Federal Wildlife Agency Flags Protected Species for Centrus HALEU Plant Extension in Pike County

COLUMBUS, OH – Federal wildlife officials have identified a list of threatened and endangered species that may be present in or affected by the proposed nine-year license extension for the Centrus ACO HALEU Demonstration Plant in Pike County. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Ohio Ecological Services Field Office issued the formal species list to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as part of federal requirements under the Endangered Species Act.

The Centrus project, officially known as the "Centrus ACO HALEU Demonstration Plant Phase III," aims to extend its operating license to June 30, 2034. As a "Power Gen - Nuclear" undertaking, the project's potential environmental impacts are subject to review.

The USFWS letter, dated April 10, 2025, states that the enclosed species list "identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project." This fulfills the requirements of Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

According to the list, eight species are identified as potentially present or affected:

• Mammals: The Endangered Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis), Endangered Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis), and Proposed Endangered Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus).
• Clams: The Endangered Clubshell (Pleurobema clava), Endangered Northern Riffleshell (Epioblasma rangiana), Endangered Rayed Bean (Villosa fabalis), and Proposed Endangered Salamander Mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua).
• Insects: The Proposed Threatened Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus).

While the USFWS noted that there is no designated critical habitat within the project area under their office’s jurisdiction, the NRC is "still required to determine if your project(s) may have effects on all above listed species."

Federal agencies are obligated under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act "to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat." The USFWS emphasizes that "the purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved."

For construction projects defined as major federal actions, a Biological Assessment is required. For other projects, a similar biological evaluation is suggested to determine potential effects. If listed species or critical habitat may be affected, the agency is required to consult with the USFWS.

In addition to the Endangered Species Act, the USFWS reminded the NRC of responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibit the "take" of migratory birds unless permitted.