threat to the species. Less than four 
percent of the watershed has been subjected to coal mining activities. 
Coal mining activities that are compliant with the State's water 
quality standards are less likely to affect the diamond darter than 
other historical activities such as impoundment. The WVDEP stated it is 
unlikely that any constituents commonly associated with mining, 
including conductivity, emanating from permitted, compliant activities 
will adversely affect the persistence of the diamond darter. The agency 
suggests that, because the species has persisted through time periods 
with little or no water quality regulation, when water quality 
conditions were more polluted than they are now, the species may not be 
overly sensitive to water quality degradation associated with mining.
    Our Response: The Service has identified numerous activities that 
are cumulatively contributing to the present or threatened destruction, 
modification, or curtailment of the diamond darter's habitat or range, 
as described in the Summary of Factors Affecting the Species--Factor A. 
The Service concurs that current coal mining activities that are fully 
compliant with all existing State and Federal regulatory requirements, 
when compared to historical activities such as impoundment and 
unregulated mining, are certainly less likely to be a threat to the 
diamond darter and its habitats. However, impacts from historical 
mining, such as acid mine drainage from abandoned mined lands, continue 
to be a significant source of water quality degradation in the Elk 
River watershed (WVDEP 2011b, p. 41). The WVDEP has also identified 
active mining as one source of selenium, metals, and sedimentation, 
which are currently impairing biological conditions in Elk River 
watersheds (WVDEP 2011b, pp. 29, 37, 63). While the overall percentage 
of the entire Elk River watershed subjected to mining activities may be 
small, watersheds of some Elk River tributaries, such as Leatherwood 
Creek, are highly dominated by mining activity and include mining 
permits encompassing 81 to 100 percent of the subwatersheds (WVDEP 
2011b, p. 37). Mining is likely a significant factor affecting the 
water quality of streams, such as Leatherwood Creek, that are principle 
tributaries to the Elk River. The effects of these mining activities 
conducted both within the Elk River mainstem and in Elk River 
tributaries, coupled with the effects from other activities described 
in Factor A, are continuing threats to the diamond darter.
    As discussed in the proposed rule (77 FR 43906) and below, the 
diamond darter has already been extirpated from most of its historical 
range. As described in our response to comment 5, these 
extirpations were likely a result of the cumulative effects of 
siltation, water quality degradation, and impoundment. Our response to 
comment 3 provides more information on how other fish 
populations in the Ohio River basin have responded to water quality 
improvements since major

[[Page 45080]]

environmental regulations were enacted, and how the diamond darter 
population may have had a similar response. We have no information to 
suggest that the diamond darter is less sensitive to water quality 
degradation than these other more common species; rather the diamond 
darter's pattern of extirpation in other watersheds suggests they may 
be more sensitive to water quality degradation and cumulative effects.
    (8) Comment: The WVDEP commented that, although mining-associated 
water quality impacts have been noted in the Elk River, the WVDNR 
considers the Elk River a ``high quality stream,'' and WVDEP benthic 
macroinvertebrate surveys indicate good biological conditions in the 
stream. Similar comments were received from members of the public 
including the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce (WVCC) and other 
industry and trade groups. The commenters all suggested the stream 
classification and results of macroinvertebrate studies are evidence 
that threats from mining, forestry, and oil and gas may be overstated, 
and that existing regulatory mechanisms are adequately protecting the 
diamond darter.
    Our Response: The Elk River's listing as a ``high quality stream'' 
by the WVDNR does not indicate that there is a lack of threats to the 
species or water quality degradation in the watershed. As noted in the 
proposed rule (77 FR 43906) and below, criteria for placement on the 
high-quality streams list are based solely on the presence of 
significant fisheries populations and the use of those populations by 
the public (WVDNR 2001, p. 36). Water quality or threats to the 
watershed are not included as criteria for determining whether a stream 
should be added to the list (Brown 2009, p. 1). The WVDEP previously 
identified some streams listed on both the WVDNR high-quality streams 
list and the WVDEP impaired waterways list under section 303(d) of the 
Clean Water Act (CWA). The WVDEP explains that the dual listing 
indicates both that the streams support game fisheries and that the 
game fisheries therein may be threatened (WVDEP 2005, p. 31). The Elk 
River simultaneously occurred on both lists in 2010.
    The WVDEP reports detailing the results of the Elk River benthic 
macroinvertebrate surveys state that larger rivers, as opposed to 
smaller rivers, offer a wider variety of microhabitats, and, therefore, 
the high benthic macroinvertebrate scores may mask some degradation in 
water quality (WVDEP 1997, p. 41). These WVDEP reports also identify 
coal mining, oil and gas development, erosion and sedimentation, timber 
harvesting, water quality degradation, and poor wastewater treatment as 
threats to the Elk River watershed (WVDEP 1997, p. 15; WVDEP 2008b, pp. 
1-2; WVDEP 2011b, pp. viii-ix). We conclude that the Elk River's 
listing as a high-quality stream and high benthic macroinvertebrate 
scores are insufficient evidence to conclude that there are no 
significant threats to the watershed.

Public Comments

    We received public comments from 12 individuals or organizations. 
Four individuals provided letters supporting the listing, and one of 
these individuals provided substantive information corroborating our 
threats analysis. Three organizations, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), 
the West Virginia Rivers Coalition (WVRC), and Kentucky Waterways 
Alliance, also supported the proposed rule and provided substantive 
comments or additional supporting information corroborating our threats 
analysis. The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), on behalf of 16 
additional organizations, submitted comments in support of the proposed 
listing and reiterated information presented in the proposed rule. In 
addition, approximately 4,840 individuals associated with CBD provided 
form letters supporting the proposed listing that reiterated the 
comments provided by CBD. The WVRC, CBD, and associated individuals 
urged the Service to act quickly to finalize the listing of the 
species, with the WVRC suggesting that protection is needed now while 
there still may be a viable breeding population of diamond darters. 
Four organizations, the WVCC, the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas 
Association (WVONGA), the West Virginia Coal Association (WVCA), and 
the West Virginia Forestry Association (WVFA), did not support the 
proposed rule and provided additional substantive comments. These four 
organizations each submitted separate comments during both of the 
comment periods, and all urged the Service to delay listing of the 
species until a more thorough record regarding the proposal was 
developed. A summary of the substantive comments we received regarding 
the proposed listing and our responses are provided below.
    (9) Comment: The WVCC, WVCA, WVFA, and WVONGA all commented that 
listing the diamond darter is not warranted because the proposed rule 
underestimates the effectiveness of existing regulatory mechanisms. 
These commenters suggest that coal, oil and gas, and forestry 
activities are effectively regulated by a comprehensive network of 
overlapping Federal and State laws such that threats from these 
industries are not significant. They cite the requirements and 
protections provided by the Clean Water Act, the West Virginia 
Pollution Control Act, the West Virginia Oil & Gas Act, the 2011 West 
Virginia Horizontal Well Act, the West Virginia Abandoned Well Act, the 
WVDEP Erosion and Sediment Control Manual, and the mandatory use of 
best management practices (BMPs) for timbering activities. The 
commenters state that many of these regulations and requirements were 
specifically designed with protection of water quality and reduction of 
sedimentation as their primary goals, and the commenters suggest that 
these regulatory mechanisms have been documented to be effective at 
reducing sedimentation, pollution, and metals in waterways.
    Our Response: We concur that the network of existing regulatory 
mechanisms cited above has resulted in improvements in water and 
habitat quality when compared to conditions prior to enactment of these 
laws (See our response to comment 2). Many of these 
regulations were designed to protect water quality, reduce the amount 
of erosion and sedimentation occurring in streams, or both. When these 
regulations are fully complied with and vigorously enforced, they can 
be effective at reducing adverse effects from the regulated activities. 
We have made reference to these additional laws in our discussion of 
the Summary of Factors Affecting the Species--Factor D, and cited some 
examples of where compliance with these regulatory mechanisms has been 
shown to reduce potential threats. However, as discussed in the Summary 
of Factors Affecting the Species--Factor A, degradation of the diamond 
darter's habitat is continuing despite these regulatory mechanisms.
    In addition, there are a number of threats that are not addressed 
by any existing regulatory mechanisms. Unregulated threats include 
geographic isolation, invasive species, accidental spills and 
catastrophic events, and non-forestry-related activities occurring on 
private lands that contribute sediments and other non-point-source 
pollutants to the Elk River watershed. Because the only remaining 
population of this species is restricted to one small reach of one 
stream, these unregulated threats alone make listing the diamond darter 
warranted. The cumulative effects of all the threats listed under the 
Summary of Factors Affecting the Species--Factors A, B, C, and E, 
including ongoing habitat degradation, coupled with the

[[Page 45081]]

effects of other natural and manmade factors affecting the species' 
continued existence, further justify listing the diamond darter as 
endangered.
    (10) Comment: The WVCC, WVCA, WVFA, and WVONGA all commented that 
the only evidence the proposed rule cites to support the claim that 
existing regulatory mechanisms are inadequate is the small size of the 
current diamond darter population. They suggest there is no evidence 
that a sizable diamond darter population ever existed in the Elk or any 
other river and that, without evidence of a once-thriving population, 
the proposed rule's conclusion that existing regulatory mechanisms are 
to blame for the species' low population is unsupported. They further 
state that the adverse effects of inbreeding and small population size 
are not merely an ongoing threat to the diamond darter, but have been 
affecting the species for many decades. This factor alone could explain 
why the population has not increased despite relatively high water 
quality in the mainstem Elk River. They concluded that until genetic 
robustness of the population is evaluated, the claim that existing 
regulatory mechanisms are inadequate is unsupported and is arbitrary 
and capricious.
    Our Response: We concur that adverse effects of inbreeding and 
small population size have likely been affecting the last remaining 
population of the diamond darter for many years. However, the small 
size of the diamond darter population is not cited as evidence of the 
inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms as described under the 
Summary of Factors Affecting the Species--Factor D. Rather, the small 
size and restricted range are cited as separate and distinct threats to 
the species under the Summary of Factors Affecting the Species--Factor 
E (Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence). 
The Act requires that the Secretary shall make determinations solely on 
the basis of the best available scientific and commercial data 
available. Because further information about the diamond darter's 
genetic robustness is not available and the current data supports our 
endangered status determination for the species, we disagree that 
additional research on the genetic robustness of the population is 
required prior to finalizing the listing of the diamond darter.
    (11) Comment: The WVCC, WVCA, WVFA, and WVONGA all commented that 
the increased capture rates of the diamond darter in the last 5 years 
compared to when surveys began indicate that the population, while 
admittedly small, is benefitting from, rather than being failed by, 
existing regulatory mechanisms. These organizations further assert that 
WVDNR's comments about the species' historical abundance and 
susceptibility to sampling methods raises significant questions about 
our current estimation of the abundance of the diamond darter, as 
detailed in the proposed rule.
    Our Response: The increased capture rates in the last few years are 
most likely a direct result of the increased survey and research 
efforts by the Service and our partners. These efforts include (1) 
recent research on the species' habitat requirements, coupled with the 
availability of habitat maps for the entire Elk River, that has allowed 
survey efforts to focus on specific areas of the Elk River where 
diamond darters are most likely to be concentrated, and (2) the 
development and use of new species-specific survey techniques over the 
past three survey seasons that resulted in more comprehensive and 
effective surveys (Ruble 2011a, p. 1; WVDNR 2012, p. 83; Welsh 2012, 
pp. 8-10). See our responses to comments 3 and 9 for 
additional information on the relationship between current and 
historical survey methods and our estimation of potential population 
trends, as well as the benefits of existing regulatory mechanisms.
    (12) Comment: The WVCC, WVCA, WVFA, and WVONGA all commented that 
there are insufficient data to quantitatively define specific water 
quality standards required by the diamond darter, and noted that the 
proposed rule references water quality conditions seen at locations 
where the ``sister species,'' the crystal darter, is found. Commenters 
suggest that use of the crystal darter as a surrogate for the diamond 
darter is not justified because the ranges of these two species do not 
overlap and the two species are genetically distinct. The commenters 
suggest that water quality conditions should be observed where the 
diamond darter population currently exists, and that the crystal darter 
should not be used to establish water quality parameters.
    Our Response: The Service would prefer to have species-specific 
data to be able to quantitatively describe the water quality conditions 
that the diamond darter needs to survive and thrive. However, these 
data are currently not available. In the absence of these data, we have 
described habitat and water quality conditions from locations where the 
diamond darter or the closely related crystal darter has been found. 
Surrogate species have long been used to establish water quality 
criteria or evaluate risks to a species (U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency (USEPA) 1995, pp. 1-16; Dwyer et al. 2005, pp. 143-154). Because 
the crystal darter is in the same genus, shares many similar life-
history traits, and was previously considered the same species as the 
diamond darter, information on this species can reasonably be used to 
infer factors or conditions that may also be important to the diamond 
darter. Additional research, while needed to determine whether existing 
water quality conditions at diamond darter capture sites are adequate 
to protect all life stages of the species, is not required before the 
Service can draw conclusions about the species' status based on the 
best available scientific and commercial data. The final rule does not 
establish specific numeric water quality parameters that are necessary 
for the diamond darter.
    (13) Comment: The WVCC, WVCA, WVFA, and WVONGA all commented that 
conductivity was cited as a threat to the diamond darter even though an 
appropriate conductivity range for the diamond darter has not yet been 
established and scientific studies have not conclusively shown that 
elevated conductivity causes harm to fish species. Two overall concerns 
were detailed in support of this comment: (1) None of the studies cited 
in the rule conclude that conductivity, independent of the dissolved 
metals and sediment observed at the test sites, caused the observed 
scarcity of fish; and (2) conductivity varies naturally from region to 
region due to the availability of different ionic constituents, so that 
data from potential effects of conductivity from one region of the 
country should not be applied to other regions. They expressed concern 
that the proposed rule could impede industries from acquiring permits 
if their discharges would elevate conductivity. They suggested that 
until a causal relationship between elevated conductivity and harm to 
fish species is scientifically established, conductivity should not be 
listed as a threat to the diamond darter, and industries should not 
face increased scrutiny for this water quality parameter. They further 
recommended that, if an ideal conductivity range for the diamond darter 
was included in the final rule, it should be based on sampling from the 
Elk River or direct testing on the diamond darter.
    Our Response: We concur that none of the studies cited in the 
proposed rule definitively conclude that conductivity, independent of 
the dissolved metals and sediment observed at the test sites, caused 
the observed scarcity of fish. However, these studies found a strong 
correlation between increased

[[Page 45082]]

conductivity levels and the absence or reduction of sensitive fish 
populations (Mattingly et al. 2005, pp. 59-62; Thomas 2008, pp. 3-6; 
Service 2009, pp. 1-4). Furthermore, basic chemistry and physiology 
provide information on how increased conductivity may affect fish 
populations. Conductivity is an estimate of the ionic strength of a 
salt solution (USEPA 2011, p. 1). High ionic salt concentrations impede 
effective osmoregulation in fish and other aquatic organisms and impair 
their physiological systems that extract energy from food, regulate 
internal pH and water volume, excrete metabolic wastes, guide embryonic 
development, activate nerves and muscles, and fertilize eggs (Pond et 
al. 2008, p. 731; USEPA 2011, p. 27). Thus, there is a strong 
physiological and chemical basis to suggest that high conductivity 
levels can adversely affect the fitness and survival of fish species 
such as the diamond darter. In addition, the diamond darter forages on 
benthic macroinvertebrates. Studies have demonstrated a causal 
relationship between high conductivity levels and impairment of benthic 
macroinvertebrate populations (Pond et al. 2008, pp. 717-737; USEPA 
2011, pp. A1-40). A recent USEPA study evaluated the potential 
confounding effects of metals, sediments, and other water quality 
parameters and still found that biological impairment of benthic 
macroinvertebrate populations was a result of increased conductivity 
(USEPA 2011, pp. B1-37). Thus, high conductivity levels could also 
adversely affect the availability of foods that the diamond darter 
needs to survive. We therefore conclude that increased conductivity 
could pose a threat to the diamond darter's ability to feed, breed, and 
survive, and have retained and enhanced the discussion of this topic in 
the final rule.
    We also concur that conductivity varies naturally from region to 
region due to the availability of different ionic constituents, so that 
data on conductivity from one region of the country may not be 
applicable to other regions. Studies from West Virginia (that included 
data from watersheds immediately adjacent to the Elk River) and 
Kentucky found that an aquatic conductivity level of 300 microSiemans/
cm ([mu]S/cm) should avoid the local extirpation of 95 percent of 
native stream macroinvertebrate species. The study noted that, because 
300 [mu]S/cm would only protect against total extirpation rather than 
just a reduction in abundance, conductivity level was not fully 
protective of sensitive species or higher quality, exceptional waters 
(USEPA 2011, p. xiv). These data, coupled with the information provided 
on fish species such as the Cumberland darter and the Kentucky arrow 
darter (Etheostoma sagitta spilotum) that occur within the historic 
range of the diamond darter in Kentucky, provide applicable regional 
information pertinent to the diamond darter. However, it is outside the 
scope of this final rule to establish water quality criteria for 
permitted discharges. Water quality criteria and permit conditions are 
established by appropriate State and Federal regulatory agencies and 
under consultation with the Service, if required. The Service would 
willingly work with industry groups and regulatory agencies to develop 
additional research to fully evaluate conductivity limits to species in 
the Elk River, including the diamond darter.
    (14) Comment: The WVCC, WVCA, WVFA, and WVONGA all suggested that 
listing the diamond darter under the Act will do nothing to ensure the 
species' long-term survival, but will place a regulatory burden on a 
wide range of human activities. The organizations note that little is 
known about the diamond darter's reproductive techniques, water quality 
parameters, or food choices, and that the genetic fitness of the 
diamond darter's remaining population has not been evaluated. The 
organizations therefore conclude that using species-specific 
conservation measures would be more efficient and cost effective than 
using a broad legal mechanism like the Act to improve the long-term 
survival of the diamond darter.
    Our Response: The Act requires that the Service make listing 
determinations solely on the basis of the best scientific and 
commercial data available regarding the status of the species and the 
presence of existing conservation efforts. The Act does not allow 
listing to be avoided based on the potential for perceived benefits or 
burdens that will result from the listing, or the potential to develop 
future conservation efforts in the absence of listing. However, the 
Service would welcome assistance from these groups to develop 
additional conservation measures targeted toward diamond darter 
recovery.
    (15) Comment: The Nature Conservancy commented that the diamond 
darter is one of the most critically endangered aquatic species in the 
United States. The organization supports the Service's efforts to list 
the species now while a sufficient population may be available from 
which to restore the species to a nonthreatened status. The 
organization also noted that it is working on a watershed assessment of 
the Elk River that will assess cumulative effects contributing to 
degradation of aquatic resources, and help identify priority areas for 
restoration and protection.
    Our Response: We appreciate TNC's support of conservation of the 
diamond darter and have discussed the results of the draft watershed 
assessment with the organization. The draft supports our assessment of 
threats to the diamond darter, as detailed in Factor A, and also will 
be useful in planning future recovery efforts for the diamond darter 
and other listed species in the watershed. We look forward to enhancing 
our partnerships with TNC and other organizations so that we can work 
toward the recovery of listed species.
    (16) Comment: The Nature Conservancy concurred with our assessment 
of threats to the species and commented that coal mining, oil and gas 
development and infrastructure, sedimentation, water quality 
degradation, and poor wastewater treatment all pose significant threats 
to the diamond darter. The organization noted that many of these land 
use changes in the Elk River watershed are occurring on large, 
previously undeveloped, and privately owned forestland tracts along 
tributaries that were once managed primarily as forestland and that 
contributed to maintaining this river's ecological condition.
    Our Response: We have reviewed additional information developed by 
TNC (see comment 17) that supports our assessment of threats. 
We concur that degradation of water quality in tributaries directly 
affects the ecological condition of the mainstem Elk River. Our 
discussion of threats under Factor A notes many examples of water 
quality degradation occurring within tributaries to the Elk River.
    (17) Comment: The Nature Conservancy commented that Japanese 
knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and other invasive, nonnative plants 
associated with riparian areas are infesting the banks of the Elk 
River. These invasive species reduce stream bank stability and alter 
vegetation communities and the types of detritus, insects, and other 
natural inputs that enter the aquatic system and, therefore, pose a 
threat to the diamond darter.
    Our Response: Japanese knotweed has already been found in the 
upstream portions of the Elk River watershed (Schmidt 2013, p. 1). We 
concur that this and other invasive riparian plants could pose an 
additional threat, particularly if they occur along the

[[Page 45083]]

portion of the Elk River that supports the diamond darter, and we have 
added text under Factor E to that regard.

Summary of Changes From Proposed Rule

    We fully considered comments from peer reviewers, State and Federal 
agencies, and the public on the proposed rule to develop this final 
listing of the diamond darter. This final rule incorporates appropriate 
changes to our proposed listing based on the received comments 
discussed above and newly available scientific and commercial data. 
Substantive changes include new or additional information on: (1) Why 
the species was extirpated from most of its historical range and why it 
has survived in the Elk River; (2) the results of survey efforts and 
research conducted since the proposed rule; (3) threats from invasive 
riparian plants; (4) definitions for substrate embeddedness and 
siltation and the threat that they pose; (5) potential threats from 
increased conductivity; and (6) conservation measures and cumulative 
effects. Although our analysis of these threats is somewhat different 
from that in our proposed rule, the analysis and our conclusions are a 
logical outgrowth on the proposed rule commenting process, and none of 
the information changes our determination that listing this species as 
endangered is warranted.
    In addition, we added Indiana to the diamond darter's historical 
range column of the Sec.  17.11 endangered and threatened wildlife 
table in the regulatory section of the final rule. Although Indiana was 
included in the Historical Range/Distribution discussion of the 
proposed rule, we inadvertently left it out of the Sec.  17.11 
endangered and threatened wildlife table in the regulatory section of 
the proposed rule. Inclusion of Indiana in the historical range column 
of the Sec.  17.11 endangered and threatened wildlife table in the 
regulatory section of the final rule corrects that error.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4 of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 424) 
set forth the procedures for adding species to the Federal Lists of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. A species may be 
determined to be an endangered or threatened species due to one or more 
of the five factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act: (A) The 
present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its 
habitat or range; (B) overutilization for commercial, recreational, 
scientific, or educational purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) the 
inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) other natural or 
manmade factors affecting its continued existence. Listing actions may 
be warranted based on any of the above threat factors, singly or in 
combination. Each of these factors is discussed below.

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of Its Habitat or Range

    As indicated by the continued persistence of the diamond darter, 
the Elk River in West Virginia currently provides overall high-quality 
aquatic habitat. The Elk River is one of the most ecologically diverse 
rivers in the State (Green 1999, p. 2), supporting more than 100 
species of fish and 30 species of mussels, including 5 federally listed 
mussel species (Welsh 2009a, p. 1). The river, including those portions 
that are within the range of the diamond darter, is listed as a ``high 
quality stream'' by the WVDNR (WVDNR 2001, pp. 1, 2, 5). Streams in 
this category are defined as having ``significant or irreplaceable 
fish, wildlife, and recreational resources'' (WVDNR 2001, p. iii). In 
an evaluation of the watershed, the WVDEP noted that all four sampling 
sites tested within the mainstem of the Elk River scored well for 
benthic macroinvertebrates on the West Virginia Stream Condition Index, 
with results of 77 or higher out of a potential 100 points (WVDEP 1997, 
p. 41).
    Criteria for placement on the high-quality streams list are based 
solely on the quality of fisheries populations and the utilization of 
those populations by the public and do not include water quality or 
threats to the watershed (WVDNR 2001, p. 36; Brown 2009, p. 1). Despite 
the high quality of the fishery populations, continuing and pervasive 
threats exist within the watershed. In fact, the WVDEP evaluation also 
noted that because larger rivers offer a wider variety of 
microhabitats, the high benthic macroinvertebrate scores may mask some 
degradation in water quality (WVDEP 1997, p. 41). Noted threats to the 
Elk River watershed include sedimentation and erosion, coal mining, oil 
and gas development, timber harvesting, water quality degradation, and 
poor wastewater treatment (WVDEP 1997, p. 15; Strager 2008, pp. 1-39; 
WVDEP 2008b, pp. 1-2). Significant degradation to the water quality has 
also been documented in the Elk River's tributaries (WVDEP 2011b, 
p.viii). Water quality in these tributaries directly contributes to and 
affects the ecological condition of the mainstem Elk River. Water 
quality degradation of tributaries is also important because diamond 
darters congregate and forage in shoals that are often located near 
tributary mouths (Welsh et al. 2012, p. 3).
    Many sources have recognized that Crystallaria species appear to be 
particularly susceptible to habitat alterations and changes in water 
quality. Threats similar to those experienced in the Elk River 
watershed have likely contributed to the extirpation of Crystallaria 
within other watersheds (Clay 1975, p. 315; Trautman 1981, pp. 24-29, 
646; Grandmaison 2003, pp. 16-19). In addition, the current range of 
the diamond darter is restricted and isolated from other potential and 
historical habitats by impoundments.
Siltation (Sedimentation)
    Many publications use the terms siltation and sedimentation 
interchangeably, and do not define or differentiate between the terms. 
For this rule, we have used the term siltation specifically to refer to 
the pollution of water by fine particulate material, with a particle 
size dominated by silt or clay. It refers both to the increased 
concentration of fine-sized suspended sediments and to the increased 
accumulation (temporary or permanent) of fine sediments on stream 
bottoms, whereas sedimentation refers to the deposition of suspended 
soil particles of various sizes from large rocks to small particles. 
Sedimentation is used as the opposite of erosion, is often caused by 
land use changes or disturbances, and is a common source of siltation 
in a stream.
    The USEPA has identified excess sediment as the leading cause of 
impairment to the Nation's waters (USEPA 2013, p. 1). Excess sediment 
in streams and resulting sedimentation can degrade fish habitat by 
altering the stability of the stream channel, scouring stream banks and 
substrates, destabilizing the substrates and habitats that fish such as 
the diamond darter rely on, and aggrading the stream bottom, which 
covers the substrates with excess sediments and buries, crushes, or 
suffocates benthic invertebrates, fish eggs, and fish larvae (Waters 
1995, pp. 114-115; USEPA 2013, pp. 1-6). Excess sediment in streams can 
also lead to siltation.
    Siltation has long been recognized as a pollutant that alters 
aquatic habitats by reducing light penetration, changing heat 
radiation, increasing turbidity, and covering the stream bottom (Ellis 
1936 in Grandmaison et al. 2003, p. 17). Increased siltation has also 
been shown to abrade and suffocate bottom-dwelling organisms, reduce 
aquatic insect diversity and abundance, and, ultimately, negatively 
affect fish growth,

[[Page 45084]]

survival, and reproduction (Berkman and Rabeni 1987, p. 285). Siltation 
directly affects the availability of food for the diamond darter by 
reducing the diversity and abundance of aquatic invertebrates on which 
the diamond darter feeds (Powell 1999, pp. 34-35), and by increasing 
turbidity, which reduces foraging efficiency (Berkman and Rabeni 1987, 
pp. 285-294). Research has found that when the percentage of fine 
substrates increases in a stream, the abundance of benthic 
insectivorous fishes decreases (Berkman and Rabeni 1987, p. 285). 
Siltation also affects the ability of diamond darters to successfully 
breed by filling the small interstitial spaces between sand and gravel 
substrates with smaller particles. Diamond darters lay their eggs 
within these interstitial spaces. The complexity and abundance of 
interstitial spaces is reduced dramatically with increasing inputs of 
silts and clays. Siltation results in an increase in substrate 
embeddedness. As substrates become more embedded by silts and clays, 
the surface area available to fish for shelter, spawning, and egg 
incubation is decreased (Barbour et al. 1999, pp. 5-13; Sylte and 
Fischenich 2007, p. 12). Consequently, the amount and quality of 
breeding habitat for species such as the diamond darter is reduced 
(Bhowmik and Adams 1989, Kessler and Thorp 1993, Waters 1995, and Osier 
and Welsh 2007 all in Service 2008, pp. 15-16).
    Many researchers have noted that Crystallaria species are 
particularly susceptible to the effects of siltation, and Grandmaison 
et al. (2003, pp. 17-18) summarize the information as follows: 
``Bhowmik and Adams (1989) provide an example of how sediment 
deposition has altered aquatic habitat in the Upper Mississippi River 
system, where the construction of locks and dams has resulted in 
siltation leading to a successional shift from open water to habitats 
dominated by submergent and emergent vegetation. This successional 
process is not likely to favor species such as the crystal darter, 
which rely on extensive clean sand and gravel raceways for population 
persistence (Page 1983). For example, the crystal darter was broadly 
distributed in tributaries of the Ohio River until high silt loading 
and the subsequent smothering of sandy substrates occurred (Trautman 
1981). In the Upper Mississippi River, the relative rarity of crystal 
darters has been hypothesized as a response to silt deposition over 
sand and gravel substrates (Hatch 1998)''. Although the Trautman (1981) 
citation within the above quote mentions the crystal darter, we now 
know that he was referring to individuals that have since been 
identified as diamond darters. In summary, Crystallaria species, 
including both the diamond darter and the crystal darter, are known to 
be particularly susceptible to the effects of siltation, and 
populations of these species have likely become extirpated or severely 
reduced in size as a result of this threat.
    Siltation, along with excess sedimentation, has been identified as 
a threat to the Elk River system. Portions of the lower Elk River were 
listed as impaired due to elevated levels of iron and, previously, 
aluminum (USEPA 2001b, p. 1-1; Strager 2008, p. 36; WVDEP 2008a, p. 18; 
WVDEP 2008b, p. 1; WVDEP 2012, pp. 14-15). The WVDEP has since revised 
the water quality criteria for aluminum to address bioavailability of 
that metal, and established maximum amounts of pollutants allowed to 
enter the waterbody (known as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL)) (WVDEP 
2008a, p. A-2; WVDEP 2010, p. 26). The WVDEP identified that impairment 
due to metals, including iron, usually indicates excess sediment 
conditions (WVDEP 2008b, p. 5), and identified coal mining, oil and gas 
development, timber harvesting, all-terrain vehicle usage, and stream 
bank erosion as sources of increased sediment entering the Elk River 
watershed (USEPA 2001b, pp. 1-1, 3-4 and 6; WVDEP 2008b, p. 1). Within 
two subwatersheds that make up approximately 11 percent of the total 
Elk River watershed area, the WVDEP identified 433 kilometers (km) (269 
miles (mi)) of unimproved dirt roads and 76 km (47 mi) of severely 
eroding stream banks (WVDEP 2008b, p. 5). An estimated 1,328 hectares 
(ha) (3,283 acres (ac)) of lands were actively timbered in those two 
watersheds in 2004 (WVDEP 2008b, p. 6). A review of the West Virginia 
Department of Forestry (WVDOF) inventory of registered logging sites 
estimated 16,381 ha (40,479 ac) of harvested forest, 1,299 ha (3,209 
ac) of land disturbed by forestry-related roads and landings, and 518 
ha (1,281 ac) of burned forest within portions of the Elk River 
watershed that are impaired by excess sediment and metals (WVDEP 2011c, 
pp. 34-35).
Coal Mining
    Coal mining occurs throughout the entire Elk River watershed. Most 
of the active mining occurs in the half of the watershed on the south 
side of the Elk River, which flows east to west (Strager 2008, p. 17). 
The most recent summarized data, as of January 2008, indicates more 
than 5,260 ha (13,000 ac) of actively mined areas including 91 surface 
mine permits, 79 underground mine permits, 1,351 ha (3,339 ac) of 
valley fills, 582 km (362 mi) of haul roads, 385 km (239 mi) of mine 
drainage structures, 473 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 
System (NPDES) discharge points associated with mines, and 3 mining 
related dams (Strager 2008, pp. 19-21). There are also 615 ha (1,519 
ac) of abandoned mine lands and 155 mine permit sites that have 
forfeited their bonds and have not been adequately remediated (Strager 
2008, p. 18). Approximately 47 percent of the entire Elk River 
watershed is within the area that the USEPA has identified as 
potentially being subject to mountaintop removal mining activities 
(Strager 2008, p. 17).
    Coal mining can contribute significant amounts of sediment to 
streams and degrade their water quality. Impacts to instream water 
quality (chemistry) occur through inputs of dissolved metals and other 
solids that elevate stream conductivity, increase sulfate levels, alter 
stream pH, or a combination of these (Curtis 1973, pp. 153-155; Pond 
2004, pp. 6-7, 38-41; Hartman et al. 2005, p. 95; Mattingly et al. 
2005, p. 59; Palmer et al. 2010, pp. 148-149). As rock strata and 
overburden (excess material) are exposed to the atmosphere, 
precipitation leaches metals and other solids (e.g., calcium, 
magnesium, sulfates, iron, and manganese) from these materials and 
carries them in solution to receiving streams (Pond 2004, p. 7). If 
valley fills are used as part of the mining activity, precipitation and 
groundwater percolate through the fill and dissolve minerals until they 
discharge at the toe of the fill as surface water (Pond et al. 2008, p. 
718). Both of these scenarios result in elevated conductivity, 
sulfates, hardness, and increased pH in the receiving stream. Increased 
levels of these metals and other dissolved solids have been shown to 
exclude other sensitive fish species and darters from streams, 
including the federally threatened blackside dace (Chrosomus 
cumberlandensis) in the upper Cumberland River Basin (Mattingly et al. 
2005, pp. 59-62). The Kentucky arrow darter was found to be excluded 
from mined watersheds when conductivity exceeded 250 [micro]S/cm 
(Thomas 2008, pp. 3-6; Service 2009, pp. 1-4).
    High ionic salt concentrations associated with increased 
conductivity impede effective osmoregulation in fish and other aquatic 
organisms and impair their physiological systems that extract energy 
from food, regulate internal pH and water volume, excrete metabolic 
wastes, guide embryonic development,

[[Page 45085]]

activate nerves and muscles, and fertilize eggs (USEPA 2011, p. 27; 
Pond et al. 2008 p. 731). Thus, high conductivity levels could 
adversely affect the fitness and survival of fish species such as the 
diamond darter. In addition, high conductivity levels could also 
adversely affect the availability of forage populations of benthic 
macroinvertebrates that the diamond darter needs to survive. Studies 
have demonstrated a causal relationship between high conductivity 
levels and impairment of benthic macroinvertebrate populations (USEPA 
2011, pp. A1-40; Pond et al. 2008, pp. 717-737). Studies from West 
Virginia (that included data from watersheds immediately adjacent to 
the Elk River) and Kentucky found that an aquatic conductivity level of 
300 [mu]S/cm was expected to avoid the local extirpation of 95 percent 
of native stream macroinvertebrate species. The study noted that, 
because this level was developed to protect against extirpation rather 
than reduction in abundance, it was not fully protective of sensitive 
species or higher quality, exceptional waters (USEPA 2011, p. xiv).
    Water quality impacts from both active and historical mining have 
been noted in the Elk River watershed (WVDEP 2011b, pp. 29, 37, 41, 
63). For example, in the Jacks Run watershed, a tributary to the Elk 
River, one-third of the entire watershed had been subject to mining-
related land use changes that cleared previously existing vegetation. 
In a sampling site downstream of mining, the WVDEP documented 
substrates embedded with dark silt, most likely from manganese 
precipitate or coal fines, and benthic scores that indicated severe 
impairment (WVDEP 1997, p. 60). Another Elk River tributary, Blue 
Creek, had low pH levels associated with contour mining and acid 
drainage, and three sample sites had pH values of 4.2 or less (WVDEP 
1997, p. 47; WVDEP 2008b, p. 6). At pH levels of 5.0 or less, most fish 
eggs cannot hatch (USEPA 2009, p. 2).
    Sampling sites below a large mining reclamation site in the Buffalo 
Creek drainage of the Elk River watershed had violations of the West 
Virginia water quality criteria for acute aluminum and manganese, poor 
habitat quality, and substrates that were heavily embedded with coal 
fines and clay (WVDEP 1997, pp. 4, 56-57). Other sites in the 
watershed, where topographic maps showed extensive surface mining, had 
pH readings of 4.7, elevated aluminum levels, and benthic communities 
that were dominated by acid-tolerant species (WVDEP 1997, pp. 4, 56-
57).
    A U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study of the Kanawha River Basin, 
which includes the Elk River, found that streams draining basins that 
have been mined since 1980 showed increased dissolved sulfate, 
decreased median bed-sediment particle size, and impaired benthic 
invertebrate communities when compared to streams not mined since 1980. 
Stream-bottom sedimentation in mined basins was also greater than in 
undisturbed basins (USGS 2000, p. 1). In streams that drained areas 
where large quantities of coal had been mined, the benthic invertebrate 
community was impaired in comparison to rural parts of the study area 
where little or no coal had been mined since 1980 (USGS 2000, p. 7). 
That report notes that benthic invertebrates are good indicators of 
overall stream water quality and that an impaired invertebrate 
community indicates that stream chemistry or physical habitat, or both, 
are impaired, causing a disruption in the aquatic food web (USGS 2000, 
p. 8).
    In another study that specifically evaluated fish data, the Index 
of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores at sites downstream of valley fills 
were significantly reduced by an average of 10 points when compared to 
unmined sites, indicating that fish communities were degraded below 
mined areas (Fulk et al. 2003, p. iv). In addition, that study noted a 
significant correlation between the number of fishes that were benthic 
invertivores and the amount of mining in the study watershed: The 
number of those types of fish species decreased with increased mining 
(Fulk et al. 2003, pp. 41-44). As described above in the Life History 
section, the diamond darter is a benthic invertivore. The effects 
described above are often more pronounced in smaller watersheds that do 
not have the capacity to buffer or dilute degraded water quality (WVDEP 
1997, p. 42; Fulk et al. 2003, pp. ii-iv). Because the mainstem Elk 
River drains a relatively large watershed, these types of adverse 
effects are more likely to be noticed near the confluences of 
tributaries that are most severely altered by mining activities such as 
Blue Creek, which occurs within the known range of the diamond darter, 
and Buffalo Creek, which is upstream of the known diamond darter 
locations.
    Threats from coal mining also include the potential failure of 
large-scale mine waste (coal slurry) impoundment structures contained 
by dams constructed of earth, mining refuse, and various other 
materials, which could release massive quantities of mine wastes that 
could cover the stream bottoms. There are currently two coal slurry 
impoundments within the Elk River watershed. These impoundments have a 
capacity of 6,258,023 and 1,415,842 cubic meters (m\3\) (221,000,000 
and 50,000,000 cubic feet (cf)). The larger structure covers 19 ha (48 
ac) and is considered a ``class C'' dam whose failure could result in 
the loss of human life and serious damage to homes and industrial and 
commercial facilities (Strager 2008, pp. 21-22). A third coal refuse 
disposal impoundment is permitted and planned for construction with an 
additional 54,821 m\3\ (1,936,000 cf) of capacity (Fala 2009, p. 1; 
WVDEP 2012, p. 1). These three impoundments are on tributaries of the 
Elk River upstream of the reach of river known to support the diamond 
darter. In October 2000, a coal slurry impoundment near Inez, Kentucky, 
breached, releasing almost 991,090 m\3\ (35,000,000 cf) of slurry into 
the Big Sandy Creek watershed. ``The slurry left fish, turtles, snakes 
and other aquatic species smothered as the slurry covered the bottoms 
of the streams and rivers and extended out into the adjacent 
floodplain'' (USEPA 2001a, p. 2). Over 161 km (100 mi) of stream were 
impacted by the spill (USEPA 2001a, p. 2). If a similar dam failure 
were to occur in the Elk River watershed, it could have detrimental 
consequences for the entire diamond darter population.
    Abandoned underground mines also have potential to fill with water 
and ``blow out,'' causing large discharges of sediment and contaminated 
water. Similar events have happened in nearby areas, including one in 
Kanawha County, West Virginia, in April 2009 that discharged ``hundreds 
of thousands of gallons of water'' onto a nearby highway, and caused a 
``massive earth and rock slide'' (Marks 2009, p. 1). A second situation 
occurred in March 2009 in Kentucky where water from the mine portal was 
discharged into a nearby creek at an estimated rate of 37,854 liters 
(l) (10,000 gallons (ga)) a minute (Associated Press 2009, p. 1). In 
addition to the increased levels of sediment and potential smothering 
of stream habitats, discharges from abandoned mine sites often have 
elevated levels of metals and low pH (Stoertz et al. 2001, p. 1). In 
2010, a fish kill occurred in Blue Creek, a tributary of the Elk River 
in Kanawha County, when a contractor working for WVDEP attempted to 
clean up an abandoned mine site. When the contractor breached an 
impoundment, the mine discharged highly acidic water that then flowed 
into the stream. Approximately 14.5 km (9 mi) of Blue Creek was 
affected by the fish kill (McCoy 2010, p. 1). The effects

[[Page 45086]]

of the fish kill were stopped by response crews 9.5 km (5.9 mi) 
upstream from where Blue Creek enters the Elk River within the known 
range of the diamond darter.
Oil and Gas Development
    The Elk River watershed is also subject to oil and gas development, 
with more than 5,800 oil or gas wells in the watershed according to 
data available through January 2011 (WVDEP 2011a, p. 1). The lower 
section of the Elk River, which currently contains the diamond darter, 
has the highest concentration of both active and total wells in the 
watershed, with more than 2,320 active wells and 285 abandoned wells 
(WVDEP 2011a, p. 1).
    Although limited data are available to quantify potential impacts, 
development of oil and gas resources can increase sedimentation rates 
in the stream and degrade habitat and water quality in a manner similar 
to that described for coal mining. Oil and gas wells can specifically 
cause elevated chloride levels through discharge of brine and runoff 
from materials used at the site, and the erosion of roads associated 
with these wells can contribute large amounts of sediment to the 
streams (WVDEP 1997, p. 54). For example, WVDEP sampling sites within 
Summers Fork, a tributary to the Elk River with a ``high density of oil 
and gas wells,'' had elevated chloride and conductivity levels, as well 
as impaired benthic invertebrate scores, despite ``good benthic 
substrate'' (WVDEP 1997, p. 52). Within the Buffalo Creek watershed, 
another Elk River tributary, the impaired benthic invertebrate scores 
at sample sites were attributed to oil compressor stations next to the 
creek, pipes running along the bank parallel to the stream, and 
associated evidence of past stream channelization (WVDEP 1997, p. 55).
    High levels of siltation have been noted in the impaired sections 
of the Elk River (USEPA 2001b, pp. 3-6). Oil and gas access roads have 
been identified as a source that contributes ``high'' levels of 
sediment to the Elk River (USEPA 2001b, pp. 3-7). The WVDEP estimates 
the size of the average access road associated with an oil or gas well 
to be 396 meters (m) (1,300 feet (ft)) long by 7.6 m (25 ft) wide or 
approximately .30 ha (0.75 ac) per well site (WVDEP 2008b, p. 10). If 
each of the wells in the watershed has this level of disturbance, there 
would be more than 1,821 ha (4,500 ac) of access roads contributing to 
increased sedimentation and erosion in the basin. Lack of road 
maintenance, improper construction, and subsequent use by the timber 
industry and all-terrain vehicles can increase the amount of erosion 
associated with these roads (WVDEP 2008b, pp. 5-6).
    Shale gas development is an emerging issue in the area. Although 
this is currently not the most productive area of the State, the entire 
current range of the diamond darter is underlain by the Marcellus and 
Utica Shale formation and potentially could be affected by well 
drilling and development (National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) 
2010 pp. 6-10). The pace of drilling for Marcellus Shale gas wells is 
expected to increase substantially in the future, growing to about 700 
additional wells per year in West Virginia starting in 2012 (NETL 2010, 
p. 27). This amount is consistent with what has been reported in the 
area around the Elk River. In March 2011, there were 15 Marcellus Shale 
gas wells reported within Kanawha County (West Virginia Geological and 
Economic Survey (WVGES) 2011, p. 1). As of January 2012, there were 188 
completed Marcellus Shale gas wells within Kanawha County and an 
additional 27 wells that had been permitted (WVGES 2012, p. 1). Data 
specific to the Elk River watershed are not available for previous 
years, but currently at least 100 completed and 21 additional permitted 
Marcellus Shale gas wells are within the watershed (WVGES 2012, p. 1). 
The WVONGA suggests that the region where the diamond darter exists may 
experience a surge in oil and natural gas exploration and drilling 
above the levels experienced in the previous 5 years (WVONGA 2013).
    Marcellus Shale gas wells require the use of different techniques 
than previously used for most gas well development in the area. When 
compared to more traditional methods, Marcellus Shale wells usually 
require more land disturbance and more water and chemicals for 
operations. In addition to the size and length of any required access 
roads, between 0.8 and 2.0 ha (2 and 5 ac) are generally disturbed per 
well (Hazen and Sawyer 2009, p. 7). Each well also requires about 500 
to 800 truck trips to the site (Hazen and Sawyer 2009, p. 7). 
Construction of these wells in close proximity to the Elk River and its 
tributaries could increase the amount of siltation in the area due to 
erosion and subsequent sedimentation from the disturbed area, road 
usage, and construction.
    Shale gas wells typically employ a technique called hydrofracking, 
which involves pumping a specially blended liquid mix of water and 
chemicals down a well, into a geologic formation. The pumping occurs 
under high pressure, causing the formation to crack open and form 
passages through which gas can flow into the well. During the drilling 
process, each well may use between 7 and 15 million liters (2 and 4 
million ga) of water (Higginbotham et al. 2010, p. 40). This water is 
typically withdrawn from streams and waterbodies in close proximity to 
the location where the well is drilled. Excessive water withdrawals can 
reduce the quality and quantity of habitat available to fish within the 
streams, increase water temperatures, reduce dissolved oxygen 
concentrations, and increase the concentration of any pollutants in the 
remaining waters (Freeman and Marcinek 2006, p. 445; Pennsylvania State 
University 2010, p. 9). Increasing water withdrawals has been shown to 
be associated with a loss of native fish species that are dependent on 
flowing-water habitats. Darters were one group of species that were 
noted to be particularly vulnerable to this threat (Freeman and 
Marcinek 2006, p. 444).
    In addition to water withdrawals, there is a potential for spills 
and discharges from oil and gas wells, particularly Marcellus Shale 
drilling operations. Pipelines and ponds used to handle brine and 
wastewaters from fracking operations can rupture, fail, or overflow and 
discharge into nearby streams and waterways. In Pennsylvania, 
accidental discharges of brine water from a well site have killed fish, 
invertebrates, and amphibians up to 0.4 mi (0.64 km) downstream of the 
discharge even though the company immediately took measures to control 
and respond to the spill (PADEP 2009, pp. 4-22). In 2011, the WVDEP 
cited a company for a spill at a well site in Elkview, West Virginia. 
Up to 50 barrels of oil leaked from a faulty line on the oil well site. 
The spill entered a tributary of Indian Creek, traveled into Indian 
Creek and then flowed into the Elk River (Charleston Gazette 2011, p. 
1). This spill occurred within the reach of the Elk River known to be 
occupied by the diamond darter and, therefore, could have affected the 
species and its habitat.
Water Quality/Sewage Treatment
    One common source of chemical water quality impairments is 
untreated or poorly treated wastewater (sewage). Municipal wastewater 
treatment has improved dramatically since passage of the 1972 
amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (which was 
amended to become the Clean Water Act in 1977), but some wastewater 
treatment plants, especially smaller plants, continue to experience 
maintenance and operation problems that lead to discharge of poorly 
treated sewage into

[[Page 45087]]

streams and rivers (OEPA 2004 in Service 2008, p. 23). According to the 
data available in 2008, there were a total of 30 sewage treatment 
plants within the Elk River watershed (Strager 2008, p. 30).
    Untreated domestic sewage (straight piping) and poorly operating 
septic systems are still problems within the Elk River watershed (WVDEP 
1997, p. 54; WVDEP 2008b, p. 3). Untreated or poorly treated sewage 
contributes a variety of chemical contaminants to a stream, including 
ammonia, pathogenic bacteria, nutrients (e.g., phosphorous and 
nitrogen), and organic matter, that can increase biochemical oxygen 
demand (BOD) (Chu-Fa Tsai 1973, pp. 282-292; Cooper 1993, p. 405). The 
BOD is a measure of the oxygen consumed through aerobic respiration of 
micro-organisms that break down organic matter in the sewage waste. 
Excessive BOD and nutrients in streams can lead to low dissolved oxygen 
(DO) levels in interstitial areas of the substrate where a high level 
of decomposition and, consequently, oxygen depletion takes place 
(Whitman and Clark 1982, p. 653). Low interstitial DO has the potential 
to be particularly detrimental to fish such as the diamond darter, 
which live on and under the bottom substrates of streams and lay eggs 
in interstitial areas (Whitman and Clark 1982, p. 653). Adequate oxygen 
is an important aspect of egg development, and reduced oxygen levels 
can lead to increased egg mortality, reduced hatching success, and 
delayed hatching (Keckeis et al. 1996, p. 436).
    Elevated nutrients in substrates can also make these habitats 
unsuitable for fish spawning, breeding, or foraging and reduce aquatic 
insect diversity, which may impact availability of prey and ultimately 
fish growth (Chu-Fa Tsai 1973, pp. 282-292; Wynes and Wissing 1981, pp. 
259-267). Darters are noted to be ``highly sensitive'' to nutrient 
increases associated with sewage discharges, and studies have 
demonstrated that the abundance and distribution of darter species 
decreases downstream of these effluents (Katz and Gaufin 1953, p. 156; 
Wynes and Wissing 1981, p. 259). Elevated levels of fecal coliform 
signal the presence of improperly treated wastes (WVDEP 2008a, p. 7) 
that can cause the types of spawning, breeding, and foraging problems 
discussed above.
    The reach of the Elk River from the mouth to River Mile 102.5, 
which includes the area supporting the diamond darter, was on the 
State's list of impaired waters under section 303(d) of the CWA due to 
violations of fecal coliform levels in 2008 and 2010 (WVDEP 2008a, p. 
18; WVDEP 2010, p. 26). There have been noticeable increases in fecal 
coliform near population centers adjacent to the Elk River, including 
the cities of Charleston, Elkview, Frametown, Gassaway, Sutton, and 
Clay (WVDEP 2008b, p. 8). Elk River tributaries near Clendenin also 
show evidence of organic enrichment and elevated levels of fecal 
coliform (WVDEP 1997, p. 48). The WVDEP notes that failing or 
nonexistent septic systems are prevalent throughout the lower Elk River 
watershed (WVDEP 2008b, p. 1). To address water quality problems, the 
WVDEP conducted a more detailed analysis of two major tributary 
watersheds to the lower Elk River. The agency found that all residences 
in these watersheds were ``unsewered'' (WVDEP 2008b, p. 7). The Kanawha 
County Health Department Sanitarians estimate that the probable failure 
rate for these types of systems is between 25 and 30 percent, and 
monitoring suggests it may be as high as 70 percent (WVDEP 2008b, p. 
7).
    In another study, it was noted that straight pipe and grey water 
discharges are often found in residences within the Elk River watershed 
because the extra grey water would overburden septic systems. These 
untreated wastes are discharged directly into streams. This grey water 
can contain many household cleaning and disinfectant products that can 
harm stream biota (WVDEP 1997, p. 54). Finally, there is the potential 
for inadvertent spills and discharges of sewage waste. In 2010, a 
section of stream bank along the Elk River near Clendenin failed and 
fell into the river, damaging a sewerline when it fell. The line then 
discharged raw sewage into the river (Marks 2010, p. 1). The diamond 
darter is known to occur in the Elk River near Clendenin; therefore, 
this discharge likely affected the species.
Impoundment
    Impoundment of previously occupied rivers was one of the most 
direct and significant historical causes of range reduction and habitat 
loss for the diamond darter. One of the reasons the diamond darter may 
have been able to persist in the Elk River is because the river remains 
largely unimpounded. Although there is one dam on the Elk River near 
Sutton, an approximately 161-km (100-mi) reach of the river downstream 
of the dam, including the portion that supports the diamond darter, 
retains natural, free-flowing, riffle and pool characteristics (Strager 
2008, p. 5; Service 2008). All the other rivers with documented 
historical diamond darter occurrences are now either partially or 
completely impounded. There are 4 dams on the Green River, 8 dams on 
the Cumberland River, and 11 locks and dams on the Muskingum River. A 
series of 20 locks and dams have impounded the entire Ohio River for 
navigation. Construction of most of these structures was completed 
between 1880 and 1950; however, the most recent dam constructed on the 
Cumberland River was completed in 1973 (Clay 1975, p. 3; Trautman 1981, 
p. 25; Tennessee Historical Society 2002, p. 4; American Canal Society 
2009, p. 1; Ohio Division of Natural Resources 2009, p. 1).
    These impoundments have permanently altered habitat suitability in 
the affected reaches and fragmented stream habitats, blocking fish 
immigration and emigration between the river systems, and preventing 
recolonization (Grandmaison et al. 2003, p. 18). Trautman (1981, p. 25) 
notes that the impoundment of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers for 
navigation purposes almost entirely eliminated riffle habitat in these 
rivers, increased the amount of silt settling on the bottom, which 
covered former sand and gravel substrates, and affected the ability of 
the diamond darter to survive in these systems. In addition, almost the 
entire length of the Kanawha River, including the 53 km (33 mi) 
upstream of the confluence with the Elk River and an additional 93 km 
(58 mi) downstream to Kanawha's confluence with the Ohio River, has 
been impounded for navigation (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) 
1994, pp. 1, 13, 19). The dams and impoundments on this system likely 
impede movement between the only remaining population of the diamond 
darter in the Elk River and the larger Ohio River watershed, including 
the other known river systems with historical populations. Range 
fragmentation and isolation (see Factor E below) is noted to be a 
significant threat to the persistence of the diamond darter (Warren et 
al. 2000 in Grandmaison et al. 2003, p. 18).
Direct Habitat Disturbance
    There is the potential for direct disturbance, alteration, and fill 
of diamond darter habitat in the Elk River. Since 2009, at least three 
proposed projects had the potential to directly disturb habitat in the 
Elk River in reaches that are known to support the species. Plans for 
these projects have not yet been finalized. Project types have included 
bridges and waterline crossings. Direct disturbances to the habitat 
containing the diamond darter could kill or injure adult individuals, 
young, or eggs. Waterline construction that involves direct trenching 
through

[[Page 45088]]

the diamond darter's habitat could destabilize the substrates, leading 
to increased sedimentation and erosion. Placement of fill in the river 
could result in the overall reduction of habitat that could support the 
species, and could alter flows and substrate conditions, making the 
area less suitable for the species (Welsh 2009d, p. 1).
    In addition, the expansion of gas development in the basin will 
likely lead to additional requests for new or upgraded gas transmission 
lines across the river. The WVONGA suggests that the region where the 
diamond darter exists may experience a surge in oil and natural gas 
exploration and drilling above the levels experienced in the previous 5 
years, and that new pipeline stream crossings are expected because the 
industry is working to provide new users with access to this expanded 
supply (WVONGA 2013).
    Pipeline stream crossings can affect fish habitat; food 
availability; and fish behavior, health, reproduction, and survival. 
The most immediate effect of instream construction is the creation of 
short-term pulses of highly turbid water and total suspended solids 
(TSS) downstream of construction (Levesque and Dube 2007, pp. 399-400). 
Although these pulses are usually of relatively short duration and 
there is typically a rapid return to background conditions after 
activities cease, instream construction has been shown to have 
considerable effects on stream substrates and benthic invertebrate 
communities that persist after construction has been completed 
(Levesque and Dube 2007, pp. 396-397). Commonly documented effects 
include substrate compaction, as well as silt deposition within the 
direct impact area and downstream that fills interstitial spaces and 
reduces water flow through the substrate, increasing substrate 
embeddedness and reducing habitat quality (Reid and Anderson 1999, p. 
243; Levesque and Dube 2007, pp. 396-397; Penkal and Phillips 2011, pp. 
6-7). Construction also directly alters stream channels, beds, and 
banks resulting in changes in cover, channel morphology, and sediment 
transport dynamics. Stream bank alterations can lead to increased water 
velocities, stream degradation, and stream channel migrations. Removal 
of vegetation from the banks can change temperature regimes and 
increase sediment and nutrient loads (Penkal and Phillips 2011, pp. 6-
7).
    These instream changes not only directly affect the suitability of 
fish habitat, but also affect the availability and quality of fish 
forage by altering the composition and reducing the density of benthic 
invertebrate communities within and downstream of the construction area 
(Reid and Anderson 1999, pp. 235, 244; Levesque and Dube 2007, pp. 396-
399; Penkal and Phillips 2011, pp. 6-7). Various studies have 
documented adverse effects to the benthic community that have been 
apparent for between 6 months and 4 years post-construction (Reid and 
Anderson 1999, pp. 235, 244; Levesque and Dube 2007, pp. 399-400). 
Stream crossings have also been shown to affect fish physiology, 
survival, growth, and reproductive success (Levesque and Dube 2007, p. 
399). Studies have found decreased abundance of fish downstream of 
crossings, as well as signs of physiological stress such as increased 
oxygen consumption and loss of equilibrium in remaining fish downstream 
of crossings (Reid and Anderson 1999, pp. 244-245; Levesque and Dube 
2007, pp. 399-401). Increased sediment deposition and substrate 
compaction from pipeline crossing construction can degrade spawning 
habitat, result in the production of fewer and smaller fish eggs, 
impair egg and larvae development, limit food availability for young-
of-the-year fish, and increase stress and reduce disease resistance of 
fish (Reid and Anderson 1999, pp. 244-245; Levesque and Dube 2007, pp. 
401-402).
    The duration and severity of these effects depends on factors such 
as the duration of disturbance, the length of stream segment directly 
impacted by construction, and whether there are repeated disturbances 
(Yount and Niemi 1990, p. 557). Most studies documented recovery of the 
affected stream reach within 1 to 3 years after construction (Yount and 
Niemi 1990, pp. 557-558, 562; Reid and Anderson 1999, p. 247). However, 
caution should be used when interpreting results of short-term studies. 
Yount and Niemi (1990, p. 558) cite an example of one study that made a 
preliminary determination of stream recovery within 1 year, but when 
the site was reexamined 6 years later, fish biomass, fish populations, 
macroinvertebrate densities, and species composition were still 
changing. It was suspected that shifts in sediment and nutrient inputs 
to the site as a result of construction in and around the stream 
contributed to the long-term lack of recovery. In another study, 
alterations in channel morphology, such as increased channel width and 
reduced water depth, were evident 2 to 4 years post-construction at 
sites that lacked an intact forest canopy (Reid and Anderson 1999, p. 
243).
    There is also the potential for cumulative effects. While a single 
crossing may have only short-term or minor effects, multiple crossings 
or multiple sources of disturbance and sedimentation in a watershed can 
have cumulative effects on fish survival and reproduction that exceed 
the recovery capacity of the river, resulting in permanent detrimental 
effects (Levesque and Dube 2007, pp. 406-407). Whether or how quickly a 
stream population recovers depends on factors such as the life-history 
characteristics of the species and the availability of unaffected 
populations upstream and downstream as a source of organisms for 
recolonization (Yount and Niemi 1990, p. 547). Species such as the 
diamond darter that are particularly susceptible to the effects of 
siltation and resulting substrate embeddedness, and that have limited 
distribution and population numbers, are likely to be more severely 
affected by instream disturbances than other more common and resilient 
species. The WVONGA suggests that the region where the diamond darter 
exists may experience a surge in oil and natural gas exploration and 
drilling above the levels experienced in the previous 5 years (WVONGA 
2013).
Conservation Efforts To Reduce Habitat Destruction, Modification, or 
Curtailment of Its Range
    The NRCS and the Federal Highway Administration/West Virginia 
Department of Transportation have worked with the Service to develop 
programmatic agreements on how their agencies will address federally 
listed species for many of their routine project types. After the 
diamond darter became a candidate species in 2009, both agencies 
voluntarily agreed to update their programmatic agreements to address 
protection of the diamond darter. These agreements now include a 
process to determine when the species may be affected by projects, 
avoidance measures that can be used to ensure their projects are not 
likely to adversely affect the species, conditions describing when 
additional consultation with the Service shall occur, and, in some 
cases, other measures that can be incorporated into projects to benefit 
the species. These programmatic agreements, which were completed in 
2011, should help reduce or avoid effects from small-scale highway 
construction projects and NCRS conservation practices, and can help 
these agencies design and implement projects to benefit the species.
Summary of Factor A
    In summary, there are significant threats to the diamond darter 
from the present and threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its

[[Page 45089]]

habitat. Threats include sedimentation and siltation from a variety of 
sources, discharges from activities such as coal mining and oil and gas 
development, pollutants originating from inadequate wastewater 
treatment, habitat changes and isolation caused by impoundments, and 
direct habitat disturbance. These threats are ongoing and severe and 
occur throughout the species' entire current range. We have no 
information indicating that these threats are likely to be appreciably 
reduced in the future, and in the case of gas development and 
associated instream disturbances associated with gas transmission 
lines, we expect this threat to increase over the next several years as 
shale gas development continues to intensify.

B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes

    Due to the small size and limited distribution of the only 
remaining population, the diamond darter is potentially vulnerable to 
overutilization. Particular care must be used to ensure that collection 
for scientific purposes does not become a long-term or substantial 
threat. It is possible that previous scientific studies may have 
impacted the population. Of the fewer than 50 individuals captured 
through 2011, 14 either died as a result of the capture or were 
sacrificed for use in scientific studies. Nineteen were removed from 
the system and were used for the establishment of a captive breeding 
program. Two have died in captivity. It should be noted that there were 
valid scientific or conservation purposes for most of these 
collections. To verify the identification and permanently document the 
first record of the species in West Virginia, the specimen captured in 
1980 was preserved as a voucher specimen consistent with general 
scientific protocols of the time. Subsequent surveys in the 1990s were 
conducted for the specific purpose of collecting additional specimens 
to be used in the genetic and morphological analyses required to 
determine the taxonomic and conservation status of the species. The 
extent and scope of these studies were determined and reviewed by a 
variety of entities including the WVDNR, the Service, USGS, university 
scientists, and professional ichthyologists (Tolin 1995, p. 1; Wood and 
Raley 2000, pp. 20-26; Lemarie 2004, pp. 1-57; Welsh and Wood 2008, pp. 
62-68).
    In addition, when these collections were initiated, insufficient 
data were available to establish the overall imperiled and unique 
status of the species. Because these studies are now complete, there 
should be limited need to sacrifice additional individuals for 
scientific analysis, and thus, this potential threat has been reduced. 
The captive-breeding program was established after a review of the 
conservation status of the species identified imminent threats to the 
last remaining population, and species experts identified the need to 
establish a captive ``ark'' population to avert extinction in the event 
of a spill or continued chronic threats to the species. The 
establishment of this program should contribute to the overall 
conservation of the species and may lead to the eventual augmentation 
of populations. However, caution must still be used to ensure that any 
additional collections do not affect the status of wild populations.
    It is possible that future surveys conducted within the range of 
the species could inadvertently result in mortality of additional 
individuals. For example, during some types of inventory work, fish 
captured are preserved in the field and brought back to the lab for 
identification. Young-of-the-year diamond darters are not easily 
distinguished from other species, and their presence within these 
samples may not be realized until after the samples are processed. This 
was the case during studies recently conducted by a local university 
(Cincotta 2009a, p. 1). Future surveys should be designed with 
protocols in place to minimize the risk that diamond darters will be 
inadvertently taken during nontarget studies. The WVDNR currently 
issues collecting permits for all surveys and scientific collections 
conducted within the State and incorporates appropriate conditions into 
any permits issued for studies that will occur within the potential 
range of the species. This limits the overall potential for 
overutilization for scientific purposes.
    We know of no recreational or educational uses for the species. 
Although the species has no present commercial value, it is possible 
that live specimens may be collected for the aquarium trade or for 
specimen collections (Walsh et al. 2003 in Grandmaison et al. 2003 p. 
19) and that once its rarity and potential collection locations become 
more widely known, it may become attractive to collectors. At this 
time, this is not known to be a widespread threat, although there is 
some evidence of individuals attempting to collect other darters and 
rare fish in West Virginia and other States for personal or academic 
collections (North American Native Fishes Association 2007, pp. 1-5). 
Uncontrolled collection from the remaining diamond darter population 
could have deleterious effects on the reproductive and genetic 
viability of the species.
Conservation Efforts To Reduce Overutilization for Commercial, 
Recreational, Scientific, or Educational Purposes
    In response to the proposed listing of the diamond darter, the 
WVDNR has incorporated wording into State fishing regulations to 
clarify that collection of the diamond darter for any purpose is not 
authorized unless conducted under a valid State scientific collecting 
permit (WVDNR 2013, p. 8).
Summary of Factor B
    We find that overutilization for commercial, recreational, 
scientific, or educational purposes is a minor threat to the diamond 
darter at this time. For a species like the diamond darter, with a 
small range and population size, there is the potential that 
overutilization for scientific purposes or personal collections could 
have an effect on the viability of the species. However, there is 
limited need for additional research that would require the sacrifice 
of individuals. Based on our review of the best available scientific 
and commercial data, the threat of overutilization is not likely to 
increase in the future.

C. Disease or Predation

    There is no specific information available to suggest that disease 
or predation presents a threat to diamond darters. Although some 
natural predation by fish and wildlife may occur, darters usually 
constitute only an almost incidental component in the diet of predators 
(Page 1983, p. 172). This incidental predation is not considered to 
pose a threat to the species.
    Commonly reported parasites and diseases of darters, in general, 
include black-spot disease, flukes, nematodes, leeches, spiny-headed 
worms, and copepods (Page 1983, p. 173). None of the best available 
data regarding diamond darters captured to date, or reports on the 
related crystal darter, note any incidences of these types of issues. 
As a result, we find that disease or predation does not currently pose 
a threat to the species, and we have no available data that indicate 
disease or predation is now or likely to become a threat to the diamond 
darter in the future.
Conservation Efforts To Reduce Disease or Predation
    Since neither disease nor predation currently present threats to 
the diamond

[[Page 45090]]

darter, no conservation efforts are being conducted to reduce these 
threats.

D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    Few existing Federal or State regulatory mechanisms specifically 
protect the diamond darter or its aquatic habitat where it occurs. The 
diamond darter and its habitats are afforded some protection from water 
quality and habitat degradation under the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.)(CWA), the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation 
Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. 1234-1328), the West Virginia Logging and 
Sediment Control Act (WVSC Sec.  19-1B), the West Virginia Pollution 
Control Act (WVSC Sec.  22-11-1.), the West Virginia Horizontal Well 
Act (WVSC Sec.  22-6A), the West Virginia Abandoned Well Act (WVSC 
Sec.  22-10-1), and additional West Virginia laws and regulations 
regarding natural resources and environmental protection (WVSC Sec.  
20-2-50; Sec.  22-6A; Sec.  22-26-3). Many of these regulations and 
requirements were specifically designed with protection of water 
quality and the reduction of sedimentation as their primary goals. 
However, as demonstrated under Factor A, degradation of habitat for 
this species is ongoing despite the protection afforded by these 
existing laws and corresponding regulations. These laws have resulted 
in some improvements in water quality and stream habitat for aquatic 
life, including the diamond darter, but water quality degradation, 
sedimentation and siltation, non-point-source pollutants, and habitat 
alteration continue to threaten the species.
    Although water quality has generally improved since major 
environmental regulations like the CWA and Surface Mining Control and 
Reclamation Act (30 U.S.C. 1234-1328) were enacted or amended in the 
late 1970s, degradation of water quality within the range of the 
diamond darter continues. In 2010, a total of 102 streams within the 
Elk River watershed totaling 1,030 km (640 mi) were identified as 
impaired by the WVDEP and were placed on the State's CWA 303(d) list 
(WVDEP 2010, p. 16). Identified causes of impairment that were 
identified include existing mining operations, abandoned mine lands, 
fecal coliform from sewage discharges, roads, oil and gas operations, 
timbering, land use disturbance (urban, residential, or agriculture), 
and stream bank erosion (WVDEP 2011b, pp. viii-ix).
    For water bodies on the CWA 303(d) list, States are required to 
establish a TMDL for the pollutants of concern that will improve water 
quality to meet the applicable standards. The WVDEP has established 
TMDLs for total iron, dissolved aluminum, total selenium, pH, and fecal 
coliform bacteria in the Elk River watershed (WVDEP 2012, pp. viii-x). 
The total iron TMDL is used as a surrogate to address impacts 
associated with excess sediments (WVDEP 2011b, p. 47). The TMDLs for 
the Elk River watershed were approved in 2012, and address 165 km 
(102.5 mi) of Elk River from Sutton Dam to the confluence with the 
Kanawha River, including the entire reach known to support the diamond 
darter, and 214 other impaired tributaries in the watershed. The draft 
2012 WVDEP CWA 303(d) report places these impaired streams in a 
category where TMDLs have been developed but where water quality 
improvements are not yet documented (WVDEP 2012, pp. 14-15). An 
additional six streams, totaling 63 km (39 mi) within the Elk River 
watershed, were listed as having impaired biological conditions due to 
mining, but TMDLs for these streams were not developed (WVDEP 2012, p. 
9).
    Because these TMDLs for some of these impaired streams have just 
recently been established, it is not known how effective they will be 
at reducing the levels of these pollutants, or how long streams within 
the Elk River watershed will remain impaired. The TMDLs apply primarily 
to point-source discharge permits, not the non-point sources that may 
also contribute to sediment loading in the watershed. The Service is 
not aware of any other current or future changes to State or Federal 
laws that will substantially affect the currently observed degradation 
of water quality from point-source pollution that is considered to be a 
continuing threat to diamond darter habitats.
    When existing laws that regulate some of these activities are fully 
complied with and vigorously enforced they can be effective at reducing 
the scope of threats from the regulated activity. For example, when 
forestry BMPs are fully and correctly applied they can be effective at 
reducing sedimentation into waterways. Studies have found a strong 
correlation between BMP application and prevention of sediment movement 
into surface water (Schuler and Briggs 2000 p. 133). However, these 
same studies also found that imperfect application of BMPs reduced 
their effectiveness and that logging operations can increase sediment 
loading into streams if they do not have properly installed BMPs 
(Schuler and Briggs 2000 p. 133; WVDEP 2011b, p. 35). One study 
evaluating the effects of forestry haul roads documented that watershed 
turbidities increased significantly following road construction and 
that silt fences installed to control erosion became ineffectual near 
stream crossings, allowing substantial amounts of sediment to reach the 
channel (Wang et al. 2010, p. 1).
    The WVDOF periodically evaluates compliance with BMPs; this 
evaluation indicates a trend of increasing compliance with BMPs (Wang 
et al. 2002, p. 1). The most recently available survey of randomly 
selected logging operations throughout West Virginia estimated that 
overall compliance with these BMPs averaged 74 percent, and compliance 
with specific categories of BMPs ranged from 81 percent compliance with 
BMPs related to construction of haul roads, to only 55 percent 
compliance with BMPs related to the establishment and protection of 
streamside management zones (Wang et al. 2007, p. 60). In addition, the 
WVDOF estimates that illicit logging operations represent approximately 
2.5 percent of the total harvested forest area throughout West Virginia 
(WVDEP 2011c, pp. 34-35). These illicit operations most likely do not 
have properly installed BMPs and can contribute excessive sediment to 
streams.
    West Virginia State laws regarding oil and gas drilling, including 
recently enacted changes to West Virginia State Code Sec.  22-6A, are 
generally designed to protect fresh water resources like the diamond 
darter's habitat, but the laws do not contain specific provisions 
requiring an analysis of project impacts to fish and wildlife 
resources. They also do not contain or provide any formal mechanism 
requiring coordination with, or input from, the Service or the WVDNR 
regarding the presence of federally threatened, endangered, or 
candidate species or other rare and sensitive species. They also do not 
contain any provisions that would avoid or minimize direct loss of 
diamond darters.
    West Virginia State Code Sec.  20-2-50 prohibits taking fish 
species for scientific purposes without a permit. The WVDNR issues 
collecting permits for surveys conducted within the State and 
incorporates appropriate conditions into any permits issued for studies 
that will occur within the potential range of the species. This should 
limit the number of individuals impacted by survey and research 
efforts. Current West Virginia fishing regulations prohibit collecting 
any diamond darter specimens in the State without a West Virginia 
scientific collecting permit, and further specify that the diamond 
darter

[[Page 45091]]

cannot be collected as bait (WVDNR 2013, p. 8).
    The diamond darter is indirectly provided some protection from 
Federal actions and activities through the Act because the Elk River 
also supports five federally endangered mussel species. The reach of 
the Elk River currently known to support the diamond darter also 
supports the pink mucket (Lampsilis abrupta), the northern riffleshell 
(Epioblasma torulosa rangiana), the rayed bean (Villosa fabalis), and 
the snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra). The clubshell mussel (Pleurobema 
clava) occurs in the reach of the Elk River upstream of the diamond 
darter. Many of the same management recommendations made to avoid 
adverse effects during consultations for endangered mussels, such as 
avoiding instream disturbances and controlling sedimentation, would 
also benefit the diamond darter. However, protective measures for 
listed freshwater mussels in the Elk River have generally involved 
surveys for mussel species presence and development of minimization 
measures in areas with confirmed presence. The diamond darter is more 
mobile and, therefore, is likely to be present within a less restricted 
area than most mussel species. Surveys for mussels will not detect 
diamond darters. As a result, these measures provide some limited 
protection for the diamond darter in the Elk River, but only in 
specific locations where it co-occurs with these mussel species. 
Currently, no requirements within the scope of Federal or State 
environmental laws specifically consider the diamond darter during 
Federal or State-regulated activities, or ensure that projects will not 
jeopardize the diamond darter's continued existence.
Summary of Factor D
    Few existing laws specifically protect the diamond darter. A number 
of existing Federal and State regulatory mechanisms are designed to 
protect water quality and reduce sedimentation, which could reduce 
threats to the diamond darter. However, degradation of water quality 
and habitat is ongoing throughout the current range of the diamond 
darter, despite these existing regulatory mechanisms governing some 
activities that contribute to this threat. We have no information 
indicating that these threats are likely to be appreciably reduced in 
the future.

E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence

Didymosphenia geminate
    The presence of Didymosphenia geminate, an alga known as ``didymo'' 
or ``rock snot'' has the potential to adversely affect diamond darter 
populations in the Elk River. This alga, historically reported to occur 
in cold, northern portions of North America (e.g., British Columbia), 
has been steadily expanding its range within the last 10 to 20 years, 
and has now been reported to occur in watersheds as far east and south 
as Arkansas and North Carolina (Spaulding and Elwell 2007, pp. 8-21). 
The species has also begun occurring in large nuisance blooms that can 
dominate stream surfaces by covering 100 percent of the substrate with 
mats up to 20 cm (8 in) thick, extending over 1 km (0.6 mi) and 
persisting for several months (Spaulding and Elwell 2007, pp. 3, 6). 
Didymo can greatly alter the physical and biological conditions of 
streams in which it occurs and cause changes to algal, invertebrate, 
and fish species diversity and population sizes; stream foodweb 
structure; and stream hydraulics (Spaulding and Elwell 2007, pp. 3, 
12). Didymo is predicted to have particularly detrimental effects on 
fish, such as the diamond darter, that inhabit stream bottom habitats 
or consume bottom-dwelling prey (Spaulding and Elwell 2007, p. 15).
    While didymo was previously thought to be restricted to coldwater 
streams, it is now known to occur in a wider range of temperatures, and 
it has been documented in waters with temperatures that were as high as 
27 [deg]C (80 [deg]F) (Spaulding and Elwell 2007, pp. 8, 10, 16). It 
can also occur in a wide range of hydraulic conditions including slow-
moving, shallow areas and areas with high depths and velocities 
(Spaulding and Elwell 2007, pp. 16-17). Didymo can be spread large 
distances either through the water column or when items such as fishing 
equipment, boots, neoprene waders, and boats are moved between affected 
and unaffected sites (Spaulding and Elwell 2007, pp. 19-20). For 
example, in New Zealand, didymo spread to two sites over 100 km (62.1 
mi) and 450 km (279.6 mi) away from the location of the first 
documented bloom within 1 year (Kilroy and Unwin 2011, p. 254).
    Although didymo has not been documented to occur in the lower Elk 
River where the diamond darter occurs, in 2008 the WVDNR documented the 
presence of didymo in the upper Elk River, above Sutton Dam near 
Webster Springs, which is over 120 km (74.5 mi) upstream from known 
diamond darter locations (WVDNR 2008, p. 1). Anglers have also reported 
seeing heavy algal mats, assumed to be didymo, in the upstream reach of 
the river (WVDNR 2008, p. 1). Therefore, there is potential that the 
species could spread downstream to within the current range of the 
diamond darter in the future. If it does spread into the diamond darter 
habitat, it could degrade habitat quality and pose a significant threat 
to the species.
Invasive Riparian Plants
    Invasive, nonnative plants associated with riparian areas, such as 
Japanese knotweed, have the potential to adversely affect diamond 
darter populations in the Elk River. Japanese knotweed is a species 
native to eastern Asia that was introduced in the United States as an 
ornamental landscape plant (Barney 2006, p. 704). The species forms 
dense, monotypic stands that exclude native vegetation (Urgenson 2006, 
p. 6). Once introduced into an area, it spreads rapidly through 
riparian areas as flood waters carry root and stem fragments downstream 
and these fragments then regenerate to form new populations (Urgenson 
2006, p. 1).
    Healthy, functioning, riparian forests are an essential component 
of maintaining water and habitat quality in streams, and streams are 
adversely affected when riparian areas are invaded by species such as 
Japanese knotweed (Urgenson 2006, p. 35). Streambanks dominated by 
Japanese knotweed populations are less stable and more prone to erosion 
because Japanese knotweed has shallower roots compared to native 
riparian trees and woody shrubs. Because Japanese knotweed dies back in 
winter, it also leaves streambanks more exposed to erosive forces 
(Urgenson 2006, pp. 35-36). Thus, knotweed can increase streambank 
erosion, increase sedimentation in streams, and alter channel 
morphology. In addition, riparian areas dominated by Japanese knotweed 
change the natural composition of leaf litter entering the stream. This 
change affects nutrient cycling and organic matter inputs into the 
aquatic food web, and can have long-lasting effects on microhabitat 
conditions and aquatic life of affected stream systems (Urgenson 2006, 
pp. i, 31). Because leaf litter from Japanese knotweed is of lower 
nutritional quality than native vegetation, it can negatively impact 
the productivity of aquatic macroinvertebrates, which are a primary 
food source for fishes like the diamond darter (Urgenson 2006, p. 32).

[[Page 45092]]

    Japanese knotweed has already been found in the upstream portions 
of the Elk River watershed (Schmidt 2013, p. 1). In 2012, Service 
biologists and their partner organizations documented and initiated 
control measures on 25 Japanese knotweed populations on the mainstem 
Elk River and its tributaries. These populations were located near the 
Randolph-Webster County line approximately 161 km (100 mi) upstream of 
the range of the diamond darter. Some of these populations were over 
0.1 ha (0.25 ac) in size and had doubled in size in the 2 years since 
first documented (Schmidt 2013, p. 1). Japanese knotweed is difficult 
to control and eradicate. Effective eradication requires many years of 
focused efforts, and often populations are discovered downstream before 
100 percent mortality is achieved in the treated area (Urgenson 2006, 
p. 37).
Geographic Isolation and Loss of Genetic Variation
    The one existing diamond darter population is small in size and 
range, and is geographically isolated from other areas that previously 
supported the species. The diamond darter's distribution is restricted 
to a short stream reach, and its small population size makes it 
extremely susceptible to extirpation from a single catastrophic event 
(such as a toxic chemical spill or storm event that destroys its 
habitat). Its small population size reduces the potential ability of 
the population to recover from the cumulative effects of smaller 
chronic impacts to the population and habitat such as progressive 
degradation from runoff (non-point-source pollutants) and direct 
disturbances.
    Species that are restricted in range and population size are more 
likely to suffer loss of genetic diversity due to genetic drift, 
potentially increasing their susceptibility to inbreeding depression 
and reducing the fitness of individuals (Soule 1980, pp. 157-158; 
Hunter 2002, pp. 97-101; Allendorf and Luikart 2007, pp. 117-146). 
Similarly, the random loss of adaptive genes through genetic drift may 
limit the ability of the diamond darter to respond to climate change 
and other changes in its environment and the catastrophic events and 
chronic impacts described above (Noss and Cooperrider 1994, p. 61). 
Small population sizes and inhibited gene flow between populations may 
increase the likelihood of local extirpation (Gilpin and Soul[eacute] 
1986, pp. 32-34). The long-term viability of a species is founded on 
the conservation of numerous local populations throughout its 
geographic range (Harris 1984, pp. 93-104). These separate populations 
are essential for the species to recover and adapt to environmental 
change (Harris 1984, pp. 93-104; Noss and Cooperrider 1994, pp. 264-
297). The current population of the diamond darter is restricted to one 
section of one stream. This population is isolated from other suitable 
and historical habitats by dams that are barriers to fish movement. The 
level of isolation and restricted range seen in this species makes 
natural repopulation of historical habitats or other new areas 
following previous localized extirpations virtually impossible without 
human intervention.
Climate Change
    Climate change (as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change (2007, p. 78)) has the potential to increase the 
vulnerability of the diamond darter to random catastrophic events and 
to compound the effects of restricted genetic variation and population 
isolation. Current climate change predictions for the central 
Appalachians indicate that aquatic habitats will be subject to 
increased temperatures and increased drought stress, especially during 
the summer and early fall (Buzby and Perry 2000, p. 1774; Byers and 
Norris 2011, p. 20). There will likely be an increase in the 
variability of stream flow, and the frequency of extreme events, such 
as droughts, severe storms, and flooding, is likely to increase 
Statewide (Buzby and Perry 2000, p. 1774; Byers and Norris 2011, p. 
20). While the available data on the effects of climate change are not 
precise enough to predict the extent to which climate change will 
degrade diamond darter habitat, species with limited ranges that are 
faced with either natural or anthropomorphic barriers to movement, such 
as the dams that fragmented and isolated the historical diamond darter 
habitat, have been found to be especially vulnerable to the effects of 
climate change (Byers and Norris 2011, p. 18). Thus, the small 
population size and distribution of the diamond darter makes the 
species particularly susceptible to risks from catastrophic events, 
loss of genetic variation, and climate change.
Conservation Efforts To Reduce Other Natural or Manmade Factors 
Affecting Its Continued Existence
    The West Virginia Invasive Species Working Group (WVISWG) is a 
group of State and Federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and 
private stakeholders dedicated to working together on nonnative 
invasive species issues that affect West Virginia. The primary mission 
of the WVISWG is to maintain an inclusive Statewide group to facilitate 
actions for the prevention or reduction of negative impacts of invasive 
species on managed and natural terrestrial and aquatic communities 
through coordinated planning and communication, assessment and 
research, education, and control. The WVISWG is developing a Statewide 
invasive species strategic plan to provide guidance and coordination 
for invasive species management actions across the State. These 
voluntary efforts may help to reduce the spread of didymo and Japanese 
knotweed and other invasive riparian plants that are a threat to the 
diamond darter and its habitat.
    The Service, WVDNR, USGS West Virginia Cooperative Fish and 
Wildlife Research Unit at West Virginia University, and Conservation 
Fisheries, Inc. (CFI) are working together to conduct research on the 
reproductive biology and life history of the diamond darter and are 
attempting to establish a captive population to avert extinction and 
preserve genetic diversity. Although diamond darters have successfully 
bred in captivity, no larvae have survived to adulthood. Additional 
research and funding is needed for this effort to be fully successful.
Summary of Factor E
    In summary, because the diamond darter has a small geographic range 
and small population size, it is subject to several other ongoing 
natural and manmade threats. These threats include the spread of 
invasive, nonnative species such as Didymosphenia geminate and Japanese 
knotweed; loss of genetic fitness; and susceptibility to spills, 
catastrophic events, and impacts from climate change. The severity of 
these threats is high because the diamond darter's small range and 
population size reduces its ability to adapt to environmental change. 
Further, our review of the best available scientific and commercial 
information indicates that these threats are likely to continue or 
increase in the future.
Cumulative Effects From Factors A Through E
    Some of the threats discussed in this rule could work in concert 
with one another to cumulatively create situations that potentially 
impact the diamond darter beyond the scope of the individual threats 
that we have already analyzed. As described in Factor A, the reach of 
the Elk River inhabited by the diamond darter is threatened by numerous 
sources of habitat and water quality degradation, including

[[Page 45093]]

sedimentation and siltation from multiple sources, coal mining, oil and 
gas development, and inadequate sewage treatment. All these threats 
likely reduce the amount and quality of the diamond darter's remaining 
available habitat and are sources of chronic and continued degradation 
of its habitat. As described above, these threats also likely reduce 
the amount of forage available to the species, reduce the fitness of 
remaining individuals, and decrease breeding success and survival of 
young. These chronic threats likely affect the ability of the diamond 
darter population in the Elk River to grow and thrive, making it less 
resilient to potential acute threats such as accidental spills and 
catastrophic events. In a review of population and stream responses to 
various types of disturbances, Yount and Niemi (1990, pp. 547-555) 
found that populations or streams that were affected by multiple 
chronic sources of disturbance and degradation were less resilient and 
less likely to recover quickly from additional individual disturbances. 
In addition, they found that the availability of unaffected populations 
in nearby streams, tributaries, or upstream and downstream reaches that 
would provide a source of organisms for recolonization was one of the 
key factors that allowed affected populations to recover from 
disturbances (Yount and Niemi 1990, p. 547).
    There are no unaffected populations or stream reaches available to 
the diamond darter. The diamond darter's current range is already 
severely restricted and isolated from other suitable habitats by dams 
and impoundments. The one remaining diamond darter population is small 
and occurs in one reach of a single river that is already affected by 
multiple chronic sources of degradation. Thus, the current remaining 
population has very little resiliency and a very limited ability to 
recover from additional individual disturbances. Cumulatively, these 
factors make the diamond darter particularly susceptible to extinction 
from additional threats such as direct disturbances, invasive species, 
spills, and long-term effects of climate change. These ongoing 
cumulative threats to the diamond darter are occurring throughout the 
species' entire current range. We have no information indicating that 
these threats are likely to be appreciably reduced in the future.
Summary of Factors
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial data 
available regarding the past, present, and future threats to the 
diamond darter. The primary threats to the diamond darter are related 
to the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment 
of its habitat or range (Factor A) and other natural or manmade factors 
affecting its continued existence (Factor E). The species is currently 
known to exist only in the lower Elk River, West Virginia. This portion 
of the watershed is impacted by ongoing water quality degradation and 
habitat loss from activities associated with coal mining and oil and 
gas development, sedimentation and siltation from these and other 
sources, inadequate sewage and wastewater treatment, and direct habitat 
loss and alteration. The impoundment of rivers in the Ohio River Basin, 
such as the Kanawha, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers, has eliminated much 
of the species' habitat and isolated the existing population from other 
watersheds that the species historically occupied. The small size and 
restricted range of the remaining diamond darter population makes it 
particularly susceptible to extirpation from spills and other 
catastrophic events, the spread of invasive species, and effects of 
genetic inbreeding.
    The species could be vulnerable to overutilization for scientific 
or recreational purposes (Factor B), but the significance of this 
threat is minimized through the State's administration of scientific 
collecting permits. There are no known threats to the diamond darter 
from disease or predation (Factor C). Although some regulatory 
mechanisms exist (Factor D), they do not succeed in alleviating these 
threats. In addition to the individual threats discussed under Factors 
A and E, each of which is sufficient to warrant the species' listing, 
the cumulative effect of these factors is such that the magnitude and 
imminence of threats to the diamond darter are significant throughout 
its entire current range.

Determination

    The Act defines an endangered species as any species that is ``in 
danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its 
range'' and a threatened species as any species ``that is likely to 
become endangered throughout all or a significant portion of its range 
within the foreseeable future.'' We find that the diamond darter, which 
consists of only one population (occurrence), is presently in danger of 
extinction throughout its entire range, due to the immediacy, severity, 
and scope of the threats described above. Because the species is 
currently limited to one small, isolated population in an aquatic 
environment that is currently facing numerous, severe, and ongoing 
threats to its habitat and water quality, we find that the diamond 
darter does not meet the definition of a threatened species. Therefore, 
on the basis of the best available scientific and commercial data, we 
list the diamond darter as endangered in accordance with sections 3(6) 
and 4(a)(1) of the Act.
    Under the Act and our implementing regulations, a species may 
warrant listing if it is threatened or endangered throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range. The diamond darter is highly 
restricted in its range and the threats to the survival of the species 
are not restricted to any particular significant portion of that range. 
Therefore, we assessed the status of the species throughout its entire 
range. Accordingly, our assessment and determination apply to the 
species throughout its entire range.

Available Conservation Measures

    Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or 
threatened species under the Act include recognition, recovery actions, 
requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain 
practices. Recognition through listing results in public awareness and 
conservation by Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies, private 
organizations, and individuals. The Act encourages cooperation with the 
States and requires that recovery actions be carried out for all listed 
species. The protections required by Federal agencies and the 
prohibitions against certain activities are discussed, in part, below.
    The primary purpose of the Act is the conservation of endangered 
and threatened species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The 
ultimate goal of such conservation efforts is the recovery of these 
listed species, so that they no longer need the protective measures of 
the Act. Subsection 4(f) of the Act requires the Service to develop and 
implement recovery plans for the conservation of endangered and 
threatened species. The recovery planning process involves the 
identification of actions that are necessary to halt or reverse the 
species' decline by addressing the threats to its survival and 
recovery. The goal of this process is to restore listed species to a 
point where they are secure, self-sustaining, and functioning 
components of their ecosystems.
    Recovery planning includes the development of a recovery outline 
shortly after a species is listed and preparation of a draft and final 
recovery plan. The recovery outline guides the immediate implementation 
of urgent

[[Page 45094]]

recovery actions and describes the process to be used to develop a 
recovery plan. Revisions of the plan may be done to address continuing 
or new threats to the species, as new substantive information becomes 
available. The recovery plan identifies site-specific management 
actions that set a trigger for review of the five factors that control 
whether a species remains endangered or may be downlisted or delisted, 
and methods for monitoring recovery progress. Recovery plans also 
establish a framework for agencies to coordinate their recovery efforts 
and provide estimates of the cost of implementing recovery tasks. 
Recovery teams (comprising species experts, Federal and State agencies, 
nongovernmental organizations, and stakeholders) are often established 
to develop recovery plans. When completed, the recovery outline, draft 
recovery plan, and the final recovery plan will be available on our Web 
site (https://www.fws.gov/endangered), or from our West Virginia Fish 
and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Implementation of recovery actions generally requires the 
participation of a broad range of partners, including other Federal 
agencies, States, Tribal, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, 
and private landowners. Examples of recovery actions include habitat 
restoration (e.g., restoration of native vegetation), research, captive 
propagation and reintroduction, and outreach and education. The 
recovery of many listed species cannot be accomplished solely on 
Federal lands because their range may occur primarily or solely on non-
Federal lands. To achieve recovery of these species requires 
cooperative conservation efforts on private, State, and Tribal lands.
    Once this species is listed, funding for recovery actions will be 
available from a variety of sources, including Federal budgets, State 
programs, and cost-share grants for non-Federal landowners, the 
academic community, and nongovernmental organizations. In addition, 
pursuant to section 6 of the Act, the States of Kentucky, Ohio, 
Tennessee, and West Virginia will be eligible for Federal funds to 
implement management actions that promote the protection or recovery of 
the diamond darter. Information on our grant programs that are 
available to aid species recovery can be found at: https://www.fws.gov/grants.
    Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies to evaluate their 
actions with respect to any species that is proposed or listed as 
endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical habitat, if 
any is designated. Regulations implementing this interagency 
cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR part 402. 
Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to confer with the 
Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize the continued 
existence of a species proposed for listing or result in destruction or 
adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. If a species is 
listed subsequently, section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal 
agencies to ensure that activities they carry out, authorize, or fund 
are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or 
destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action 
may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible 
Federal agency must enter into formal consultation with the Service.
    Federal agency actions within the species' habitat that may require 
consultation as described in the preceding paragraph include the 
issuance of section 404 Clean Water Act permits by the ACOE; 
construction and management of gas pipeline and power line rights-of-
way or hydropower facilities by the Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission; construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and 
bridges by the Federal Highway Administration; pesticide regulation by 
the USEPA; and issuance of coal mining permits by the Office of Surface 
Mining.
    The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of 
general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all endangered 
wildlife. The prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, codified at 
50 CFR 17.21 for endangered wildlife, in part, make it illegal for any 
person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take 
(includes harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, 
capture, or collect; or to attempt any of these), import, export, ship 
in interstate commerce in the course of commercial activity, or sell or 
offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce any listed species. 
Under the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42-43; 16 U.S.C. 3371-3378), it is also 
illegal to possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship any such 
wildlife that has been taken illegally. Certain exceptions apply to 
agents of the Service and State conservation agencies.
    We may issue permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities 
involving endangered and threatened wildlife species under certain 
circumstances. Regulations governing permits are codified at 50 CFR 
17.22 for endangered species, and at 17.32 for threatened species. With 
regard to endangered wildlife, a permit must be issued for the 
following purposes: For scientific purposes, to enhance the propagation 
or survival of the species, and for incidental take in connection with 
otherwise lawful activities.
    Our policy, as published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 
(59 FR 34272), is to identify to the maximum extent practicable at the 
time a species is listed, those activities that would or would not 
constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent of this 
policy is to increase public awareness of the effect of a listing on 
proposed and ongoing activities within the range of listed species. The 
following activities could potentially result in a violation of section 
9 of the Act; this list is not comprehensive:
    (1) Unauthorized collecting, handling, possessing, selling, 
delivering, carrying, or transporting of the species, including import 
or export across State lines and international boundaries, except for 
properly documented antique specimens at least 100 years old, as 
defined by section 10(h)(1) of the Act.
    (2) Violation of any permit that results in harm or death to any 
individuals of this species or that results in degradation of its 
habitat to an extent that essential behaviors such as breeding, feeding 
and sheltering are impaired.
    (3) Unlawful destruction or alteration of diamond darter habitats 
(e.g., unpermitted instream dredging, impoundment, water diversion or 
withdrawal, channelization, discharge of fill material) that impairs 
essential behaviors such as breeding, feeding, or sheltering, or 
results in killing or injuring a diamond darter.
    (4) Unauthorized discharges or dumping of toxic chemicals or other 
pollutants into waters supporting the diamond darter that kills or 
injures individuals, or otherwise impairs essential life-sustaining 
behaviors such as breeding, feeding, or finding shelter.
    Questions regarding whether specific activities would constitute a 
violation of section 9 of the Act should be directed to the West 
Virginia Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

Required Determinations

National Environmental Policy Act

    We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental 
impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be 
prepared in connection with listing a species as an endangered or 
threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We published a 
notice outlining our reasons for this

[[Page 45095]]

determination in the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 
49244).

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994 
(Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments; 59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and 
Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments), and the Department of the 
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with 
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, 
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), 
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with 
tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge 
that tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal 
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make 
information available to tribes.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited in this rule is available 
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or upon request from the 
West Virginia Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFROMATION CONTACT).

Author(s)

    The primary author of this document is staff from the West Virginia 
Field Office (see ADDRESSES).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 
of the Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; 4201-4245; unless 
otherwise noted.


0
2. Amend Sec.  17.11(h) by adding an entry for ``Darter, diamond'' to 
the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in alphabetical order 
under Fishes to read as follows:


Sec.  17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Species                                                    Vertebrate
--------------------------------------------------------                        population where                                  Critical     Special
                                                            Historic range       endangered or         Status      When listed    habitat       rules
           Common name                Scientific name                              threatened
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
              Fishes
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Darter, diamond..................  Crystallaria          U.S.A. (IN, KY, OH,  Entire.............  E                       815           NA           NA
                                    cincotta.             TN, WV).
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Dated: July 18, 2013.
 Stephen Guertin,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17938 Filed 7-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P