Development and Construction Projects
Upon request, the Service comments on development projects to provide information on conservation measures for resources under our jurisdiction such as migratory birds, federally-listed species, wetlands, coastal barriers, riparian ecosystems, and marine ecosystems. This process is known as Technical Assistance.
Anyone proposing, executing or funding development projects can request the Service input. However, this type of assistance is limited. When the Service has a high volume of work and staff time is limited, Service biologists select only projects to review based on the proposed action determining if significant effects to fish and wildlife resources under the Service jurisdiction could be avoided or minimized.
Examples of recommendations the Service offers include:
- Direct and indirect impacts minimization measures
- Habitat protection and improvements to restore or enhance the natural functions of streams and wetlands.
- Lighting options for coastline projects to avoid sea turtles disorientation.
Consultation and Federal Nexus
Federal agencies proposing, funding or permitting a development project that may affect federally-listed species and designated critical habitats may consult with the Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. These Federal agencies may consult for impacts on fish and wildlife resources under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.
Some examples of trigger for a consultation include:
- Projects that need US Army Corps of Engineer permits
- Development funded by FEMA, HUD, NRCS or any other federal agency
- Discharges to water bodies that require EPA permits (NPDES permits).
Resources for the elaboration of environmental documents
Credit: USFWS
There are multiple reference materials with valuable information to help you preliminarily determine if there area protected natural resources in your project location that may require special consideration. These maps and inventories are used as reference materials and are not recommended to make determinations on possible project impacts to natural resources. These materials would need to be combined with professional assessments and field investigations.
Coastal Barrier Resources Maps:
http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/coastal_barrier.html
These maps identify undeveloped coastal areas prone to hurricane damage and restricted from federal expenditure. A task force of professionals representing the U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and other offices, developed these maps.
Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Maps for Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands:
http://www.fws.gov/caribbean/ES/ESI.html
These maps were developed to be used as a quick reference for the U.S. Coast Guard responses during oil spills events.
Endangered Species Map for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
http://www.fws.gov/caribbean/pdf/maps.pdf
National Wetlands Inventory Maps:
http://www.fws.gov/nwi
These maps may help you assess if a project includes or is adjacent to wetland areas.
View Wetlands using Google Earth:
http://www.fws.gov/NWI/WetlandsData/GoogleEarth.htm
For More Information: Carlos Diaz 787-851-7297 ext. 230
