Citation:

Impact/Purpose:

Staff from EPA and other federal agencies (i.e., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service; collectively, the Services) will use the methodology and copper prototype to conduct national level biological evaluations on the effects of the CWA 304(a) aquatic life criteria on Federally-listed threatened and endangered species ("listed species").

Description:

When consulting with the Services under Section of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), federal agencies are to prepare a biological evaluation which evaluates the potential effects of its action on listed species and critical habitat, and determine whether such species or habitat are likely to be adversely affected by the action. The methodology and prototype compose the scientific process by which EPA will conduct the national level biological evaluations, and thus determine whether the 304(a) aquatic life criteria are likely to adversely affect any listed species or critical habitat.

Record Details: