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HomeMy WebLinkAbout; Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement; Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement; 2004-02-23DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. Engineering, Planning, Corporate Office: Environmental Sciences and 605 Third Street 760.942.5147 ional Teams for Complex Project, Management Services Encinitas, California 92024 Fax 760.632.0164 February 23, 2004 3917-02 M Mr. William E. Plummer Deputy City Engineer ** City of Carlsbad * 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 jjH Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain m Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California M Dear Mr. Plummer:•p* I* Dudek & Associates, Inc. (Dudek) conducted vegetation mapping, a wetlands delineation, and a protocol-level, focused California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) survey for the Highland Drive Storm Drain project alignment, City of Carlsbad (City), California. This ** study was completed according to your direction. The Highland Drive Storm Drain P, replacement project includes an approximate 0.8-acre area (for purposes of this study, a 15- foot buffer on either side of the project alignment was included for analysis). This letter describes the methods used to obtain biological information, results, and provides a •» discussion of the projects impacts and suggested mitigation measures along with required "m permitting. SITE DESCRIPTION IM The project area is an approximate 0.8-acre area situated between Highland Drive and Hospital Park in the City of Carlsbad, San Diego County, California (Figure 1). Specifically, the project area is located on the U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 minute San Luis Rey quadrangle; m on Section 31; T11S, R4W (Figure 2). Elevations range from approximately 40 feet above y mean sea level (AMSL) at the northern end to 120 feet AMSL at the southern end. The proj ect area is dominated by disturbed coastal sage scrub/southern mixed chaparral and urban m development/ornamental plantings but also contains other vegetation communities as ll described below. A Community Park lies at the western end and the entire proj ect alignment is within a single residential lot.m fi :<* The project is situated within the City's Habitat Management Plan (HMP) Local Facilities Management Zone 1 within a Development Area outside of any HMP Core, Linkages, Special £, Resource, Existing Hardline Conservation, Proposed Hardline Conservation, or Proposed Standards Areas. Orange County i Miles San Diego Highland Drive Storm Drain Project Regional Map *&F\ _/-^ -•-. r~-^~%&-.^'-? .••'<-,- \\\ to Li: kA < : -• -y \ xvy CARLSBAD BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series?San Luis Rey Quadrangle - ^-' Highland Drive Storm Drain Project Vicinity Map I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California METHODOLOGY Data regarding biological resources present on the project site were obtained through a review of pertinent literature and through field reconnaissance. Sensitive biological resources present or potentially present onsite were identified through a literature search using the following sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2000), California Department of Fish and Game (2004 a-e), California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants (CNPS 2001), Murphy (1990), scientific literature, and reports. General information regarding wildlife species present in the region was obtained from Unitt (1984) for birds, Bond (1977) for mammals, Stebbins (2003) for reptiles and amphibians, and Emmel and Emmel (1973) for butterflies. In addition, soils maps of San Diego County (Bowman 1973) were examined. The project area is located within the North County Wildlife Forum's study area; hence, vegetation and sensitive species maps generated for the Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) (2000) and HMP (1999) also were reviewed. Biological surveys of the project area were conducted by Dudek biologists Brock A. Ortega (BAO), Cathleen M. Weigand (CMW), and Megan S. Enright (MSE), according to the schedule illustrated in Table. 1. Plant communities were mapped in the field directly onto a 20-scale (1" = 20') engineering plan (City of Carlsbad Engineering Department 2003), which included a topographic base. Plant community boundaries were manually drawn onto the engineering plans. The extent of wetlands features was determined in the field by collecting data using a Global Position System (GPS) backpack unit; this shape was transferred to a topographic base. The plant and wetland community boundaries were digitized using Arc View. Plant and wetland community boundaries were digitized by Dudek GIS technician Tim Walsh using ArcCAD to calculate acreages of the habitat types and impacts of the proposed project. The vegetation classifications used in this report for mapping purposes follows Holland (1986). Botanical surveys of the site were conducted September 18, October 7, and December 1,2003. All plant species encountered during the field surveys were identified and recorded. Latin and common names of plants follow Thejepson Manual (Hickman 1993). A cumulative list of plant species observed on the property during the surveys is presented in Appendix A. A jurisdictional delineation of "waters of the United States," including wetlands, under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) was conducted on DUDIH =1^-^—-^—— 3917~02 |& ASSOCIATES, INC.February 23,2004 Page 4 Pvofrofenulf TfOau for Complex Projects I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California December 1, 2003. This jurisdictional wetlands delineation was conducted in accordance with the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (TR Y-87-1); hydrology, vegetation and soils were examined within the adjacent open channel. Hydrophytic vegetation associated with a stream channel was used to determine the wetlands regulated by CDFG. The limits of areas under the jurisdiction of the RWQCB primarily match those areas delineated as ACOE-jurisdictional. As mentioned, jurisdictional features were mapped using a GPS unit, transferred to a topographic base and digitized using ArcView. TABLE 1 SCHEDULE OF SURVEYS AND CONDITIONS HIGHLAND DRIVE STORM DRAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT 9/1/2003 9/8/2003 9/18(2003 10/7/2003 11/5/2003 12/1/2003 BAD BAD BAD, CMW CMW CMW, MSE BAO, CMW CAGN survey CAGN survey CAGN Survey, Vegetation Mapping Vegetation Mapping Vegetation Mapping Wetlands Delineation, Vegetation Mapping 0700-0830 0700-0815 0700-0830; 1200-1330 Not Recorded 1230-1300 1500-1700 66 66 65; 78 Not Recorded 68 65 75 100; 0 Not Recorded 100 0-1 ;0 Not Recorded 0-1 0-3 Wildlife species detected during field surveys by sight, vocalizations, burrows, tracks, scat, or other sign were recorded. Binoculars (8 x 32 power) were used to aid in the identification of observed wildlife. In addition to species actually observed, expected wildlife use of the site was determined by known habitat preferences of local animal species and knowledge of their relative distributions in the area. Latin and common names of animals referred to in this report follow Stebbins (2003) for reptiles and amphibians, American Ornithologists' Union (1983, 2003) for birds, Jones et al. (1992) for mammals, and Emmel and Emmel (1973) for butterflies. A focused survey for California gnatcatcher was completed in September 2003 following the most recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) protocol (1997), under the authority of USFWS permit #TE813545-4. The survey consisted of three visits, separated by seven to 10 days. Each visit consisted of walking all portions of the proposed project alignment within & ASSOCIATES, INC. February 23,2004 3917-02 PageS Profrufomri Teams /or Campfe* Project* I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California suitable habitat while listening for California gnatcatcher "mewing" or "pish" calls. A tape recording of a male California gnatcatcher was played approximately every 50 feet depending on sound attenuation due to topography. The surveys were conducted under appropriate field conditions (Table -/). RESULTS BOTANICAL RESOURCES Based on species composition and general physiognomy, seven associations (sparse coastal sage scrub and coastal sage scrub are considered one plant association) were identified within the project study area (Table 2). Figure 3 depicts their spatial distribution and discussions specific to each are provided in the following sections. TABLE 2 EXISTING PLANT COMMUNITY ACREAGES - HIGHLAND DRIVE Coastal Sage Scrub Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub/Southern Mixed Chaparral Sparse Coastal Sage Scrub Open Channel Eucalyptus Woodland Disturbed Habitat Giant Reed Developed/Ornamental 0.07 0.4 0.06 0.06 0.02 0.01 <0.01 0.22 Coastal Sage Scrub & Variations Coastal sage scrub is a native plant community composed of a variety of soft, low, aromatic shrubs characteristically dominated by drought-deciduous species. Typical species include black sage (Salvia mdlifera), California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), and flat-topped buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). Scattered evergreen shrubs, including lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), are present throughout the coastal sage scrub and tend to dominate in the more mesic areas, such as north-facing slopes. Onsite the sparse coastal sage scrub is similar in composition to coastal sage scrub but has been invaded by ornamental and non-native species, and disturbed by erosion and human DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. February 23,2004 3917-02 Page 6 Pnrfuitoiul Teami /or Cmfikx Prajtctt I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Prefect, City of Carlsbad, California activities within the canyon. Non-native and/or ornamental species include black mustard (Brassica nigra), wild oat (Avena fatua), bromes (Bromus diandrus, B. madritensis, B. hordeaceus), hottentot-fig (Carpobrotus edulis], and bougainvillea (Bougainvillea sp.). Approximately 0.07 acre of coastal sage scrub and 0.06 acre of sparse coastal sage scrub was identified and mapped within the study area. Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub/Southern Mixed Chaparral Disturbed coastal sage scrub/southern mixed chaparral is similar in composition to coastal sage scrub mixed with typical southern mixed chaparral habitat species. Southern mixed chaparral species onsite include chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum), mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor), lemonadeberry and toyon. This area was mapped as "disturbed coastal sage scrub/southern mixed chaparral" because it represents a transitional area or ecotone between these two vegetation communities. Approximately 0.4 acre of disturbed coastal sage scrub/southern mixed chaparral was identified and mapped within the study area Eucalyptus Woodland Eucalyptus woodland is not recognized as a native plant community by Holland (1986). Nonetheless, it is a distinct vegetational association within the study area dominated by eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus sp.). This association is characterized onsite by a canopy of eucalyptus with an understory of sparse non-native shrubs, herbs and grasses such as western ragweed (Ambrosia, psihstachya var. californica), jade plant (Crassula argentea), wild oat, foxtail barley (Hordeumjubatuni), and purple needlegrass (Naselta pulchra). Approximately 0.02 acre of eucalyptus woodland was identified and mapped within the study area. Open Channel Open channel refers to jurisdictional waters characterized as an intermittent stream channel that is barren or sparsely vegetated; it is not a jurisdictional wetlands because of the lack of hydrophytic vegetation. Within the project site, the area identified as open channel is highly disturbed due to human activities, erosion and scouring during infrequent flood and rain events. This unvegetated stream channel is regulated by the CDFG, pursuant to Section 1601-1603 of the California Fish and Game Code; the ACOE, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act; and the RWQCB pursuant to Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act. Approximately 0.06 acre (approximately 225 linear feet) of open channel was identified and mapped within the study area. DUD EH 3917-02 & ASSOCIATES, INC. | February 23,2004 Page? Praftutonat Ifemu for Complex Projects Mr. William E. Plummer J Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California m y Giant Reed I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Giant reed (Arundo donax] dominates a small area on the northwestern slope of the canyon. This area is completely dominated by giant reed with no other canopy or understory species present. Giant reed is a highly invasive non-native species that often displaces native wetland vegetation, especially in areas of frequent scouring. This unvegetated stream channel is regulated by the CDFG only, pursuant to Section 1601-1603 of the California Fish and Game Code. This patch of giant reed is above the ordinary high mark and not under the j urisdiction of the ACOE or RWQCB. Less than 0.01 acre (147 square feet) of giant reed was identified and mapped within the study area. Developed/Ornamental Developed/Ornamental describes areas occupied by structures, paving and other impermeable surfaces, and areas where ornamental plant species and landscaping have been installed and/or are maintained. Within the study area, developed/ornamental occurs on the southern portion of the project area. Ornamental plantings onsite consist of ornamental shrubs, herbs and grasses such as hottentot-fig, bougainvillea, and jumper (Junipems sp.). Approximately 0.2 acre of developed/ornamental planting was identified and mapped within the study area. Disturbed Habitat Disturbed habitat is not recognized as a vegetation community by Holland (1986). Disturbed habitat areas generally are the result of frequent, often mechanical disturbance, allowing the invasion of non-native species. The disturbed habitat onsite is sparsely vegetated and is characterized by non-native plants species such as black mustard, wild oat, bromes, hottentot-fig, bougainvillea, Australian saltbush (Atriplex semibaccata), Russian-thistle, and tocalote (Centaurea melitensis). Floral Diversity A total of 52 vascular plant species were recorded in the project area. Of the 52 species identified, 29 species (58%) are native. The full list of plant species identified onsite is provided as Appendix A. DUD lH 3917-02 |& ASSOCIATES, INC. I February 23,2004 Page 8 Profcubmot TMHU for Complex Projects Legend Alignment Data Station Vegetation Boundary Vegetation Types: ARDO = Giant Reed CSS = Coastal Sage Scrub DEV/ORN = Developed/Ornamental DH = Disturbed Habitat EW = Eucalyptus Woodland OC = Open Channel dCSS = disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub SMX = Southern Mixed Chaparall sCSS = sparse Coastal Sage Scrub BASE MAP SOURCE: Terra Data,M-1r24--03 Highland Drive Storm Drain Project Biological Resources Map I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California WILDLIFE RESOURCES A list of wildlife species detected by Dudek is included in Appendix B. A total of 20 species of birds was observed onsite. The most commonly encountered species include mourning dove (Zenaida. macroura) and California towhee (Pipilo crissilis). Based on the habitats present onsite, a number of migratory birds, raptors, and disturbance tolerant songbirds probably use the area. Additionally, night birds such as owls and nighthawks probably use the project area. No amphibian species and two reptile species were detected including side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiand) and western fence lizard (Scelopoms occidentalis). Other reptile and amphibian species which may be present include southern alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus webbit), orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophoms hyperythrus), western skink (Eutneces skiltonianus), ringneck snake (Diadolphis punctatus), gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), northern red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber], Pacific slender salamander (Batrachosepspacificus], and western toad (Bufo boreas). None of these species are federally- or state-listed and none are expected to occur. Three mammal species were detected onsite including, brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmannii), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyf), and Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys hottae). Other mammals which may use the site include, Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), bats, and rodents. None of these species are state- or federally-listed and none are expected to occur. SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Sensitive biological resources are those defined as follows: (1) species that have been given special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation agencies and organizations due to limited, declining, or threatened population sizes; and (2) habitat areas or plant communities that are unique, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife. During the field surveys a special effort was made to identify and survey those areas suspected to support sensitive resources. This section includes discussions of plant and animal species present in the project vicinity that are given special recognition by federal, state, or local conservation agencies and organizations owing to declining, limited, or threatened populations. Sources used for determination of sensitive biological resources are as follows: wildlife - USFWS (2000), CDFG (2000 a and e), Remsen (1978), McGurty (1980), and Murphy (1990); plants - USFWS (2000), CDFG (2000 b and d), and CNPS (2001); habitats - Holland (1986). 3917-02 |& ASSOCIATES, INC. | February 23,2004 Page 10 Profvulonal Teanu for Complex Project* Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California Sensitive Botanical Resources No plant species listed as rare, threatened, or endangered by the USFWS or the CDFG were detected in the project area. Table, 3 lists the sensitive plants or MHCP narrow endemics and their status the project site. TABLE 3 POTENTIALLY-OCCURRING SENSITIVE PLANTS OR MHCP NARROW ENDEMICS & STATUS ONSITE s-^ Species Abronia maritima Red sand-verbena San Diego thornmint1 Acanthomintha Hid folia Shaw's agave1'2 Agave shawii San Diego bur-bush2 Ambrosia chenopodii folia San Diego ambrosia1 Ambrosia pumila Aphanisma1 Aphanisma blitoides Del Mar manzanita2 Arctostaphylos glandulosa var. crassifolia Otay manzanita2 Arctostaphylos otayensis Status FederallState/CNPS None/None/4, 1-2-2 FT/SE/1B, 2-3-2 None/None/2, 3-3-1 None/None/2, 3-3-1 FE/l\lone/1B, 3-3-2 None/None/IB, 2-2-2 FEINonellB, 3-3-2 None/None/IB, 3-2-3 Primary Habitat Associations/Life Form/Blooming Period Coastal dunes/ perennial herb/ February- November Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools; clay/ annual herb/ April-June Coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub/ shrub/ May-July Coastal scrub/ shrub/ April-June Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools; often in disturbed areas/ perennial herb/ May • October Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal scrub; sandy/ annual herb/ March - June Maritime chaparral; sandy/ shrub/ December-April Chaparral, cismontane woodland; metavolcanicl shrub/ January-March .:; : $tat!IS '$jjjl» ' i|| No appropriate coastal dune habitat on project site; not likely to occur. Habitat disturbed; not expected to occur. No clay soils. Not within known range of this species. Perennial, would have been observed if present. No extant habitat present in study area. Would have been observed if present. No suitable habitat on project site; not likely to occur. No suitable habitat on project site; not likely to occur. No suitable habitat on project site; not likely to occur, outside distribution area. Perennial, would have been observed if present. No suitable habitat on project site; not likely to occur, outside distribution area. Perennial, would have been observed if present. & ASSOCIATES, INC. 3917-02 February 23, 2004 Page 11 Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE 3 (Continued) '* 'Species Coastal dunes milk vetch1 Astragalus tenenw. titi Encinitas baccharis' Baccharis vanessae Nevin's barberry2 Berberis nevinii Thread-leaved brodiaea Brodiaea fill folia Orcutt's brodiaea Brodiaea orcuttii Dunn's mariposa lily Calochortus dun nil Slender-pod jewel flower Caulanthusstenocarpus(= C. heterophyllu^ Lakeside ceanothus2 Ceanothus cyaneus Wart-stemmed ceanothus2 Ceanothus verrucosus Salt marsh bird's-beak Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus Orcutt's bird-beak Status FederallStatelCNPS FE/SE/1B, 3-3-3 FT/SE/1B, 2-3-3 FE/SE/1 6,3-3-3 FT/SE/1 6,3-3-3 None/None/IB, 1-3-2 None/SR1 16, 2-2-2 None/SR/None None/None/IB, 3-2-2 None/None/2, 2-2-1 FE/SE/1 6, 2-2-2 None/None/2, 3-3-1 Primary Habitat Associations/Life FormlBlooming Period ^ Coastal bluff scrub, coastal dunes, coastal prairie/ annual herb/ March-May Chaparral, cismontane woodland; sandstone/ deciduous shrub/ August- November Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, riparian scrub; sandy or gravelly/ shrub/ March-April Chaparral (openings) coastal scrub, cismontane woodland, playas, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools; often clay/ bulbiferous herb/ March-June Closed-cone conifer forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, meadows and seeps, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools; mesic, clay, sometimes serpentine/ bulbiferous herb/ May-July Closed-cone conifer forest, chaparral; gabbroic or metavolcanic/ bulbiferous herb/ April-June Chaparral, coastal scrub/ annual herb; fire follower/ March-May Southern mixed chaparral on moderate to steep slopes over 1,000 feet AMSL. Closed-cone conifer forest, chaparral/ shrub/ April-June Coastal dunes, coastal saltwater marshes and swamps/ annual herb/ May-October Coastal sage scrub/ annual herb/ May- - ;.«„.: • ;, - ,.v ••'**%!'• ,,|_ ,,v. *•'•'" Status Onsite • v%l' , -m£,,f. " / """",, No suitable habitat on project site; not likely to occur. No suitable chaparral habitat on project site; not likely to occur, outside distribution area. No naturally-occurring populations in San Diego County. No habitat onsite; not expected to occur. Perennial, would have been observed if present. No suitable habitat or suitable soils on project site; not likely to occur, outside distribution area. No suitable habitat or soils on project site; not expected to occur. No suitable soils or habitat on project site; not likely to occur. Habitat on project site disturbed; not expected to occur. No suitable habitat on project site; not likely to occur, outside distribution area. Perennial, would have been observed if present. No suitable habitat onsite. Perennial, would have been observed if present. Habitat on project site disturbed; would have been observed during survey if present. Suitable habitat on project & ASSOCIATES, INC. February 23, 2004 3917-02 Page 12 Professional Tranu for Complex Pro/rets Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE 3 (Continued) -->: ,-5Species Cordylanthus orcuttianus Del Mar sand aster Corethrogyne filagini folia var. linifolia(= Lessingia f//affin/fo//avar. incana) Tecate cypress2 Cupressus forties/7 Otay tarplant1 Deinandra (Hemizonial conjugens Short-leaved live-forever' Dudleys blochmaniae ssp. brevifolia Variegated dudleya1 Dudley a variegata Sticky dudleya Dudleya viscida Palmer's ericameria2 Fr/cameriapa/mer/ssp. palmeri San Diego button-celery1 Eryngium aristulatum ssp. parishii Coast wallflower Erysimum ammophilum Status FederallState/CNPS None/None/1 6,3-3-2 None/None/IB, 3-3-2 FT/SE/1 6,3-3-2 None/SE/1 6,3-3-3 None/None/1 6, 2-2-2 None/None/1 8, 2-2-3 None/l\lone/2, 3-2-1 FE/SE/1B,2-3-2 None/None/1 6,2-2-3 Primary Habitat Associations/Life Form/Blooming Period September Maritime chaparral (openings), coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub; sandy/ perennial herb/ May-September Closed-cone conifer forest, chaparral/ evergreen tree/ NA Coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland; clay/ annual herb/ May-June Maritime chaparral (openings), coastal scrub, Torrey sandstone/ perennial herb/ April Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools/ perennial herb/ May-June Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools/ perennial herb/ May-June Chaparral, coastal scrub/ shrub/ (July)- November Coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools, mesic areas/annual-perennial herb/April-June Maritime chaparral, coastal dunes, coastal scrub/ sandy openings/ perennial herb/ February-June s««u«MfeS site is highly observed; would have been observed is present. Habitat on project site disturbed; not expected to occur; outside distribution area. Would have been observed during survey if present. No suitable habitat on project site; not likely to occur. Large tree that would have been observed if present. Outside of known range of this species. No suitable habitat on project site; not likely to occur, outside distribution area. Perennial, would have been observed if present. No extant habitat; not expected to occur. Coastal sage scrub onsite disturbed. Perennial, would have been observed if present. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur, outside distribution area. Perennial, would have been observed if present. Coastal sage scrub onsite disturbed; not likely to occur. Would have been observed if present. No vernal pool habitat onsite. No potential to occur onsite. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur. & ASSOCIATES, INCJ February 23, 2004 3917-02 Page 13 Profa is foi Comptat l'n>;?f Mr. William E. Plummet Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE 3 (Continued) Species San Diego barrel cactus2 Ferocactus viridescens Heart-leaved pitcher-sage Lepechinia cardiophylla Gander's pitcher sage1 Lepechinia ganderi Nuttall's lotus Lotus nuttallianus Felt-leaved monardella2 Monardella hypoleuca ssp. lanata Willowy monardella Monardella lino ides ssp. viminea San Diego goldenstar Muilla Cleveland!! Spreading navarretia1 Navarretia fossa/is Dehesa bear-grass2 Nolina interrata snake cholla1 Opuntiaparryivw. serpentina California Circuit grass1 Orcuttia calif ornica Torrey pine2 Pin us torreyana ssp. torreyana Status FederallStatelCNPS None/None/2, 1-3-1 None/None/IB, 3-2-2 None/None/IB, 3-1-2 None/None/IB, 3-3-2 None/None/16, 2-2-2 FE/SE/1B, 2-3-2 None/None/16, 2-3-2 FTINone/1 6,2-3-2 None/SE/:1B, 3-3-2 None/None/IB, 3-3-2 FEISE/1 6,3-3-2 NoneINone/1 6,3-2-3 Primary Habitat Associations/Life FormlBlooming Period,;, V c Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools/ shrub/ May-June Closed-cone conifer forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland/ shrub/ April-July Closed-cone conifer forest, chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland; gabbroic and metvolcanic/ shrub/ June-July Coastal dunes, coastal scrub/ annual herb/ March-June Chaparral, cismontane woodland/ rhizomatous herb/ May-August Closed-cone conifer forest, chaparral, coastal scrub, riparian forest, woodland, and scrub/ perennial herb/ June-August Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools; clay/ bulbiferous herb/May Chenopod scrub, shallow freshwater marsh and swamps, vernal pools/annual herb/April-June Chaparral; gabbroic, metavolcanic or serpentinite/ perennial herb/ June-July Chaparral, coastal scrub/ stem succulent/ April-May. Vernal pools/ annual herb/ April-August Closed-cone conifer forest, chaparral; sandstone/ evergreen tree/ NA ,''<^--^;;,"fi*»r%. w "Sit --•^"'^^^^''P: No suitable habitat onsite; not expected to occur. Coastal sage scrub onsite disturbed. Would have been observed if present. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur. Outside of elevational range of this species. Would have been observed if present. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur. Outside of known elevational range of this species. Would have been observed if present. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur. No suitable soils onsite; not expected to occur. No vernal pools. No potential to occur. No suitable habitat or soils onsite; not likely to occur. Outside of known range of this species. No potential to occur. No vernal pools. No potential to occur. No suitable habitat onsite and outside of known range of this species. Large tree that would have been & ASSOCIATES, INC. 3917-02 February 23, 2004 Page 14 Mr. William E. Plummet Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE 3 (Continued) '?, Species San Diego Mesa mint1 Pogogyne abramsii Otay Mesa mint1 Pogogyne nudiuscula small-leaved rose2 Rosa minuti folia San Miguel savory Satureja chandler! Gander's butterweed Senecio gander/ Parry's tetracoccus2 Tetracoccus dioicus Status FederallStatelCNPS FE/SE/ 16,2-3-3 FE/SE/1B, 3-3-2 None/SE/2, 3-3-1 None/None/IB, 2-2-2 None/SRHB, 3-2-3 None/None/IB, 3-2-2 Primary Habitat Associations/Life FormlBlooming Period Vernal pools/ annual herb/ April-July Vernal pools/ annual herb/ April-July Chaparral, coastal scrub/ deciduous shrub/ January-June Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, riparian woodland, valley and foothill grassland; rocky, gabbroic or metavolcanic/ perennial herb/ March-May Chaparral (burns and gabbroic outcrops)/ perennial herb/ April-May Chaparral, coastal scrub/ deciduous shrub/ April-May ,;*&•*§!• * observed if present. No vernal pools. No potential to occur. No vernal pools. No potential to occur. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur. Outside of known elevational range of this species. Shrub that would have been observed if present. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur. Outside of known elevational range of this species. No suitable habitat onsite; not likely to occur. Outside of known elevational range of this species. No suitable habitat on project site; not likely to occur. Perennial shrub that would have been observed if present. ' MHCP Narrow Endemic Species 2 Perennial species that would have been observed if present FE: Federally-listed as endangered FT: Federally-listed as threatened SE: State-listed as endangered SR: State rare CNPS: California Native Plant Society Sensitive Wildlife Resources No state- or federally-listed threatened or endangered species were observed onsite and none are expected to occur. The focused survey for California gnatcatcher was negative and habitat quality was marginal. Based on general information regarding wildlife distributions in the area, the site potentially could support a few California species of special concern. These species are discussed below. The listing authorities for sensitive wildlife species and & ASSOCIATES, INC. 3917-02 February 23, 2004 Page 15 mid Teams for Complex Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California explanation of listing categories are presented in. Appendix C. A list of state- or federally-listed species and sensitive species which may potentially occur based on habitats present are discussed in Table 4; while some of the species have the potential to occur onsite during migration or for foraging purposes, few have the potential to breed onsite. TABLE 4 MHCP-LISTED SENSITIVE WILDLIFE SPECIES AND POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ONSITE /» Species Quino checkerspot Euphydryas edit ha quino saltmarsh skipper Panoquina errans Harbison's dun skipper Euplyes vestis harbinsoni oblivious tiger beetle Cicindela latesignata obliviosa San Diego fairy shrimp Branchinecta sandiegoensis Riverside fairy shrimp Streptocephalus wootoni tidewater goby Eucyclogobius newberryi Status Federal/State FE/None None/None None/None None/None FE/None FE/None FE/CSC Narrow Endemic Status X X X X Primary HaMtsrt• • " • • '<>«,«»|is;< Association Sparsely vegetated hilltops, ridgelines, occasionally rocky outcrops; host plant P/antagoerectaand nectar plants must be present Salt marsh from Los Angeles to Baja, Mexico Restricted to wetland, riparian, oak woodlands, and chaparral habitats supporting host plan Carexspissa Estuaries, coastal dunes Small, shallow vernal pools, occasionally ditches and road ruts Deep, long-lived vernal pools, vernal pool-like seasonal ponds, stock ponds; warm water pools that have low to moderate dissolved solids Low-salinity waters in coastal wetlands "•91% : life1:-.' • ' Status Potential Onsite No host plants present; nearest known extant populations occur at Otay Valley, San Vicinte Reservoir, and Riverside County; Surveys are not required here. Highly unlikely due to lack of habitat. Highly unlikely due to poor available habitat resources. Highly unlikely due to lack of habitat. Highly unlikely, no vernal pool habitat present. Highly unlikely, no vernal pool habitat present. None due to lack of habitat. & ASSOCIATES, INC. 3917-02 February 23, 2004 Page 16 Pro/tssionoi Teams for Complex I- Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE 4 (Continued) "t-i ;x ,.Species Western spadefoot toad Scaphiopus hammondi Arroyo toad Bufo califomicus California red-legged frog ffana aurora draytoni southwestern pond turtle Clemmys marmorata pallida San Diego horned lizard Phrynosoma corona turn blainvillei orange-throated whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi California brown pelican Pelicanus occiden 'tali's califomicus white-faced ibis Plegadis chihi Status Federal/State None/CSC, P FE/CSC, P FT/CSC, P CSC,P CSC, P None/CSC, P FE, MNBMC/SE, P SMC/CSC Narrow Endemic Status Primary Hapi^j|ff* Association Most common in grasslands, coastal sage scrub near rain pools or vernal pools; riparian habitats Stream channels for breedingltypically 3rd order); adjacent stream terraces and uplands for foraging and wintering Lowland streams, wetlands, riparian woodlands, livestock ponds; dense, shrubby or emergent vegetation associated with deep, still or slow-moving water; uses adjacent uplands Slow-moving permanent or intermittent streams, ponds, small lakes, reservoirs with emergent basking sites; adjacent uplands used during winter Coastal sage scrub, annual grassland, chaparral, oak and riparian woodland, coniferous forest Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland, juniper and oak woodland Open sea, large water bodies, coastal bays and harbors Nests in marsh; winter foraging in shallow lacustrine waters, muddy ground of wet meadows, marshes, ponds, lakes, rivers, flooded fields and estuaries 'a-~||'!*Sj**'' ,.,,,„»;, ,',»;» -£jj Status Potential Onsite Low potential due to poor habitat quality and lack of pool resources. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. Low potential due to disturbed and urban nature of site. Low potential due to disturbed and urban nature of site. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. & ASSOCIATES, INC.February 23, 2004 3917-02 Page 17 Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE 4 (Continued) '•::. •!*&, Species Canada goose Brant a canadensis moffitti Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii Swainson's hawk Buteo swainsoni ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis northern harrier Circus cyanus white-tailed kite Elan us leucophrys Osprey bald eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos Status Federal/State None/None PIF, SBNF/CSC PIF/ST PIF, SMC/CSC, P PIF/CSC PIF, MNBMC, SBNF/R, P PIF, SBNF/CSC FT, PIF/SE, P PIF, SBNF/CSC, P Narrow Endemic Status Primary Habitat Association Grasslands, lakes and bays Riparian and oak woodlands, montane canyons Open grassland, shrublands, croplands Open, dry country, grasslands, open fields, agriculture Open wetlands (nesting), pasture, old fields, dry uplands, grasslands, rangelands, coastal sage scrub Open grasslands, savanna- like habitats, agriculture, wetlands, oak woodlands, riparian Large waters (lakes, reservoirs, rivers) supporting fish; usually near forest habitats, but widely observed along the coast Seacoasts, rivers, swamps, large lakes; winters at large bodies of water in lowlands and mountains Open country, especially hilly and mountainous regions; grassland, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak savannas, open coniferous forest . fi Status Potential Onsite Suitable habitat not present. Moderate potential to nest in eucalyptus woodlands, but project will not affect woodlands. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. Moderate foraging potential but no nesting potential. Moderate foraging potential but no nesting potential. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. Highly unlikely due to small project area size and adjacent development. & ASSOCIATES, INC.February 23, 2004 ProfcufoMl T«lrw /or Complex Praj.cl 3917-02 Page 18 Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE 4 (Continued) Species American peregrine falcon Falco peregrin us light-footed clapper rail Rallus longirostris levipes western snowy plover Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus elegant tern Sterna elegans California least tern Sterna antillarum browni coastal cactus wren Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus couesi burrowing owl Athene cunicularia California gnatcatcher Polioptila californica californica Status Federal/State FE, PIF, MNBMC/SE, P FE/SE, P FT, MNBMC/CSC (only coastal nesting population is listed) MNBMC/CSC FE, MNBMC/SE, P CSC MNBMC/CSC FT/CSC Narrow Endemic Status X Primary Habitat ? ," Association Nests on cliffs, buildings, bridges; forages in wetlands, riparian, meadows, croplands, especially where waterfowl are present coastal salt marsh Nesting habitat along coast includes sandy or gravelly beaches; inland nesting habitat is barren or sparsely vegetated ground at alkaline or saline lakes, reservoirs, ponds, riverine sand bars, and sewage, salt- evaporation and agriculture waste-water ponds Coastal waters, estuaries, large bays and harbors, mudflats Coastal waters, estuaries, large bays and harbors, mudflats; nests on sandy beaches Southern cactus scrub, maritime succulent scrub, cactus thickets in coastal sage scrub Grassland, lowland scrub, agriculture, coastal dunes and other artificial open areas Coastal sage scrub, coastal sage scrub- chaparral mix, coastal sage scrub-grassland ecotone, riparian in late summer Status Potential Onsite Highly unlikely due to adjacent development. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. Unlikely - would have detected. Focused surveys were negative. Habitat quality is poor. & ASSOCIATES, INC.February 23, 2004 eams for Complex Project 3917-02 Page 19 Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE 4 (Continued) •"$ ' • ,,x , ;-fe Species western bluebird Sialia mexicana southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii least Bell's vireo Vireo belli! pusillus southern California rufous- crowned sparrow Aimophila ruficeps canescens large-billed savannah sparrow Passer culus sandwichensis Belding's savannah sparrow Passer culus sandwichensis beldingi Bell's sage sparrow yellow-breasted chat Pacific pocket mouse Perognathus longimembris pacificus Status Federal/State None/None FE, PIF/SE FE/SE None/CSC None/CSC None/SE PIF, SMC/CSC PIF/CSC FE/CSC Narrow Endemic Status y, Primary Habitat Association v Open forests of deciduous, coniferous or mixed trees, savanna, edges of riparian woodland Riparian woodlands along streams and rivers with mature, dense stands of willows or alders; may nest in thickets dominated by tamarisk Nests in southern willow scrub with dense cover within 1-2 meters of the ground; habitat includes willows, cottonwoods, baccharis, wild blackberry or mesquite on desert areas Grass-covered hillsides, coastal sage scrub, chaparral with boulders and outcrops Saltmarsh, pickleweed Saltmarsh, pickleweed Coastal sage scrub and dry chaparral along coastal lowlands and inland valleys Dense, relatively wide riparian woodlands and thickets of willows, vine tangles and dense brush Grassland, coastal sage scrub with sandy soils; along immediate coast "• • -. . " , «*••••,^gtj -.,:; • f > Status Potential Onsite Individuals may use the area during the winter for foraging purposes. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. None were detected during CAGN surveys. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. Highly unlikely due to poor suitable habitat quality. Suitable habitat not present. Suitable habitat not present. No burrows were detected during survey. & ASSOCIATES, INC. 3917-02 February 23, 2004 Page 20 tmot Teams foi Complex Pvojet Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California TABLE 4 (Continued) c Species Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse Stephens' kangaroo rat Dipodomys Stephens/I San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus calif ornicus benneti mountain lion Felis concolor southern mule deer Odocoileous hemionus fulginata Status Federal/State None/CSC FEIST None/CSC Regulated None/Regulated Marrow Endemic Status Primary Habitatte ? Association Coastal sage scrub, grassland, sage scrub- grassland ecotones, sparse chaparral; rocky substrates, loams and sandy loams Open habitat, grassland, sparse coastal sage scrub, sandy loam and loamy soils with low clay content; gentle slopes «30%) Arid habitats with open ground; grasslands, coastal sage scrub, agriculture, disturbed areas, rangelands Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian, woodlands, forest; rests in rocky areas, and on cliffs and ledges that provide cover Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, riparian, woodlands, forest; often browses in open areas adjacent to cover " , \ " ;Av ''~ - \ ' ' Stains Potential Onsite No suitable habitat within impact areas. No suitable habitat within impact areas. Outside of range. No suitable habitat within impact areas. Highly unlikely due to small patch size, adjacent development, and minimal connection to suitable sized patches Unlikely due to adjacent development and lack of sign. Federal Designations: FE Federally-listed Endangered FT Federally-listed as Threatened MNBMC Fish and Wildlife Service Migratory PIF Partners in Flight Watch List SMC Fish and Wildlife Service Region 1 Nongame Birds of Management Concern Species of Management Concern State Designations: CSC California Special Concern Species P California Department of Fish and Game Protected and Fully Protected Species R California Rare Species SE State-listed as Endangered ST State-listed as Threatened & ASSOCIATES, INC. 3917-02 February 23, 2004 Page 21 ro/4!«ion uf Teams jof Cctm£>fe.v IVojcc Mr. William E. Plummet Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California Sensitive Habitats Sensitive habitats are those that are considered rare or declining in the region or support sensitive plant and/or wildlife species. The following habitat types are considered sensitive and require mitigation: coastal sage scrub (disturbed, sparse, and areas with southern mixed chaparral), open channel, and giant reed. Coastal sage scrub habitat has been the focus of numerous conservation planning efforts in southern California. This plant community, along with its associated plant and animal constituents, has been seriously affected by development and other human-related activities. In the late 1980s, it was estimated that upwards of 85 percent of coastal sage scrub had been lost. As a result, in 1991 the state of California initiated its first habitat-based conservation planning effort, the NCCP program, selecting coastal sage scrub as its pilot community type. Approximately 75 sensitive plant and animal species are associated with coastal sage scrub, the most notable of which is the federally-listed threatened California gnatcatcher. As such, this plant community is considered to be sensitive by state and federal resource agencies, most southern California jurisdictions, and local conservation organizations. Coastal sage scrub variations, including sparse coastal sage scrub and the ecotone with southern mixed chaparral, is included as a sage scrub habitat because it functions in much the same way as coastal sage scrub, especially when it is intermixed with coastal sage scrub. It provides habitat for a number of sensitive plant and animal species, including the California gnatcatcher the NCCP "target species". As mentioned, the open channel is habitat are under the jurisdiction of the CDFG, pursuant to Section 1601-1603 of the California Fish and Game Code, the ACOE, pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, and the RWQCB pursuant to Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act. The giant reed is under the jurisdiction of CDFG only pursuant to Section 1601-1603 of the California Fish and Game Code. PROJECT IMPACTS This section addresses impacts to biological resources that would result from the project and provides analysis of significance for each potential impact. Impacts to biological resources can be direct - resulting from the permanent removal of habitat, or indirect - resulting from changes in land use adjacent to natural habitat (e.g., increased light, noise, and urban runoff, interruption of wildlife movement, etc.). Both of these types of impacts and their levels of significance are discussed in this section. The following criteria are used to determine the significance of an impact: & ASSOCIATES, INC. Professional Teams for Complex Projects 3917-02 February 23, 2004 Page 22 Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California 1. 2. 3. 4. Substantial effect on a rare or endangered plant or animal or habitat of that species is considered a significant impact. Substantial interference with the movement of any resident or migratory fish or wildlife species is considered a significant impact. Substantial reduction of habitat for fish, wildlife, or plants is considered a significant impact. Impacts require the issuance of specific resource agency permits, waivers, or coordination. Impacts to Plant Communities Table 5 presents the project impacts by site location. Figure 4 depicts the impacts. TABLE 5 IMPACT ACREAGES - HIGHLAND DRIVE STORM DRAIN PROJECT ;sjj Plant Community Coastal Sage Scrub Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub/Southern Mixed Chaparral Sparse Coastal Sage Scrub Open Channel Eucalyptus Woodland Disturbed Habitat Developed/Ornamental TOTAL Existing Acreage 0.07 0.4 0.06 0.06 0.02 0.01 0.2 0.8 Impacted Acreage -:• - •• 0.2 0.01 0.01 0.1 0.3 Implementation of the proposed project would result in the direct impacts to 0.2 acre of disturbed coastal sage scrub/southern mixed chaparral, 0.01 acre of sparse coastal sage scrub, 0.01 acre of eucalyptus woodland, and 0.1 acre of developed/ornamental land coverages. Indirect impacts to adjacent vegetation communities, such as coastal sage scrub, primarily would result from adverse "edge effects" as cited above. For the proposed project, the potential indirect impacts resulting from construction activities include dust, noise, and general human presence that may temporarily disrupt species and habitat vitality and lead to construction-related soil erosion and runoff. However, all project grading will be subject to the typical restrictions (e.g., Best Management Practices (BMPs)) and requirements that address erosion and runoff, including the federal Clean Water Act, NPDES, and preparation of a SWPPP. BMPs would include, but are not limited to, placement of silt fencing, haybales, and/or sandbags in potential drainage areas, periodic watering of the grading area, and snow & ASSOCIATES, INC. 3917-02 February 23, 2004 Page 23 Provisional Teams fm Cm <, tfr*fr*?o?C Legend —-• Alignment • Data Station Impact | | Vegetation Boundary Vegetation Types: ARDO = Giant Reed CSS = Coastal Sage Scrub DEV/ORN = Developed/Ornamental DH = Disturbed Habitat EW = Eucalyptus Woodland OC = Open Channel dCSS = disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub SMX = Southern Mixed Chaparall sCSS = sparse Coastal Sage Scrub Feet BASE MAP SOURCE: Terra Data, 11-24-03 50 Highland Drive Storm Drain Project Biological Resources Map with Impacted Area m Mr. William E. Plummer |J Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California m fencing of the limits of grading. Due to the grading restrictions and requirements mentioned above, the proposed project would not result in significant short-term, indirect impacts to H sensitive biological resources. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Due to the nature of the project, there would not be long-term, indirect impacts to vegetation communities onsite including impacts associated with increased human presence, lighting, etc. The proposed alignment project would not impact the adjacent open channel. However, due to the proposed project's proximity to the open channel, rip-rap shall be installed by hand (outside of the channel only), silt fencing will be installed, and a biological monitor is recommended to be present during construction in this area to ensure no impacts occur to downstream waters. Impacts to Sensitive Plants No sensitive plant species were identified during the field survey. Although surveys were conducted late in the season, the nature of the habitats onsite are disturbed, which appears to be the result of erosion, human disturbance, and the invasion of non-native and ornamental species. Due to the existing conditions of the project area and continued activities that have occurred within the majority of the surrounding area, it is highly unlikely that any sensitive plant species would occur on the property; therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not directly impact any sensitive plant species. Likewise, no indirect impacts to sensitive plant species are expected. Impacts to Sensitive Wildlife The only potential listed species which might occur on site is the California gnatcatcher; however focused surveys were negative. Therefore, the proposed project will not have a direct impact on federally- or state-listed wildlife. There is some potential for other sensitive species to occur on site; however, these species are likely to temporarily vacate the area once work begins and no direct impacts would occur. Indirect impacts to breeding birds may occur if activities occur during the breeding season. These impacts would be associated with grading activities and temporary. These indirect impacts can be avoided by constructing outside the breeding season (February 15th - August 31st) or assuring that construction activity will not result in noise levels above 60 dBA leq at the nest site. 3917-02 |& ASSOCIATES, INC. | February 23,2004 Page 25 Profeufemflf leomi /or Complex Proiectt I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mr. William E. Plutnmer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California If construction activity is to take place during the breeding season (i.e., January through September), a one-time biological survey for nesting bird species must be conducted within the proposed impact area at least 72 hours prior to construction. This survey is necessary to assure avoidance of impacts to nesting native birds (per the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act). If nesting birds are detected within vegetation which is to be impacted, the nest location(s) shall be protected until fledging of young is complete. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANCE AND SUGGESTED MITIGATION & PERMITTING As mentioned, coastal sage scrub is considered a sensitive habitat by local, state and federal agencies and is covered by the City of Carlsbad's HMP. Loss of 0.2 acre of coastal sage scrub, sparse coastal sage scrub, and coastal sage scrub/southern mixed chaparral is considered significant and would require mitigation. Impacts to 0.01 acre of eucalyptus woodland is not considered significant because this vegetation community is a non-native, invasive vegetation community that provides little biological resource value. Non-developed lands, including eucalyptus woodland, are covered under the HMP. In accordance with the HMP, proposed impacts to this habitat type require an in-lieu fee as determined by the City Council. Coastal Sage Scrub & Upland Habitats Mitigation Strategy The HMP was approved by City Council on 17 June 2003, and has also been approved by the Coastal Commission. However, the USFWS has not processed a Biological Opinion on it yet, so in effect it has not been implemented. Under the HMP, as approved by the City and Coastal Commission, the City would require that project pay a fee to the City on a per acre basis for impacts to non-developed lands (i.e., eucalyptus woodland). Impacts to unoccupied coastal sage scrub would be either mitigated off site at a 1:1 ratio or through paying an in-liew fee determined by the City Council. Assuming that the City would like to follow the HMP standards, mitigation for coastal sage scrub habitats will occur by preserving comparable acreage at the City-owned Calaveras Lake Mitigation Bank. If the City does not wish to wait for the USFWS Biological Opinion, then it may pursue a Section 4(d) Deminimus Exepmtion under the federal Endangered Species Act. This allows the City to exceed its 5% coastal sage scrub take allowance. In order to utilize the exemption, the City must prove 1) that the project will impact less than an acre of coastal sage scrub; 2) coastal sage scrub habitat is not occupied by California gnatcatcher, and; 3) that impacts to habitat will not affect California gnatcatcher recovery. All of these conclusions can be made for this project. DUPE 3917-02 |& ASSOCIATES, INC. | February 23,2004 Page 26 Pnrfutfoiu! T>o*u for Comply Project) 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, Carlsbad, California City of Assuming that the City will utilize the strategy outlined for the HMP, mitigation for impacts to disturbed coastal sage scrub/southern mixed chaparral and sparse coastal sage include setting aside 0.2 acre of coastal sage scrub specific habitat at the Lake scrub will Calaveras Mitigation Bank. Impacts to other non-developed lands (i.e., eucalyptus woodland) shall be mitigated through the payment of a fee to the City on a per acre basis. Please contact me at (760) 479-4299 with any questions you have. Very truly yours, Dudek and Associates, Inc. ^— A t • C C_L/ \ -^\ Cathleen M. Weiga^cPj Botanist/Biologist Att: Appendix A Vascular Plant Species Appendix B Wildlife Species Appendix C Species Sensitivity Categories Appendix D Wetlands Data Station Forms |& ASSOCIATES, INC February 23, 2004 Praftaitmal T«omi for Complex Project* 3917-02 Page 27 I _ Mr. William E. Plummer • Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California I LITERATURE CITED OR REVIEWED I Abrams, L. 1923. Illustrated flora of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, • California. Volumes 1-4. I American Ornithologists' Union. "Forty fourth Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American birds." The Auk 120 (2003):923-932. | Bond, S. I. 1977. An annotated list of the mammals of San Diego County, California. Trans. San Diego X. Nat. Hist. 18:229-248. • Bowman, R. H. 1973. Soil survey of San Diego Area, California, Part 1. United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service. 104 pp. California Department of Fish and Game. California Natural Diversity Data Base. Special — Animals. Sacramento, California, January 2004a. California Department of Fish and Game. California Natural Diversity Data Base. Special • Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens List. January 2004b. California Department of Fish and Game. California Natural Diversity Data Base. State and I Federally Listed Endangered, Rare and Threatened Animals of California. Sacramento, California, January 2004c. I California Department of Fish and Game. California Natural Diversity Data Base. State and ™ Federally Listed Endangered, Rare and Threatened Plants of California. California _ Natural Diversity Data Base, Sacramento, California. January 2004d. California Department of Fish and Game. California Natural Diversity Data Base. Rarefind • Version 3.0.2. 2004e. On-line database. City of Carlsbad. Habitat Management Plan for the Natural Communities in the City of • Carlsbad. December 1999. CNPS. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (Sixth Edition). Rare Plant • Scientific Advisory Committee, David PI Tibor, Covening Editor. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA + 388pp. 2001. I Emmel, T. C. and J. F. Emmel. 1973. The butterflies of southern California. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Science Series 26:1-148. I I 3917-02 & ASSOCIATES, INC. | February 23,2004 Page 28 Pvofcubmdt Tttnu for Comfikx Project* I I Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California I Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson manual: Higher plants of California. University of • California Press, Berkeley. 1400 pp. Holland, R. F. 1986. Preliminary descriptions of the terrestrial natural communities of I California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Jones, J. K., Jr., D. C. Carter, H. H. Genoways, R. S. Hoffman, and D. W. Rice. 1992. Revised checklist of North American mammals north of Mexico. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Texas Tech University, no. 146. McGurty, B. M. 1980. Survey and status of endangered and threatened species of reptiles natively occurring in San Diego, California. San Diego Herpetological Society. Murphy, D. D. 1990. A report on the California butterflies listed as candidates for endangered status by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Draft Report for California Department of Fish and Game, Contract No. C-1755. 60 pp. Remsen, J. V. 1978. Bird species of special concern in California: An annotated list of declining or vulnerable bird species. Administrative Report No. 78-1. Nongame Wildlife Investigations, Wildlife Management Branch, California Department of Fish and Game. SANDAG. Public Review Draft - Oceanside Subarea Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan. November 2000. Stebbins, R. C. 2003. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. United States Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. United States Department of Interior. United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila. californica californica) Presence/Absence Survey Protocol. Provided by the USFWS Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office on July 28,1997. United States Fish and Wildlife Service. (USFWS). 2000. Federally listed and candidate species that may occur within the jurisdiction of the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office. Provided by the USFWS Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office on November 1, 2000. 3917-02 & ASSOCIATES, INC. | February 23,2004 Page 29 Professional Team* for Cmnftlar Prefect* I Mr. William E. Plummer Re: Biological Resources Letter Report for the Highland Drive Storm Drain Replacement Project, City of Carlsbad, California • Unitt, P. A. 1984. Birds of San Diego County. Memoir 13, San Diego Society of Natural History. 287pp. I I I I I I I I I I I I I l& ASSOCIATES, INC. February 23,2004 Page 30 I Pnrfeufmuil learn* for Complex Projects APPENDICES Appendix A Vascular Plant Species APPENDIX A HIGHLAND DRIVE VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES CONIFERAE CUPRESSACEAE - CYPRESS FAMILY * Juniferns sp. - juniper PINACEAE - PINE FAMILY Pinus attenuate. - knobcone pine ANGIOSPERMAE (DICOTYLEDONS) AIZOACEAE - CARPET-WEED FAMILY * Carpobrotus edulis - hottentot-fig ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY Rhus integrifdia - lemonadeberry ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY Artemisia californica - coastal sagebrush * Centaurea melitensis - tocalote * Cirsium vulgare -bull thistle * Conyza canadensis - horseweed Encelia californica - California bush sunflower Gnaphalium californicum - California everlasting Heterotheca grandiflora - telegraph weed Isocoma menziesii ssp. veneta - coastal goldenbush Lessingia filaginifolia - virgate cudweed aster BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY * Brassica nigra - black mustard * Lobularia maritima - sweet-alyssum * Raphanus sativus - wild radish * Sisymbrium orientate - Oriental mustard CACTACEAE - CACTUS FAMILY Opuntia littoralis - coastal prickly-pear CAPRIFOLIACEAE - HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY Sambucus mexicana - Mexican elderberry & ASSOCIATES, INC. February 23,2004 Pagel 3917-02 Pro/eMitmal team* for Complex. Project* APPENDIX A (Continued) I CHENOPODIACEAE - GOOSEFOOT FAMILY * Atriplex semibaccata - Australian saltbush * Chenopodium murale - nettle-leaved goosefoot * Salsola tragus - Russian-thistle CRASSULACEAE - STONECROP FAMILY Crassula connata - dwarf stonecrop CUCURBITACEAE - GOURD FAMILY Marah macrocarpus - wild cucumber ERICACEAE - HEATH FAMILY Xylococcus bicolor - mission manzanita EUPHORBIACEAE - SPURGE FAMILY Chamaesyce albomarginata - rattlesnake spurge Crown californicus - California croton * Euphorbia peplus - petty spurge Ricinus communis - castor-bean FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY * Acacia spp. - acacia Lotus scoparius - deerweed LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY Salvia mellifera - black sage MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY * Eucalyptus sp. - eucalyptus NYCTAGINACEAE - FOUR O'CLOCK FAMILY * Bougainvillea sp. - bougainvillea OLEACEAE - OLIVE FAMILY * Olea europaea - mission olive ONAGRACEAE - EVENING-PRIMROSE FAMILY Epilobium ciliatum - California cottonweed Camissonia Hstorta - California sun cup D u I>E;H 3917-02 & ASSOCIATES, INC.|February 23,2004 Page 2 Prpfrstiondt Ttamt far Complex Project* APPENDIX A (Continued) POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY Eriogonum fasciculatum - California buckwheat RHAMNACEAE - BUCKTHORN FAMILY Rhamnus crocea - redberry ROSACEAE - ROSE FAMILY Adenostoma fasciculatum - chamise Heteromeles arbutifolia - toyon RUTACEAE - RUE FAMILY Cneoridium dumosum - bushrue, coast spicebush SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY * Nicotiana glauca - tree tobacco ANGIOSPERMAE (MONOCOTYLEDONES) LILIACEAE - LILY FAMILY Yucca whipplei - our lord's candle POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY * Arundo donax - giant reed * Bromus diandrus - ripgut grass * Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens - foxtail chess Distichlis spicata - salt grass * Hordeum jubatum - foxtail barley Melica imperfecta - California melic Nassella pulchra - purple needlegrass signifies introduced (non-native) species DUDEMi 3917-02 ^ASSOCIATES, INC.J February 23.2004 Page 3 ProfeutouJ lonu /or Coniffa Project. 3 1 1 1 1 I Appendix B Wildlife Species APPENDIX B WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED ON THE OCEAN RANCH PROJECT WILDLIFE SPECIES -VERTEBRATES REPTILES IGUANIDAE - IGUANIDS Scdopoms occidemalis - western fence lizard Uta stansburiana - side-blotched lizard BIRDS CATHARTIDAE - NEW WORLD VULTURES Cathartes aura - turkey vulture ACCIPITRIDAE - HAWKS Buteo famaicensis - red-tailed hawk FALCONIDAE - FALCONS Falco sparverius - American kestrel CHARADRHDAE - PLOVERS Charadrius vociferus - killdeer COLUMBIDAE - DOVES Zenaida macroura - mourning dove TROCHILIDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS Archilochus anna - Anna's hummingbird PICIDAE - WOODPECKERS Picoides nuttallii - Nuttall's woodpecker TYRANNIDAE - FLYCATCHERS Sayornis nigricans - black phoebe Tyrannus vociferans - Cassin's kingbird CORVIDAE - RAVENS Aphelocoma coerulescens - scrub jay Corvus corax - common raven 3917-02 & ASSOCIATES, INC. February 23,2004 Pagel Pro/«rionol teonu far Complex Projects APPENDIX B (Continued) STURNIDAE - STARLINGS Sturnus vulgaris - European starling AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTITS Psaltriparus minimus - bushtit TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS Thryomanes bewickii - Bewick's wren MIMIDAE - THRASHERS Mimus polyglottos - northern mockingbird FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHES Carpodacus mexicanus - house finch Carduelis psahria - lesser goldfinch EMBERIZIDAE - WARBLERS, SPARROWS & BLACKBIRDS Piyilo crissalis - California towhee Zonotrichia melodia - song sparrow Molothrus ater - brown-headed cowbird MAMMALS LEPORIDAE - HARES & RABBITS Sylvilagus bachmani - brush rabbit SCIURIDAE - SQUIRRELS Spermophilus beecheyi - California ground squirrel GEOMYIDAE - POCKET GOPHERS Thomomys bottae - Botta's pocket gopher 3917-02DUD Ell & ASSOCIATES, INC. | February 23,2004 Page 2 Proftuional Tconu for CmnjJtsc Proj'ecta 1 1 Appendix C Species Sensitivity Categories APPENDIX C SPECIES SENSITIVITY CATEGORIES Federal (1996) Endangered. Taxa threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range. Threatened. Taxa likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Category 1. Taxa for which the USFWS has enough information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support listing them as endangered or threatened species. Category 2. A category formerly used for taxa for which information in possession of the USFWS indicated that listing as endangered or threatened may be appropriate but for which sufficient data to support the preparation of rules were unavailable. This category has been eliminated owing to its frequent misinterpretation. Category 3. Taxa that were once considered for listing as endangered or threatened, but are currently not receiving such consideration. These taxa are included in one of the following three subcategories. Subcategory 3A: Taxa presumed to be extinct. Subcategory 3B: Taxa whose names do not meet the Endangered Species Act's legal definition of species. Subcategory 3C: Taxa now considered to be more widespread that originally thought. Note: The taxa in Categories 1 and 2 are candidates for possible addition to the list of endangered and threatened species. The USFWS encourages their consideration in environmental planning. 3917-02 |& ASSOCIATES, INC. | February 23,2004 Profetsional leant* /or Complex Projects Pagel APPENDIX C (Continued) State of California (1990) Endangered. Taxa which are in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of their range due to one or more causes including loss of habitat, change in habitat, over exploitation, predation, competition, or disease (Section 2062 of the Fish and Game Code). Threatened. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are likely to become endangered species in the foreseeable future (Section 2067 of the Fish and Game Code). Rare. Taxa which, although not presently threatened with extinction, are present in such small numbers throughout their range that they may become endangered if the present environment worsens (Section 1901 of the Fish and Game Code). Candidate. Taxa which the Fish and Game Commission has formally noticed as being under review by the Department in addition to the list of threatened and endangered species. California Native Plant Society (1994) Lists 1A: Presumed Extinct in California IB: Rare or Endangered in California and Elsewhere 2: Rare or Endangered in California, More Common Elsewhere 3: Need More Information 4: Plants of Limited Distribution Note: Plants on CNPS list IB meet California Department of Fish and Game Criteria for Rare or Endangered listing. 3917-02 & ASSOCIATES, INC. February 23,2004 Page 2 Profcufonid Ttaau for Complex Prefect* APPENDIX C (Continued) R-E-D code R (Rarity) 1- Rare, but found in sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extinction or extirpation is low at this time. 2- Occurrence confined to several populations or to one extended population. 3- Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such small numbers that it is seldom reported. E (Endangerment) 1- Not endangered 2- Endangered in a portion of its range 3- Endangered throughout its range D (Distribution) 1- More or less widespread outside of California 2- Rare outside California 3- Endemic to California DUO!!!3917-02 & ASSOCIATES, INC. | Februaiy 23,2004 Page 3 Proietsionai Tconu for Complex Project* 1 1 1 1 Appendix D Wetlands Data Station Forms DATA FORM ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION (1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual) Proiect/Sfte: |^fijfllr4wd JyfNO Applicant/Owner! ' J Investigator: (^.M\/J Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? Is the area a potential Problem Area? (If needed, explain on reverse.) Yes Ufcb Yes Qto_^> Date: 12*P Countv: if^H State: <GA >2n&>*> Community ID: Transect ID: Plot ID:/ VEGETATION Doninant Ptarrt Soedes Dominant Plant Species Stfftuni— Indicator 9._ 10^. 11.- 12-_ 13._ 14._ 1S._ 16._ Percent of Dominant Spades that are OBL.FACW or FAC (excluding FAC-). /*) Y L/ / * Rcrarks:Wo HYDROLOGY Recorded D*ta (Describe In Remarks): Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge Aerial Photographs Other No Recorded Data Available Depth of Surface Water Depth to Free Water In Pit Depth to Saturated Soft -(in.) -(In.) Jh) Wflttand Hydrology hndcatmt Primwy ndcstoTB* hundated Saturated hi Upper 12 hches __ Water Mwks ^DrBlUnes Sedment Deposits —r=T Drainage Pattamc In WeUands Secondary hdcatont (2 or mew required): OxMzad Root Channels In Upper 12 hches Watar-Stakwdtaaves Local Sol Survey Data VlFAC-NeUralTest Other (Explain in Remarks) Rsfnarics,* SOILS Map Unit Name (SariBs and Phase): Tamnmny (Subgroup): profile [tescrtotion: Depth Matrix Color finches) Horizon (Munsell Moist) 1 A -JO Ifi^ 4l2?)l(*) '' Drainage Class: 1 Field Observations I Confirm MaooedTvoe? Yes No 1 I Mottle Colors Mottle Abundance/ Texture, Concretions, (Munsell Moist) See/Contrast Structure, etc.. - . ft Nf/A AJ/A r^/Tixjrr 1 ! - ~] Hydric Soil Indicators: Hstosol Hstte Epipedon SuffidicOdor 1 Aquic Moisture Regime I Reducing Conditions Gleyed or LowOuoma Colors Concretions Hgh Organic Content in Surface Layer In Sandy Sols Organic Streaking ki Sandy Soils Listed on Local Hydric Sote List Listed on National Hydric Soils List Other (Explain ki Remarks) Remarks: WETLAND DETERMINATION Hydrophyte Vegetaton Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Hydric Sols Present? Remarks: (Circle) b1hisSamplngPointWltt*iaWettand? Yes (NO Approved by HQUSACE 3/92 I I I I I I I I I I I DATA FORM ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION (1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual) Proiect/Site: Kf£lfll/k^ ,1/fW^ Applicant/Owner: (J Investiaator: £/MxjvJ Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? uY§5-^N£L Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? ^es <Ujp_^L Is the area a potential Problem Area? Yes Qk_^ (If needed, explain on reverse.) Date: \2. - 0\ - £>~*) Countv: "^1"^ State: Sl\ Communitv ID: Transect ID: Plot ID: ~7 VEGETATION 2. f|fjil\AX>v a. ^fiJ$2liLUA- flours 4 YivOf-^Cv- ^CU&dfi^Vs s. B. 7. 8. Percent of Doirthant Species thrt are OBL, FACW or FAC (excluding FAC-). Remarks: fi. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 07. HYDROLOGY _ Recorded Data (Describe In Rnmarics): _ Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge _ Awtel Photographs _ Other _ No Recorded Data Available T»bnObserva66rts7 Depth of Surface Water Depth to Free Water In Pit Depth to Saturated Soft Jin.) -On.) -On-) Wedand I ly^Jiulugy IncBcabjfi: Primary Indteators: Inundated Saturated In Upper 12 Inches Water Ikferks DrttUnes Sedknent Deposits —=r Drainage Patterns ki Wetlands Secondary hdcakxs (2 or more required): OxMzed Root Channels fci Upper 12 Inches Water-Stained Leaves Local Sol Survey Data FAC-NeubBlTest Other (Explain in Remarks) Refnarics' SOILS Map Unit Name (Series and Phase):. Taxonomy (Subgroup):. Drainage Class: Field Observations Confirm Mapped Type? Yes No Profile Description: Depth finches! Horizon Matrix Color fMunsen Moistt Mottle Colors (Mungell Moist) Mottle Abundance/Texture, Concretions, Structure etc Hydric Soil Indicators: Hstosd Hstfc Epipedon SuffidfcOdor Aquic Moisture Regime Reducing Conditions Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors Concretions Ugh Organic Content ki Surface Layer in Sandy Soils Organic Streaking ki Sandy Sons Listed on Local Hydric Sote List Listed on National Hydric Sote List Other (Explain hi Remarks) Remarks: WETLAND DETERMINATION Hydrophyte Vegetation Present? Yes I Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes Hydric Safe Present? Yes .(arete)(Clrde) b this Samplng Point Within a Wetland? Yes (NO Approved by HQUSACE 3/92