Incidental Take Public Notice:

Proposed WE Energies

Incidental Take Authorization for the proposed WE Energies Port Lateral Pipeline Project, Washington and Ozaukee Counties, Wisconsin.

The Department of Natural Resources proposes to authorize We Energies for the potential "incidental taking" of the state threatened Butler's gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) resulting from the construction of a proposed underground natural gas pipeline. This pipeline would supply natural gas to the Port Washington Power Plant from an existing ANR pipeline in the Town of Jackson in Washington County, a distance of approximately 17 miles.

Due to the likely presence of Butler's gartersnakes throughout portions of the project site, existing habitat was evaluated for suitability to support the snakes. It was found that the proposed project will result in limited and temporary disturbance to suitable Butler's gartersnake habitat along the proposed route and will likely result in the take of individual snakes. However, significant habitat patches have been avoided by altering the route or utilizing horizontal directional drilling. The remaining suitable habitat that will be impacted by the project represents a small portion of the overall available habitat at each site.

The proposed project is likely to result in take, but it is anticipated to be low due to the redesign of the project route, the temporary nature of the disturbance, and the required conservation measures that have been approved by the DNR. The Department has concluded that the We Energies will minimize the impacts to the species by adhering to conservation measures; the proposed take is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of the state population of either species or the whole plant-animal community of which they are a part; and has benefit to the public health, safety or welfare that justifies the action.

Copies of the jeopardy assessment and conservation measures are available below or upon request from:

Information & Supporting Materials:
Jeopardy Assessment for the Proposed Incidental Taking Authorization of the Butler's Gartersnake [PDF 81KB]