Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

Portions of the river underneath and directly adjacent to roadway bridges should be excluded from the critical habitat listing in the Walhonding, Little Darby, and Fish Creek because the structures are already existing, the areas under the bridge are subject to regular maintenance activities, and Section 7 ESA consultation already occurs for activities near these structures to protect federally listed mussels. Excluding these areas may streamline consultation efforts, and will not result in the extinction of the species.