Red-bellied turtle may slow casino

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A turtle species classified as threatened in Pennsylvania may delay construction of a Philadelphia casino.

The red-bellied turtle, which hibernates in burrows in riverbank mud, is known to inhabit the Delaware River near the proposed site of the SugarHouse, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission says all construction work except driving piles should be done between May and October to avoid disturbing hibernating turtles. Any construction work in the river should be done under a biologist's eye so any turtles found can be moved.

The project also must include an upstream turtle sanctuary with basking logs and suitable nesting areas.

The SugarHouse, once it is completed, will bring 3,000 slot machines to the neighborhood. Some local politicians and neighborhood activists have been trying to stop the project.

Mike O'Brien, who represents the neighborhood in the state House of Representatives, is one of seven legislators who have filed a lawsuit. They argue the casino is being built on land in the river that belongs to the state, barring the city from allowing development there.

He does not expect the turtles to stop the casino.