Fish and Wildlife Service September 13, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is advising the public of the availability of a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) associated with an application received from Beech Ridge Energy, LLC and Beech Ridge Energy II, LLC (collectively referred to as Beech Ridge Energy, applicant), for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We also announce the availability of the Beech Ridge Energy Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), prepared in accordance with the ESA, and an Implementing Agreement (IA), part of its incidental take permit application. If issued, the permit would authorize incidental take of the federally listed endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) from construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of the Beech Ridge Wind Power Project. Beech Ridge Energy is requesting a 25-year permit term.