Dr. Parker's Remarks on Removal of Culvert at Hurricane Creek:

"As for removal of the culvert, my major objections include: (1) The heavy equipment to do the job will likely damage the shelter and the pump house; and (2) the removal will result in a massive release of soil and debris into the creek and river which would be a major blow to the endangered and protected fish species (not to mention many other fauna).  While there is some release of soil and silt from the culvert area that is in place now, this has been occurring continuously over a long period so that I believe the organisms in the creek have adapted to it.  They have not adapted to a massive release that would occur when the culvert is torn out."

March 18, 2010

Thank you for your telephone call today regarding Hurricane Creek, Lumpkin County, GA.  Yes, the federally-endangered Etowah darter occurs in Hurricane Creek near its confluence with the Etowah River (last surveyed 2008), as well as in the Etowah mainstem above and below the Hurricane Creek confluence. Forestry operations, if conducted using Georgia Forestry Commission's best management practices, are not likely to affect these protected fish provided a sufficiently-wide undisturbed vegetated buffer is maintained on the stream and all drainages on site.  Minimum buffer width will vary depending on topography.  

However, removal/replacement of the existing culvert in Hurricane Creek could kill individuals at the crossing site and increase sedimentation that adversely affects individuals and their downstream habitat, in violation of the Endangered Species Act.  Culvert replacement may require authorization by the Corps of Engineers' under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Could you please provide me with contact information for the owner of this property so I can discuss these issues.

Thank you for your help,

Robin Goodloe, Ph.D.
Supervisory Fish and Wildlife Biologist
US Fish and Wildlife Service
105 West Park Dr., Suite D
Athens, GA  30606
706-613-9493 X221