PD Background Report (PL-USE-2023-000008)

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ATTACHMENT 1—Project Narrative AT&T's Application—HIL03306 Volcano Village East Page 7 of 17 Based on EBI's review of the above-referenced resources, the development of the Wireless Facility at the Project Site is not anticipated to impact wetlands and will not require the significant removal of trees (i.e. deforestation). Therefore, no significant changes to surface features is anticipated. Federally Listed Species and Critical Habitats EBI utilized the USFWS Information for Planning and Consultationl (IPaC) online project review tool to identify species that are federally listed or proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and that are known to occur within the project vicinity. Based on EBI's research of online files maintained by the USFWS, twenty-five (25)such federal-listed (i.e.endangered or threatened) species are known to occur within the project vicinity. Additionally, EBI utilized the USFWS online Critical Habitat Porta12 online mapping tool and determined that the proposed Facility location is not within a designated critical habitat. State Protected Species EBI also reviewed online resources maintained by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (HDLNR) to identify any state-listed animal species of greatest conservation need or threatened and endangered plant species that are known to occur within proximity of the proposed Project Site. Based on EBI's review of these online resources, nine animal (9) species of greatest conservation need, and numerous threatened and endangered plant species are known to occur on the island of Hawai'i. As such, the HDLNR will be invited to comment on state resources. Based on EBI's review, suitable habitats capable of supporting the listed species were not noted at the proposed Project Site. As such, the Wireless Facility is anticipated to have 'No Effect' on the identified species. Migratory Birds EBI also evaluated the potential of the Wireless Facilityto significantly impacts species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Specifically, EBI evaluated the Wireless Facility against the USFWS's Communications Tower Siting, Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning Recommendations'interim guidance. Further, the provisions of §1.1307(b)(2)(d) of FCC NEPA rules require that an Environmental Assessment must be prepared for any wireless communications tower that exceeds 450 feet above ground level (AGL). Based on a review of the project details, the Wireless Facility meets the USFWS's key tower design and location recommendations. Further, if required, the Wireless Facility will utilize only FAA-mandated lighting systems. As such, it is not anticipated to result in a significant adverse effect to species protected by the MBTA.