Common use of Biological Resources Clause in Contracts

Biological Resources. An initial review of the California Department of Fish and Game’s California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) indicates that no special-status species are likely to be present on the project site; although there is a high potential for San Xxxxxxxxx xxxxx-footed woodrat, a California species of special concern, to be present based on habitat type and site location. Mitigation would be required if woodrat houses are found on the site. A review of aerial photographs of the project site indicates that there are no federally protected wetlands, riparian habitats or other sensitive habitats on-site. There is a runoff seep which daylights just up slope of the existing pump station. The runoff is channeled to a basin in the fenced area of the pump station and then directed off the site to the drainage ditch adjacent to the road bed. Part of the demolition work may be required around the seep. The biology impact analysis would determine whether there would be any biological impacts associated with altering the seep and recommend mitigation measures as necessary. Installation of the water line connecting the proposed and existing water tanks would be in close proximity to trees that could support native birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code. Mitigation would be required to protect migratory birds during the bird nesting season. In addition, the project would have to obtain a permit if any trees protected by the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 35) would be cut or removed (heritage trees and trees with a circumference of 38 inches or more measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground level). This scope of work does not include an arborists report or a full tree inventory. No Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) applies to the project area.

Biological Resources. An initial review Dredging activities in San Xxxx Creek would result in the loss of less than one acre of wetland/riparian vegetation. A mitigation for habitat restoration and enhancement on the creek banks has been included as part of the California Department EIR and would reduce impacts to a less than significant level. Disturbance to raptor or heron roosting and/or perching near the mouth of Fish the Goleta Slough during both Phase I and Game’s California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) indicates that no special-status species are likely to be present on the project site; although there is a high potential for San Xxxxxxxxx xxxxx-footed woodrat, a California species of special concern, to be present based on habitat type and site location. Mitigation II would be required if woodrat houses are found on the siteconsidered potentially significant impacts. A review Disruption of aerial photographs of the project site indicates that there are no federally protected wetlands, riparian habitats or other sensitive habitats on-site. There is swallow nesting in Goleta Sough was also identified as a runoff seep which daylights just up slope of the existing pump stationpotentially significant impact. The runoff is channeled FCD Biologist will monitor the responses of birds to the disturbance with the proposed activities and develop measure to reduce or eliminate impacts. Dredging shall be conducted in the summer and autumn to avoid bird nesting seasons. These mitigations shall reduce impacts to bird populations to a basin in the fenced area of the pump station and then directed off the site to the drainage ditch adjacent to the road bed. Part of the demolition work may be required around the seepless than significant level. The biology impact analysis would District has adopted Standard Maintenance Practices (see the Final Program Environmental Impact Report for Santa Xxxxxxx County Flood Control Routine Maintenance Activities, 90-EIR-7: Attachment D) that include a number of measures to reduce impacts on biological resources, such as removal of non-native species and revegetation with native species where feasible. The District also has in place a Pesticide & Petroleum Leak and Spill Prevention & Clean-up Plan, which will be amended to protect biological resources. This plan, however, deals almost exclusively with the use of pesticides, although it could be amended to include spill prevention and clean- up. Impacts of removing wetland and riparian vegetation in San Xxxx Creek shall be mitigated through restoration and enhancement of riparian and salt xxxxx habitat along the banks of San Xxxx Creek. Deposition of dredged materials on Goleta Beach during both Phase I and II have the potential to preclude grunion spawning. Surveys shall be conducted during spawning season to determine whether there would be any biological impacts associated with altering if the seep and recommend mitigation measures as necessary. Installation of the water line connecting the proposed and existing water tanks would be in close proximity to trees that could support native birds protected beach is utilized by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) grunion. If so, dredging activities shall be suspended at night and California Fish and Game Codewill reduce impacts to an insignificant level. Mitigation would be required to protect migratory birds during the bird nesting season. In addition, the project would have to obtain a permit if any trees protected by the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 35) would be cut or removed (heritage trees and trees with a circumference of 38 inches or more measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground level). This scope of work does not include an arborists report or a full tree inventory. No Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) applies to the project area.CALENDAR PAGEQ00045 MINUTE PAGE 00 9623

Biological Resources. An initial review The proposed project site is dominated by dry agricultural land, rolling hills, drainage xxxxxx, and a wide array of native habitat and species. A biological resources assessment was prepared for the proposed project site in November 2003. According to the ECORPS Consulting, Inc. Special Status Species survey, no special-status plant species have been recorded within the project site. However, development of the California Department site has the potential of Fish impacting approximately 41.2 acres of “sensitive local resource areas”. However sensitive wildlife species and Gamespecies habitat associated with cropland, grassland, wetlands and riparian could be impacted by development. The EIR will evaluate the potential loss of habitat and habitat connectivity as a result of development in the proposed project site. Approximately 2.92 acres of wetland habitat were documented on the site according to a wetland delineation prepared by ECORPS Consulting in 2000. The delineation was subsequently verified by the Army Corps of Engineers in 2000. The original delineation expired in November 2005 and the applicant has since had the project site re-verified by the Army Corps of Engineers in January 2006. According to Army Corps of Engineers staff, approximately one seasonal wetland and two xxxxxx that were identified during the first delineation are no longer in existence, thus reducing the amount of wetland habitat on-site. Only one existing seasonal swale appeared larger than previously analyzed in the 2000 delineation report. The applicant’s consultant, ECORPS Consulting, will submit a revised delineation to the Army Corps of Engineers, which will reflect a decreased amount of total wetland habitat when compared to the previous analysis done in 2000. All identified wetland habitat, per the revised delineation, will be avoided under the proposed project design. Therefore, it is anticipated that no biological resource permitting would be required. The biological resources analysis presented in the EIR will be based on site visits, the existing biological resource reports and wetlands assessments prepared by the applicant and ECORPS Consulting, Inc., and any revised analysis received from the applicant, their consultants, and/or the City. EIP will review all reports for accuracy prior to incorporating the information into the EIR.  Prior to visiting the site, EIP will review the biological resource assessment prepared by the ECORPS Consulting. If necessary also re-run a search the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) indicates that no for recorded observations of special-status plant and animal species at or in the vicinity of the proposed project area. EIP will request a letter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, indicating resources in the area (e.g. species of concern) within its jurisdiction.  A qualified EIP biologist will conduct a reconnaissance-level survey of the project site. EIP will map existing vegetation communities and the location of known and documented special-status species are likely to be present and/or suitable habitats, along with the distribution of potential wetlands and waters of the U.S.  Where feasible, and depending on the project site; although there season, the occurrence of special-status species will be recorded if encountered during the course of field reconnaissance. However, the identification and mapping of potential special-status species habitat is a high potential for San Xxxxxxxxx xxxxx-footed woodrat, a California species of special concern, to be present based on habitat type suitability analysis and site location. Mitigation would be required if woodrat houses are found on the site. A review of aerial photographs of the project site indicates that there are no federally protected wetlands, riparian habitats or other sensitive habitats on-site. There is a runoff seep which daylights just up slope of the existing pump station. The runoff is channeled to a basin in the fenced area of the pump station and then directed off the site to the drainage ditch adjacent to the road bed. Part of the demolition work may be required around the seep. The biology impact analysis would determine whether there would be any biological impacts associated with altering the seep and recommend mitigation measures as necessary. Installation of the water line connecting the proposed and existing water tanks would be in close proximity to trees that could support native birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code. Mitigation would be required to protect migratory birds during the bird nesting season. In addition, the project would have to obtain a permit if any trees protected by the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 35) would be cut or removed (heritage trees and trees with a circumference of 38 inches or more measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground level). This scope of work does not include an arborists definitive surveys for the presence or absence of the species that may be present. Definitive surveys often require special survey protocols requiring extensive field survey time that need to be conduce only at certain times of the year. EIP will make a determination of absence of special- status species if our findings are in compliance with seasonal survey parameters and professionally accepted protocols that are also accepted by the various resource agencies. If additional survey work is required to meet protocol, the scope would be negotiated separately.  The potential for urban development to directly and/or indirectly impact listed species and their habitats will be qualitatively assessed.  The report or a full tree inventoryshall address endangered species act issues including, but not limited to, tiger salamander habitat, giant garter snake habitat, etc. No  Potential impacts to aquatic and riparian resources associated with the proposed storm water outfall will be described.  The projects relationship to the Xxxxxx County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation and Open Space Plan (NCCP) applies to the project areawill be discussed.

Biological Resources. An initial review Consultation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-Fisheries) under Section 7 of the California Department federal Endangered Species Act will be required based on preliminary site review and search of Fish and Game’s the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), which indicates the presence of federal and state listed salmonid species. Preparation of a biological assessment (BA) indicates is required in order for Caltrans District 1 to initiate consultation with NOAA-Fisheries under Section 7 of the federal endangered species act. Based on prior experiences, Xxxxxxxx assumes that no special-status species are any potential Section 7 consultation will result in a “not likely to adversely affect” determination. If the majority of work is completed when the stream is dry, informal consultation may be present on the project site; although there is a high potential appropriate level of consultation for San Xxxxxxxxx xxxxx-footed woodrat, a California species of special concern, to be present based on habitat type and site locationthis project. Mitigation Since federal funding would be required if woodrat houses are found on for the siteproject, Caltrans, as the designated non-federal representative by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), would serve as the federal lead agency for any required Section 7 consultation with NOAA-Fisheries. A Xxxxxxxx will consult with NOAA-Fisheries, as appropriate, to review of aerial photographs potential effects of the project site indicates that there are no to the species and develop mitigation measures to avoid or minimize adverse effects to federally protected wetlands, riparian habitats or other sensitive habitats on-sitelisted species. There is a runoff seep which daylights just up slope The results of the existing pump station. The runoff is channeled to field surveys and informal consultations with the NOAA-Fisheries will be compiled in a basin BA in accordance with the template in the fenced area Caltrans SER Volume 3, Chapter 4. Based on the location of the pump station project within designated critical habitat and Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), Xxxxxxxx will conduct an EFH evaluation. An EFH evaluation will be conducted to determine if a EFH assessment is required to consult with NOAA-Fisheries. If the EFH evaluation determines that the project “may adversely affect” EFH and/or critical habitat then directed off the site a EFH assessment will be prepared pursuant to the drainage ditch adjacent Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxxxx Fishery Act. Xxxxxxxx will also conduct a NOAA-Fisheries pile driving hydroacoustic analysis using the Caltrans hydroacoustic compendium if Xxxxxxxx Creek is expected to the road bedcontain flowing or ponded water during project activities or is found warranted after technical studies and/or agency consultation. Part Xxxxxxxx will be available to meet with representatives of the demolition work may be required around the seep. The biology impact analysis would determine whether there would be any biological impacts associated with altering the seep and recommend mitigation measures as necessary. Installation of the water line connecting the proposed and existing water tanks would be in close proximity to trees that could support native birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) NOAA-Fisheries and California Department of Fish and Game Code. Mitigation would be required Wildlife (CDFW) to protect migratory birds during the bird nesting season. In additionrespond to questions and/or conduct a site visit, the project would have to obtain a permit if any trees protected by the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 35) would be cut or removed (heritage trees and trees with a circumference of 38 inches or more measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground level). This scope of work does not include an arborists report or a full tree inventory. No Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) applies to the project areanecessary.

Biological Resources. An initial The biological resources analysis peer review of for the proposed project will be conducted by DD&A’s Natural Resources Division. DD&A will review the SVIP Biological Resources Technical Report (WRA, September 2020) as well as available reference materials, including the California Department of Fish and GameWildlife’s (CDFW’s) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) indicates occurrence reports, aerial photographs, and other relevant biological documentation that no has been prepared in the project area, including specific mapping of rare plant populations. DD&A has reviewed the previous WRA biological studies conducted including the project-level studies in the project vicinity. For the purposed of this scope, DD&A is assuming new biological surveys will not be required for the project. The EIR will identify the existing habitats on and around the project site and will identify sensitive habitats that could be impacted (either directly or indirectly), such as special status plant species by the proposed development. The EIR will describe the existing habitat with respect to special-status wildlife species are likely to be present on including the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, burrowing owl, southwestern pond turtle, Central Coast steelhead, and other species, and will address the impacts that would occur if the project site; although there is a high approved and implemented. Impacts to existing wetlands and jurisdictional waters will be described. Impacts to biological resources may include, but are not limited to, impacts to existing vegetation and wildlife corridors within the area. Program-level and project-specific mitigation measures to reduce or avoid impacts will be identified as appropriate. Geology/Soils The EIR will evaluate the soils and geologic characteristics of the site and area including the potential for San Xxxxxxxxx xxxxx-footed woodratseismicity, a California species of special concernliquefaction, to be present soil hazards, and their effects on proposed structures based on habitat type existing information. The EIR will include an assessment of potential impacts of the project associated with proposed grading, associated loss of topsoil, and erosion, based upon available information on grading and construction. It is assumed that the Applicant’s consultant will provide additional geotechnical report information if additional technical geotechnical analysis is required to address specific design. If no further information is provided, mitigation will be recommended to reduce any potentially significant or significant impacts to a less-than-significant level. Hydrology/Water Quality A natural drainage channel currently runs through the property and drains to the Pajaro River. The project proposes to maintain this channel and enhance the size of the buffer area around it to address stormwater drainage from the site locationand water quality. Mitigation would be required if woodrat houses are found The proposed land use plan shows the industrial and town center areas on either side of this channel. Development of the proposed project will substantially increase the amount of impervious surfaces on the site, which, in turn will increase stormwater runoff and potential for flooding. A review of aerial photographs The EIR will describe the drainage characteristics of the project site indicates that there are no federally protected wetlandsand area and assess potential hydrology impacts, riparian habitats or other sensitive habitats on-site. There is a runoff seep which daylights just up slope of based on the existing pump stationavailable engineering data and site background documents. The runoff is channeled to a basin EIR will also identify historic, existing, and near-term future flooding and drainage conditions in the fenced project site area and the Pajaro River Sub-basin. Impacts of new development in floodplain areas will be addressed in the pump station EIR. Potential impacts to water quality, such as impacts due to increased runoff, cross- contamination, and then directed off use of reclaimed water, will also be evaluated in the site to the drainage ditch adjacent to the road bed. Part of the demolition work may be required around the seepEIR. The biology impact analysis would determine whether there would be any biological impacts associated with altering the seep and recommend will identify mitigation measures and the County’s development standards for areas with flooding and drainage impacts, such as necessary. Installation of areas near the water line connecting the proposed Pajaro River and existing water tanks would be in close proximity to trees that could support native birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code. Mitigation would be required to protect migratory birds during the bird nesting season. In additionwithin 100-year floodplains, the project would have to obtain a permit if any trees protected by the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 35) would be cut or removed (heritage trees and trees with a circumference of 38 inches or more measured between 6 and 36 inches above ground level). This scope of work does not include an arborists report or a full tree inventory. No Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) or Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) applies to the project areaas appropriate.