EcoScience Corporation - Expansion of Radio Island Summary

Expansion of Radio Island Summary
N.C. Ports Authority
Carteret County, North Carolina

EcoScience Corporation ( ESC ) was involved in the initial 1998 environmental study to develop an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Port facility expansion on Radio Island near Morehead City , NC . ESC performed site visits including wetland determinations, surveys for colonially-nesting waterbirds, and on-site data collection pertaining to natural resources. ESC completed an analysis of potential impacts on fisheries and larval recruitment caused by bulkhead facility construction and associated dredging during spring construction activities. Extensive analyses of impacts on benthic invertebrates were also performed. A Natural Systems Report was completed, incorporating this information and additional information on protected species (specifically, marine turtles and colonial nesting birds such as the piping plover) into the draft EIS.

Other functions included coordination with N.C. Ports Authority officials; coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concerning permitting and wetland jurisdictional issues; contacts with the N.C. Non-game and Endangered Wildlife Program and the N. C. Audubon Society regarding nesting bird issues; communication with fisheries and benthics professionals concerning impacts on fisheries and larval recruitment; and review of alternatives. ESC participated in several stakeholder meetings to help resolve outstanding environmental issues.

A re-evaluation of the Port facility plan was undertaken in 2006 and again ESC has been involved in the environmental analysis. An update of the 1998 EIS studies was undertaken to address relevant information pertaining to protected species, colonial nesting birds and larval transport. A detailed Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) assessment was also generated in keeping with National Marine Fisheries (NMFS) requirements.

Stakeholder interaction continues to be an important component of the project and ESC staff has been a part of stakeholder meetings.

Tel: 919-828-3433

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