The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has completed its review of the potential impact on certain endangered species by the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) and concluded that the project “is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence” of any of the species. The October 16 report, posted this week on the docket of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, was done in accordance with requirements of the Endangered Species Act.

The species studied in the FWS report were the Indiana bat (Ibat), rusty patched bumble bee (RPBB), small whorled pogonia, Running Buffalo clover, Roanoke logperch, Madson Cave isopod and the Northern long-eared bat.

In the case of the Ibat, a species prominent along the mountainous portion of the ACP route, the FWS concluded:

We considered the current overall declining status of the Ibat and the similar condition of the species within the action area (environmental baseline). We then assessed the effects of the proposed action and the potential for cumulative effects in the action area on individuals, populations, and the species as a whole. These types of effects of the proposed action are currently considered primary factors influencing the status of the species. While they may compound those factors, as stated above, we do not anticipate any reductions in the overall RND (reproduction, numbers and distribution) of the Ibat. It is the Service’s Opinion that authorization to construct and operate the pipeline, as proposed, is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the Ibat.

A similar conclusion was reached regarding the RPBB:

We considered the current overall declining status of the RPBB andthe unknown condition of the species within the action area (environmental baseline). We then assessed the effects of the proposed action and the potential for cumulative effects in the action area on individuals, populations, and the species as a whole. These types of effects of the proposed action are not currently considered primary factors influencing the status of the species. While they may compound those factors, as stated above, we do not anticipate any reductions in the overall RND of the RPBB. It is the Service’s Opinion that authorization to construct and operate the pipeline, as proposed, is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the RPBB.

Endangered Species Impacts from ACP Deemed Not a Problem

ABRA CONSERVATION HUB

ABRA’s Conservation Hub program promotes responsible resource management by providing access to critical information needed for effective public involvement in environmental review and oversight.

Following the defeat of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in 2020, ABRA initiated the Conservation Hub to support informed public engagement with the broader range of environmental issues confronting the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Mountain region. The Conservation Hub builds on the analysis and information sharing capacity achieved through ABRA’s Pipeline CSI project during the years of ACP opposition.

The Conservation Hub is based on the use of GIS mapping to provide details and context for land development projects and management practices that involve risk of environmental harm, as well as for environmental preservation and restoration initiatives. The Conservation Hub also provides access to regulatory documents and assessments related to specific projects or issues.

Multiple Conservation Hub sites, focused on individual projects or issues, have been developed collaboratively with ABRA’s partners and allies. Going forward, we invite conservation groups, individuals, and communities to provide ideas for new Hub sites and GIS mapping that can contribute to informed public engagement on behalf of environmental integrity in the Allegheny-Blue Ridge region.