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WSDOT has developed three templates that can be used for ESA documentation, depending on the level of analysis and effect determination on federally listed species or designated critical habitat. On-call consultants who prepare biological assessments for WSDOT are required to use the format provided in these templates. Use of these templates will help on-call consultants meet WSDOT's quality control standards, ensure that all the necessary topics are addressed, and maintain report consistency.
For projects with a no effect determination on listed species or critical habitat, consultants should speak with their WSDOT biology contact for assistance in determining which no effect documentation to use.
The no effect (NE) letter template (pdf 13 kb) should be used for projects that result in a no effect determination on listed species or designated critical habitat, such as projects with no new impervious surface, no species use of the action area, or no potential indirect effects. The NE letter contains a letter format and is only 2-4 pages in length. To ensure that all the required information is included, the NE letter template should be used in conjunction with the NE Letter Review Checklist (doc 47 kb). The NE letter should only be sent by WSDOT, and should be provided to WSDOT in an electronic form for final formatting and signature.
The NE assessment template (*see below for instructions on removing hidden text) should be used for projects that result in a no effect determination but require additional documentation and analysis to support the NE call, such as projects with new impervious surface (i.e. document lack of stormwater impacts), projects with complicated action areas, or projects that require completion of a detailed indirect effects analysis. The NE assessment contains a 5-10 page report and appendices.
The biological assessment template (*see below for instructions on removing hidden text) should be used for projects that result in a not likely to adversely affect (NLTAA) and/or adversely affect (AA) determination. The BA template should be used in conjunction with the BA Review Checklist (doc 137 kb) to guide the level of detail and content for each section of the BA.
To remove hidden text when viewing the no effect assessment template and the biological assessment template, click the Tools tab at the top of the page, then go to Options and uncheck Hidden text. To remove hidden text for printing, click on the File tab at the top of the page, then click Print. In the Print dialogue box, click on Options at the bottom left corner of the box, then uncheck Hidden Text.
If a project involves impact pile driving where sound pressures generated may be above the disturbance thresholds for aquatic listed species (through in-water transmission or The Underwater Noise Monitoring Plan template (doc 100 kb) contains the standard monitoring protocol required for WSDOT projects. The Underwater Noise Monitoring Plan template should be filled in with project specific information and then included in the BA as an appendix. Check this webpage for the most current version of the template prior to using the plan.
WSDOT's Standard Fish Moving Protocol should be used for projects requiring fish removal or exclusion from the project work area due to in-water work and/or de-watering activities.
WSDOT recommended protocols and templates for use evaluating impacts to fish, wildlife and vegetation resources are located on the Fish and Wildlife webpage.