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HomeMy WebLinkAbout; Sewer Maintenance Acces Road Shoreline Protection; North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Western Segment; 2004-05-01Western Segment Sewer Maintenance, Access Road & Shoreline Protection Project AY 2 0 0 4 PREPARED FOR: City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 PREPARED BY: Dudek & Associates, Inc. 605 Third Street Encinitas, CA 92024, 4ft BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT for NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA INTERCEPTOR WESTERN SEGMENT SEWER MAINTENANCE, ACCESS ROAD AND SHORELINE PROTECTION PROJECT Prep^ared for: City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Contact: Mark Biskup^ Tel. (760) 602-2763 Prefpared by: DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC, Professional Teams for Complex Projects 605 Third Street Encinitas, CA 92024 Contact: Vifpul Joshi Tel. (760) 942-5147 NAY 2004 m m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access Road, and Shoreline Protection Project TABLE or CONTENTS Section Page No. 3.0 4.0 4i 5.0 m m EXECUTIVE SUMMARY IV 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Purpose and Need ^ 1.2 Project Location ^ 1.3 Project Description ^ 2.0 CONSULTATION REQUIRED TO SATISFY FEDERAL ENDANGERED SPECIES .8 SPECIES OF CONCERN ^ 3.1 Federally Proposed and Listed Species Potentially Occurring in the Project Area ^ 3.2 Literature Review 3.3 Informal Consultation With Public Agency Personnel 10 METHODS ^1 4.1 Botanical Resources ^ ^ 4.2 Zoological Resources ^2 4.3 Sensitive and/or Regulated Resources 12 4.4 Assessment of Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Impacts 14 5.1.1 5.1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 14 5.1 General Biota Botany Zoology 25 5.1.2.1 Birds 25 5.1.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians 26 5.1.2.3 Mammals 26 5.1.2.4 Invertebrates 26 5.2 Sensitive Resources 27 5.2.1 Sensitive Plant Species 27 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES, DJC. May 2004 Professional Teflnu /or ComfUx Projtcts Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project TABLE OE CONTENTS {Cent:) Section Page No. 5.2.2 Sensitive Animal Species 28 5.3 Regional Resource Planning Context 29 6.0 RESULTS 32 6.1 California Gnatcatcher 32 6.2 Direct Impacts 40 6.3 Indirect Impacts 40 6.4 Cumulative Impacts 40 7.0 MEASURES TO AVOID, MINIMIZE AND MITIGATE IMPACTS 41 7.1 Avoidance and Minimization 41 7.2 Specific Mitigation Measures for California Gnatchatcher 42 8.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 45 99.0 LITERATURE CITED 45 APPENDICES Appendix A Vascular Plant Species Appendix B Wildhfe Species Appendix C Sensitive Species Categories Appendix D Habitat Restoration Plan LIST OE EIGLRES Figure 1 Regional Map 3 Figure 2 Vicinity Map 4 Figure 3 Project Components 5 Figures 4A-E Biological Resources and Jurisdictional Delineation Maps 15-19 2798-03 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. May 2004 Professional Teams for CompUar Pro/erts Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project Figure 5 Regional Vegetation and Species, Proposed FPA Flard/ Soft Lines and Critical Habitat Map 30 Figures 6A-E Biological Resources and Jurisdictional Delineation Maps with Limits of Permanent and Temporary Impacts 33-37 Figure 7A Sewer Access Road Typical Section with Cribwall 38 Figure 7B Sewer Access Road Typical Section with 2:1 cut Slope & Culvert 39 Figure 8A Proposed Habitat Creation 43 Figure 8B Proposed habitat Creation Area 44 & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Professional Teams for Complex Projects Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document addresses the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to the federally-listed threatened coastal CaHfornia gnatcatcher {Polioptik californica californica) and its habitat at North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Sewer Maintenance, Access Road, and Shoreline Protection, Western Segment (NAHI West) project site. This document includes a discussion of the project setting, study methodology, impacts and proposed mitigation measures. Proiect Description The proposed NAHI West project is located along the northern shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon in the City of Carlsbad, CaHfornia. The proposed project consists of six components: (1) re-establishment of the sewer maintenance access road; (2) construction of a shoreline protection wall; (3) sewer pipeline improvements; (4) rehabilitation of existing manholes; (5) future maintenance and operation activities for the sewer pipeline facilities; and (6) development of a portion of the regional trail system. The first three components of the project require construction activities within areas of existing native and non-native vegetation communities. The rehabilitation of manholes, future maintenance and operations activities, and trail use would occur within the reestablished access road. Summary of Findings, Impacts and Proposed Mitigation This document contains a detailed description of the federally-listed threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and its habitat as it pertains to the NAHI West project, as weU as detailed mitigation measures proposed by the City of Carlsbad. Potential cumulative impacts to this Hsted species and its habitat are also discussed. Together, the proposed mitigation measures comprise a complete mitigation package that would fully compensate for all potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts to the CaHfornia gnatcatcher and its habitat associated with implementation of the NAHI West project. The NAHI West project does not occur within United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat for the federally-listed threatened California gnatcatcher. Suitable habitat occurring on the project site for California gnatcatcher includes 9.0 acres of coastal sage scrub. Of this, 0.3 acre would be permanently impacted by the proposed development, 0.74 acre would be temporarily impacted and the 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES, INC. May 2004 iv Professional Teoms for Complex Projects Ill m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project remaining 7.9 acres would be avoided. As a public infrastructure project within the proposed Focused Planning Area (FPA), the City of Carlsbad's Draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP) allows for impacts to covered habitats and species but also requires mitigation. Dudek and Associates, Inc. (Dudek) biologists conducted focused surveys for the coastal CaHfornia gnatcatcher under federal permit number TE-781084. Dr. Anita M. Hayworth conducted surveys in March and April, 1999; JuHe Vanderwier conducted surveys in September and October, 2001. During both sets of surveys, two pairs of CaHfornia gnatcatcher were observed within the NAHI West project corridor. The project would result in the permanent loss of 0.30 acre of coastal sage scrub. This impact would be mitigated through the creation of like-habitat within the Agua Hedionda Lagoon area at a ratio of 1:1 and through either habitat preservation at a ratio of 1:1 within the Lake Calavera mitigation bank or through the creation of additional like- habitat within the Agua Hedionda Lagoon area at a ratio of 1:1. The total mitigation for permanent impacts to coastal sage scrub shaH consist of 0.60 acre, or a 2:1 mitigation ratio. The project may also temporarily impact up to 0.74 acre of coastal sage scrub. These impacts shaU be mitigated through onsite restoration of aH impact areas at a ratio of 1:1. Potential noise impacts during construction would be avoided through restriction of project noise levels to below 60 dBA at coastal California gnatcatcher nest sites during the February 15 - August 30 breeding season. Habitat clearing would be restricted to outside the breeding season to protect nest sites and nesting activity. Long-term indirect impacts would be reduced through implementation of sewer maintenance and operation guidelines and a trail maintenance and monitoring program that minimizes potential future disturbance to habitat and to wildlife activity. In summary, the proposed project and mitigation plan described in detail in this document would provide benefits through the conservation of existing CaHfornia gnatcatcher habitat and potential habitat in a configuration that would contribute to the regional conservation of the species. The proposed mitigation plan would fully compensate for the direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of the NAHI West project. 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES, INC. May 2004 V Professional Teams for Complex Projects -m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project 1.0 INTRODUCTION This document addresses the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to the federally-listed threatened coastal California gnatcatcher {Polioytila californica californica) and its habitat within the North Agua Hedionda Interceptor (NAHI) West project site. This document includes a detailed discussion of the project setting, study methodology, impacts and proposed mitigation measures to reduce impacts. Suitable habitat on the project site for the California gnatcatcher includes 9.0 acres of coastal sage scrub. Of this, 0.3 acre would be permanently impacted by the proposed development, 0.8 acre would be temporarily impacted, and 7.9 acres would be avoided. Detailed discussions of the project setting, alternatives considered and analyzed, general impacts, and conceptual mitigation measures are provided in the Biological Resources Technical Report (Dudek 2004) and the Draft Environmental Impact Report (City of Carlsbad 2004). Information from these documents is incorporated herein as appropriate. 1.1 Purpose and Need The North Agua Hedionda Interceptor (NAHI) is a 24-inch diameter vitrified clay pipe gravity sewer, constructed by the City in 1965, along the north shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Agua Hedionda Lagoon is a tidal, saltwater lagoon owned by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). The northern shoreline, however, is under private ownership mainly held by individuals. The NAHI sewer pipeline runs west from the intersection of El Camino Real and Cannon Road, across Agua Hedionda Creek, along the north shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon to an existing pump station (Foxes Lift Station) immediately east of Interstate 5 (1-5). The pump station conveys wastewater in a pipeline under 1-5 and the NAHI sewer flows westerly an additional 2,000 feet, approximately, to its termination into a larger interceptor paraUeling the railroad right-of-way. The western segment of the NAHI sewer pipeline, as defined for this project, includes the portion extending from manhole number 25, located at Cove Drive, north westward to the Foxes Hft station; this pipeline segment is approximately 3,800 linear feet in length. While the 39-year old NAHI sewer pipeline is considered in good condition, the original unpaved sewer maintenance access road has deteriorated significantly due to wave, water, and wind driven erosion. In addition, a portion of the sewer line is exposed, several manholes are in need of rehabilitation, a portion of the Hne has been made inaccessible 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES, INC. May 2004 1 Professional Teoms for Complex Projects Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project due to construction of a private voHeybaU court and driveway, and service is not established to two parcels on the alignment. The purposes of this project are to restore and stabilize the access road to avert further undermining and/or erosion, to aUow routine sewer maintenance, cleaning, rehabilitation and emergency repairs without deleterious environmental impacts, to provide sewer service to existing and planned development along the alignment, and to provide a portion of the regional trail system. The proposed project consists of six components: (1) re-establishment of the sewer maintenance access road; (2) construction of a shoreline protection waU; (3) sewer pipeHne improvements; (4) rehabilitation of existing manholes; (5) future maintenance and operation activities for the sewer pipeline facilities; and (6) development of a portion of the regional trail system. 1.2 Project Location The proposed project site is situated along the northern shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon in the City of Carlsbad, California {Figure 1). The project begins in the north at the Foxes lift station, and foUows the shoreline a short distance west but primarily south and east to the southem terminus of Cove Drive. The property lies within the southwestern quarter of the U.S. Geological Survey San Luis Rey, California 7.5 minute quadrangle map {Figure 2). 1.3 Project Description Each of the six project components is iHustrated in Figure 3 and further described below. Re-establishment of the maintenance access road, construction of the shoreline protection waU and relocation of pipeline may include the foUowing equipment: cranes, excavators, front end loaders, delivery (dump) trucks, soil compactors, pumps for dewatering, desilting tanks and/or graders. The City of Carlsbad Department of Public Works (City) would first remove existing vegetation along the project corridor and install appropriate erosion control measures. The City would then grade the roadbed, instaUing additional erosion control as necessary, compact the soils and instaU the road shoreline protection waH. InstaUation of the shoreline protection waU would be accomplished by a technique that involves drilHng columns that are structurally filled immediately, the "Cast-In-Drill- Hole" method. The road would then be surfaced and the protection waH would be 2798-03 May 2004 Professional Teams for Complex Projects Orange County San Diego 1 Imperial Beach Mexico 1" = 8 Miles Tijuana North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Biological Assessment Regional Map FIGURE High Sch \ i KeUy "ferson V M St Patrick y \Sch •dV ; Jr Hfgh Sch* : ;•• v.-<. '• \'.r / •A I ^ G \U ' , Kelly 2 AZ ' 33^ O Project Alignment Habitat Creation Site -Reser/oir /V7 BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series, San Luis Rey Quadrangle CORP 1" =2000' North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Biological Assessment Vicinity Map FIGURE North Agua Hedionda Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Project Components FIGURE Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project sculpted and colored. Relocation of the existing sewer line in the vicinity of the eastern project terminus would be accompUshed via open trenching. RehabiHtation of manholes and installation of trail infrastructure would occur after road and wall construction. All future maintenance activities would be conducted in accordance with maintenance operations guidelines set forth by this project. 1. Sewer Maintenance Access Road A 12-foot wide, 3,080-foot long access road would be designated as part of the project and would mainly be centered on the sewer line. The sewer line access road alignment is shown in Figure 3 and a detailed description of the sewer maintenance access road is ^ provided in the attached DEIR. The proposed access road alignment follows the centerline of the NAHI from manhole number 8 east past manhole number 19 to new manhole number 1 (approximately 2,400 Hnear feet). This section of road would be composed of decomposed granite except for a «i 150-foot section where paving already exists and no improvements are proposed. In «i addition to the 2,400 feet of decomposed granite access road, a 230-foot long paved approach road from Hoover Street is proposed. From new manhole numbers 1 to 2, the maintenance access road diverts from the centerline of the sewer. This 450-foot portion of the access road would be shifted approximately 70 feet south toward the lagoon and would use the existing compacted sandy base rather than decomposed granite in order to avoid existing residential use areas. ^1 m m The proposed access road is designed with a 2% drainage slope towards the landward side of the alignment. The landward side of the access road would be defined by either a 2:1 slope or a crib wall. Separating the toe of slope or edge of crib wall from the road would be a vegetated drainage swale varying from 18 inches to 36 inches wide, with gravel beds at culvert inlets (i.e., catch basinsj. All drainage, including natural slope runoff upstream of the project, would be collected at the culvert locations, filtered through mechanical Best Management Practice (BMP) devices, and discharged through the seawall. m ^ 2. Shoreline Protection Wall The proposed shoreUne protection wall would extend approximately 1,800 feet, from * manhole numbers 10 to 19 {Figure 3). The top of the shoreline protection wall would be approximately 0.5 to 1.0 foot above the elevation of each of the manholes. Since the 2798-03 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. I May 2004 Professional Teams for Complex Projects ^1 m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project height of the manholes varies in relation to the shoreline, the height of the wall also would vary, with a maximum height of approximately six feet. The shoreline protection wall would be constructed with a drilled pier foundation, consisting of 24-inch diameter, structurally-reinforced piers spaced on six- to eight-foot centers, extending to the stable subsurface bedrock (approximately five to 30 feet below existing grade elevation). The area between the drilled piers is in-filled with structural concrete. A 3.5-foot high, three- cable railing is proposed to be anchored into the shoreline protection wall where the height of the wall exceeds 30 inches above the shoreline. 3. Sewer Pipeline Improvements Two portions of the sewer pipeline alignment require relocation to allow permanent access without disrupting existing land uses. Manhole number 20 and approximately 70 feet of sewer pipeline are currently located within a private volleyball court, which was constructed on top of the existing sewer easement. Manhole number 20 is proposed to be abandoned and a replacement manhole would be constructed. Currently, manhole numbers 23 and 23A and approximately 240 feet of sewer run underneath a private driveway, which was constructed over the existing sewer easement. The City proposes to install a new stretch of sewer pipeline and two new manholes (new manhole numbers 2 and 3) to allow continued access at the eastern edge of the alignment. The City may abandon the two current manholes and the existing sewer segment. Two residential lateral connections west of manhole number 19 are proposed to provide connections to these existing lots. The lateral connections would be constructed entirely within the existing sewer easement ROW and would tie into manhole number 19. 4. Rehabilitation of Manholes Several manholes would be rehabilitated with lining and structural concrete patching of *• the deteriorating concrete. These procedures would take approximately 30 days to complete and would be conducted after the access road and shoreline protection wall have been constructed. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 Pro/es5uma[ Teams for Complex Projects May 2004 Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project 5. Future Maintenance and Operation Activities The City would perform routine maintenance on the sewer pipeline and associated manholes. Routine maintenance by the City requires the use of a vacuum/water jet pump vehicle to clean accumulated debris from the sewer pipeline and manholes. Other routine maintenance includes as often as monthly visual inspection of the access road, shoreline protection wall, cable railing, and drainage swale. Maintenance and operation activities includes minor grading, such as addition of decomposed granite, inspection of manholes and manhole covers; graffiti removal, repair/replacement of cable railing; removal of debris/trash from the swale; weed removal along the access road; and cleaning of culverts and catch basins to remove debris and sediment. Due to nearby sensitive biological resources, the City would maintain the NAHI in a manner that avoids and minimizes potential impacts to sensitive wildlife as described in detail in the attached DEIR. Ifl 6. Development of a Portion of the Regional Trail System The proposed maintenance access road would serve as part of the regional trail system ^ described in Carlsbad's Local Coastal Program {Figure 3). Trail amenities, including signage describing trail rules and regulations, trash cans and waste disposal facilities for pets, il would be located at the end of the cul-de-sac at Hoover Street and near manhole number m 19. ^ Trail easement designations are proposed where the City is acquiring new sewer easement as part of this project. In general, the trail easement would be coincident with the access road where a shoreline protection wall is proposed from approximately manhole numbers 10 to 19. Future trail easements would be acquired through conditions of approval for future development along the approximately 250-foot long section of shoreline east of the end of the shoreline protection wall. This future trail easement would connect to the existing trail extending west from the end of Cove Drive. 2.0 CONSULTATION REQUIRED TO SATISFY FEDERAL ENDANGERED SPECIES Section 7 of the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), as amended, stipulates that any federal action that may affect a species listed as threatened or endangered requires a 2798-03 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. I May 2004 Professional Teams for Complex Projects mi Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project consultation with the United States Fish and WildUfe Service (USFWS) to ensure that the action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the listed species or result in destruction or adverse modification of habitat of such species which is determined to be critical (section 7[a] [2]). To facilitate compliance with the requirements of section 7(a)(2), the federal agency shall request a list of endangered, threatened, candidate, or proposed species in the area of the proposed action. If these species may be present, a Biological Assessment (BA) is needed to identify any endangered or threatened species that are likely to be affected by the action (section 7[c]) and whether a formal consultation with the USFWS is required. If a formal consultation is required, the USFWS reviews the Biological Assessment and determines through a Biological Opinion (BO) whether the action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of habitat of such species which is determined to be critical. The BO also may recommend reasonable and prudent alternatives that are consistent with the intended purpose of the action (project) and would allow the action to proceed without violation of section 7(a)(2). This document constitutes the BA for a federally-Usted threatened species, the California gnatcatcher. This species may potentially be directly and indirectly affected by the proposed project and were the subject of site surveys described below. For the purpose of establishing mitigation for other impacts to sensitive biological resources resulting from the project, in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, this document also describes other species which may be present and describes avoidance, minimization and mitigation measures. 3.0 SPECIES OF CONCERN m 3.1 Federally Proposed and Listed Species Potenfially Occurring in m the Project Area Coastal sage scrub is the dominant upland vegetation community within the project corridor. The coastal California gnatcatcher was considered to have a high likelihood of occurring onsite. & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 Professional Teams for Complex Projects May 2004 ^1 Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project Habitat within the project corridor was searched for indications that "narrow endemic" plant species could be present, and it was determined that there is no suitable habitat for any such potentially-occurring species including the following federally-listed species: San Diego thornmint {Acanthomintha ilicifoli), Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. Crassifolia), coastal dunes milk-vetch (Astragalus tener var. titi) thread-leaved brodiaea, (Brodiaea filifolia), Orcutt's spineflower {Chorizanthe orcuttiana), and salt marsh bird's-beak (Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus). Dudek biologist Phil Behrends, Ph.D. conducted a habitat survey for the federally-listed endangered Pacific pocket mouse {Perognathus longimemhris pacificus) and determined that potential habitat supporting this species is not present. Several sensitive bird species are associated with southern coastal salt marsh, beach/mudflat and other habitats commonly found in lagoon environments like Agua Hedionda. Dudek biologists Anita Hayworth and Harold A. Wier surveyed the entire project area and assessed the availability of both foraging and nesting habitat for these birds. The following federally-listed bird species were determined to have a low potential to occur based on lack of suitable habitat: western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus), Belding's savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis heldingi), California brown pt\icd.n (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus), light-footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levifes), and California least tern (Sterna antillarum brownii). 3.2 Literature Review Sensitive biological resources present or potentially present onsite were identified through a literature search using the following sources: U.S. Fish and WildUfe Service (2004), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG 20024 a,b,c), the CaHfornia Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants (CNPS 2001), and the vegetation and sensitive species mapping performed for the Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (SANDAG 2001). General information regarding wildlife species present in the region was obtained from Unitt (1984), Ehrlich (1988), and Garrett and Dunn (1981) for birds; Bond (1977) for mammals; Stebbins (2003) for reptiles and amphibians; and Emmel and Emmel (1973) for butterflies. Numerous other literature sources were consulted during the studies, as referenced in Section 4-2. 3.3 Informal Consultation With Public Agency Personnel John Martin from the USFWS Carlsbad field office was consulted by Dudek in 1999. 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES, INC. May 2004 10 Professional Teoms for Complex Projects Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project 4.0 METHODS Biological studies for the 23.2-acre project study area were conducted by Dudek biologists in 1999, 2001 and 2003 and were reported in a Biological Resources Technical Report submitted by Dudek in December 2003. The wildlife Hst for the proposed project site was updated by Dr. Hayworth in April 2003. Vegetation mapping, rare plant surveys and a jurisdictional wetlands delineation were conducted in December 1998 and January 1999 by Dudek biologists Howie Wier, Sherri Miller and Vipul Joshi. The survey area covered the entire 23.2 acre site. Updates to vegetation mapping, rare plant surveys and jurisdictional wetlands were conducted in August 2001 by Dudek biologists Vipul Joshi and Michelle Balk. All plant species encountered during the field survey were identified and recorded. Any species identified as sensitive by the CDFG or the USFWS were mapped onsite. WildUfe species observed or detected during field surveys by binocular-aided sight, calls, tracks, scat, or other sign were recorded. In addition to species actually observed, this report discusses expected sensitive wildlife use of the area based previous biological surveys {e.g., Surveys conducted by Dudek 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2003) and on knowledge of habitat preferences and species distributions in the area. 4.1 Botanical Resources The project corridor is located along the north shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon immediately east of 1-5. Plant communities and wetland delineation were mapped directly onto a 240-scale (1"=240') aerial photograph (Photo Geodetic Corporation, flown 17 June 1998) of the site. The boundaries were transferred to a digital topographic base by Dudek GIS technician Lesley Terry using ArcCAD. In addition to data gathered from field surveys, limits of the original access road and riprap were transferred from the original mapping of the project corridor (Associated Engineers 1965). Plant community classifications used in this report foUow HoUand (1986), with modifications to accommodate the lack of conformity of the observed communities to those of HoUand. Locations of rare or sensitive plant and wUdlife species also were mapped. 2798-03 Pro/esnonol Tearru for CompUx Projects May 2004 11 m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project 4.2 Zoological Resources WUdlife species were detected and recorded during general and focused surveys conducted m at the NAHI West site between March 1999 and August 2003. WUdlife species were m identified by direct observation or by sign such as songs, calls, nests, scat, tracks or skeletal remains. 4.3 Sensitive and/or Regulated Resources • A rare plant assessment of the entire project site was conducted in December 1998 by ^ Dudek biologists Howie Wier, Sherri MiUer and Vipul Joshi. The site was surveyed again ^ for rare plants in August 2001 by Dudek biologists Vipul Joshi and MicheUe Balk. AU plant species encountered during the field survey were identified and recorded. Any • species identified as sensitive by the CNPS, CDFG or the USFWS were mapped onsite. ^ Focused surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher were conducted by Dudek ^ biologists Julie Vanderwier and Dr. Anita M. Hayworth in March and AprU 1999, and September and October 2001 for the coastal California gnatcatcher. All surveys for the • California gnatcatcher were conducted in accordance with the USFWS protocol: three surveys of each 100-acre potential habitat area, each survey separated by one week. ^ Focused surveys for the salt marsh skipper {Panoquina errans) were conducted by Dudek biologist Dr. Anita M. Hayworth in August 2003. This species is not Usted as sensitive, • threatened, or endangered by CDFG or USFWS, but is considered locally sensitive as • demonstrated by its inclusion on the covered species list for Multiple Habitat ^ conservation Plan (MHCP) and the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP). ^ Although no survey protocol is established for this species, surveys were conducting using a method that maximizes detection of the species. The survey methods included three •i visits surveying suitable habitat within the project corridor during the documented peak iH of the flight season and during the warmest period of the day. ^ Observations of other sensitive species were recorded during reconnaissance and focused surveys. In general, species lists gathered during field visits were compared with listings • of sensitive species (USFWS 2004; CDFG 2004 a,b,c,; CNPS 2002). ii DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 Professional Teams for Complex Projects May 2004 12 m m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project 4.4 Assessment of Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Impacts Direct impacts would result from: (1) re-establishment of the sewer maintenance access road, (2) construction of a shoreline protection wall, and (3) relocation of 300 feet of the sewer pipeline. Direct permanent impacts include the footprint of the proposed road, seawaU, cribwalls, and areas between the road and waUs. Direct permanent impacts to jurisdictional waters include 0.04 acre of intertidal mudflat, <0.01 acre of intertidal rocky beach, 0.10 acre of southern coastal salt marsh, and <0.01 acre of unvegetated ephemeral stream channel. In addition, 0.30 acre of coastal sage scrub would be directly impacted. All other direct permanent impacts to vegetation communities and land cover types are not considered significant. Indirect Impacts are very difficult to identify and quantify but are presumed to occur. They primarily result from adverse "edge effects": either short-term indirect impacts related to construction or long-term, chronic indirect impacts associated with the location of urban development in proximity to biological resources within natural open space. In particular, long-term indirect impacts associated with this project include the last three project components: (1) rehabUitation of manholes, (2) future maintenance and H operation activities, and (3) development of a portion of the regional traU system. •f During construction of the project, short-term indirect impacts may include dust and noise that could disrupt habitat and species vitality temporarily and construction related ** soU erosion and runoff. Long-term indirect impacts may include intrusions by humans m and domestic pets, noise, lighting, invasion by exotic plant and wUdUfe species, effects of li toxic chemicals {e.g., fertUizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other hazardous materials), urban runoff from developed areas, soU erosion, litter, fire, and hydrological changes {e.g., groundwater level and quality). Cumulative Impacts refer to incremental individual environmental effects of two or more projects when considered together. These impacts taken individually may be minor, but coUectively significant as they occur over a period of time. The analysis of cumulative impacts is based on the project's consistency with existing regional resource planning documents including the HMP, Open Space and Conservation Resource Management Plan, and the Agua Hedionda Land Use Plan and Local Coastal Program. & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 Professional Teomi for Complex Project! May 2004 13 m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING The proposed project study area is situated along the northern shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon in the City of Carlsbad, CaUfornia {Figure 1). The project area extends along the sewer alignment from immediately east of Interstate 5 (1-5), foUows the shoreline east then south and east to the southern terminus of Cove Drive {Figure 2). The upland areas in the northwestern portion of the project corridor consist primarily of undeveloped lands, disturbed to varying degrees. Upland land use is simUar in the southeastern portion of the project. However, this area also includes several developments including private residences and a commercial boat launch/restaurant. According to Bowman (1973) there are two soU types found onsite: Carlsbad gravelly sandy loam and Marina loamy coarse sand. Elevations along the project corridor vary from approximately three feet below mean sea level (msl) to 30 feet above msl. The project area consists mostly of vacant land supporting an intertidal zone and hiUsides/bluffs with native scrub habitat. Several homes and a few businesses also occupy •1 portions of the study area. ^ 5.1 General Biota 1^ The general biota of the NAHI West project site is described in detaU in the Biological • Resources Technical Report (Dudek 2003). A brief overview of the biota of the project * site is provided below. ii 5.1.1 Botany ^ Nomenclature for plant communities follows HoUand (1986), with modifications to accommodate the lack of conformity of the observed community to those of HoUand. Based on species composition and general physiognomy, eight native plant communities or habitat types were identified onsite: open water, intertidal mudflat, intertidal rocky shore, southern coastal salt marsh, disturbed southern coastal salt marsh, disturbed southern wiUow scrub, coastal sage scrub, and disturbed coastal sage scrub (Figures 4A-E). m In addition, five altered or non-native habitat types are present: annual (non-native) il grassland, eucalyptus woodland, ruderal habitat, ornamental plantings, and disturbed _ habitat. Finally, a category for developed land is included. 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES, INC. Prof essionol Teams for Complex Projects May 2004 14 ti fti m^M mm m-m K.I • a •! fti ft a fti 11 fti It t I 11 I / 4C 4E SEE FIGURE 4B FOR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LEGEND North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delination Index Map FIGURE 4A • 1 ft ft M mM M m.M fti ft! m.M mm mm ft ft J ft I fti fti II f I I i VEGETATION TYPES/LANDCOVERS: Annual Grassland AGL DH CSM CSS DEV Coastal Salt Marsh Coastal Sage Scrub Developed Land EUC IM IRB Disturbed Habitat Eucalyptus Woodland Intertidal Mudflat Intertidal Rocky Beach NOTE: A lower case'd' in front of a vegetation type designator indicates that it is disturbed. An upper case 'J' following a vegetation type designator indicates that it is Jurisdictional. ^ Waters of the U. S. (Number indicates width of unvegetated channel.) O Data station SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES: CAGN California gnatcatcher (Dudek, 2001) SMS Salt marsh skipper (Dudek, 2003) BASE PHOTO SOURCE: CITY OF CARLSBAD SEWER SYSTEM SOURCE: CITY OF CARLSBAD GIS DEPT. (ADJUSTED TO TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES) ORN OW RUD SWS Ornamental Open Water Ruderal Southern Willow Scrub \ \ / Study Area Impact Area Sewer System CAGN General Area of Calling/Movement SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES: Ac Adolphia californica Ja Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii NOTE: Number indicates individual plant counts at that location. North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delineation Map FIGURE 4B fti lift ft ft ft::! ft ft ft; ft mm Sft K:! ft ft fti ft ft fti fti fti i II f I i 1 Si CO u I North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delineation Map FIGURE 4C k s ft. J ft « ft J ft J ^ J ft. J II J ft. J ft J J h J ft J I. J n J 1^ J I J II .1 CO I SEE FIGURE 4B FOR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LEGEND North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project • Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delineation Map FIGURE 4D i i ^ M i i fk M Ik M g Ik i H J & i li J i i a J i i i j i j i j i i | | | | SEE FIGURE 48 FOR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LEGEND SCALE IN FEET North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delineation Map FIGURE 4E Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project ^ Opfen Water ^ This habitat type refers to the lagoon area beyond the shore, which permanently contains water and does not contain emergent vegetation. This land cover type onsite is present wk along the southwestern and southern borders of the project site. This habitat is regulated ^ under Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act as a wetland, is of limited occurrence in southern California, and therefore is considered sensitive. m ^ Intertidal Mudflat m ^ Intertidal mudflat areas include all of the sandy shore located within the normal tide flow between highest tide (+4.91 ft msl) and mean lower low tide (-2.88 ft msl) (Holland 1986). This area contains little vegetation aside from algae, but it is used for foraging by some shorebirds. This habitat occupies the majority of the intertidal zone within the project corridor. Although this area contains mostly sand, it is not considered a sandy beach because it is regularly inundated and does not have the loose soil composition typical of a sandy beach community. This habitat is regulated under Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water as a wetland, is of limited occurrence in southern California, and therefore is considered sensitive. Ml m m Intertidal Rocky Beach The rocky intertidal areas in the project area consist of exposed bedrock and rip-rap probably remnant from the shoreline protection associated with construction of the sewer line and access road in 1965. All rocky intertidal habitat within the project corridor is unvegetated. Two rocky intertidal areas were identified; one is located near the middle of the project (approximately 200 ft in length) and another smaller area (approximately 50 ft in length) is located near the eastern terminus of the project. This habitat is regulated under Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water as a wetland, is of limited occurrence in m. southern California, and therefore is considered sensitive. Southern Coastal Salt Marsh Southern coastal salt marsh occurs in bays, lagoons and estuaries receiving marine tidal influence (Holland 1986). Vegetation, containing salt-tolerant hydrophytes, is typically DUDEK 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES, INC. I May 2004 20 Proftssiorud Teams far Complex Projects m m m m m m m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project highly productive, forming moderate to dense cover up to one meter (m) tall. Most species are active in the summer and dormant in the winter. Vegetative composition varies with tidal influence and period of inundation with the greatest diversity of species occurring with least tidal influence. Typical species include alkali weed {Cressa truxillensis), salt grass, salty Susan (Jaumea carnosa), salt-cedar {Monanthochloe littoralis), pickleweed {Salicornia spp.), California cordgrass {Spartina foliosa) and California sea-blite {Suaeda californica). Onsite, southern coastal salt marsh occurs below ten feet in elevation, adjacent to the sandy or rocky shoreline. Typical species found were salt grass, common pickleweed, salty Susan, spiny rush and saltbush {Atriplex spp.). Coastal salt marsh patches are present in a variety of sizes and are concentrated in the western region of the project site. Four large patches of salt marsh are located along the shoreline near Hoover Street and near the middle of the project adjacent to the rocky shore. For the remainder of the project site southern coastal salt marsh is interspersed with ruderal and coastal sage scrub habitats. Coastal salt marsh habitat in California has been greatly. This incremental loss of * wetland habitat has placed coastal salt marsh and other wetland habitat under sensitive status. Furthermore coastal salt marsh is a regulated habitat under Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act as wetland habitat. Disturbed Southern Coastal Salt Marsh Three areas of disturbed southern coastal salt marsh are mapped in the eastern portion of the project corridor. These patches support salt grass and other indicator species but also several non-native species including Bermuda grass {Cynodon dactylon) and several escaped exotics from adjacent landscaping. Although disturbed, this community provides similar function as a non-disturbed salt marsh and is regulated under the Clean Water Act as wetland habitat. Therefore, this community is considered sensitive. 1 & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 Profesn'onal Tcanu for Complex Projects May 2004 21 Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project Disturbed Southern Willow Scrub Holland (1986) describes southern willow scrub as a dense, broad-leafed, winter-deciduous riparian thicket dominated by several species of willow {Salix spp.), with scattered emergent Fremont's cottonwood {Populus fremontii) and western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). The closed canopy of this riparian community typically inhibits the development of a diverse understory. Onsite, disturbed southern willow scrub occurs between Foxes Lift Station and the manufactured slope of Interstate 5 within a drainage ditch . The area supports a canopy of mature arroyo willow (Salix lasiolep>is) with an understory dominated by exotic invasive species such as castor-bean (Ricinis communis), black-eyed susan (Thunhergia alata), and fan palm (Washingtonia rohusta). Despite the disturbance of invasive species, this community onsite retains wetlands functions and values and is regulated during the Clean Water Act and Fish and Game Code as wetlands habitat. Therefore, this community is considered sensitive. Coastal Sage Scrub Coastal sage scrub is a native plant community composed of a variety of soft, low, aromatic shrubs, characteristically dominated by drought-deciduous species such as California sagebrush {Artemisia californica), flat-top buckwheat {Friogonum fasciculatum), and sages {Salvia spp.), with scattered evergreen shrubs, including lemonadeberry {Rhus integrifolia), laurel sumac {Malosma laurina) and toyon {Heteromeles arbutifolia). It typically develops on south-facing slopes and other xeric situations (Holland 1986). Coastal sage scrub is the most common upland habitat along the project corridor. Coastal sage scrub habitat extends landward from the southern coastal salt marsh and ruderal habitat. This habitat type is dominated by California sagebrush, black sage, California encelia {Fncelia californica), flat-top buckwheat, coyote brush {Baccharis pilularis), lemonadeberry and laurel sumac, but also includes pampas grass {Cortaderia selloana) and prickly-pear {Opuntia littoralis). Coastal sage scrub is recognized as a sensitive plant community by local, state, and federal resource agencies. It supports a rich diversity of sensitive plants and animals, and it is estimated that it has been reduced by 75-80% of its historical coverage throughout 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES, INC Professumal Teams for Complex Projects May 2004 22 m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project southern California. It is the focus of the current State of California Natural Communities Conservation Program (NCCP). Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub Five areas of disturbed coastal sage scrub were mapped in the project corridor. These patches contained lemonadeberry, laurel sumac, black sage {Salvia mellifera), and other indicator species, but they also contained several non-native species including pampas, hottentot-fig {Carpobrotus edulis), curly dock {Rumex crispus), horehound {Marrubium vulgare), and slender wild oat {Avena barbata). Disturbed coastal sage scrub onsite supports 20 to 50% cover by coastal sage scrub indicator species. Although disturbed, this habitat type provides similar function as the non-disturbed variety and therefore is considered sensitive. Annual (non-native) Grassland Where native plant communities have been subject to repeated or severe disturbance, the habitat frequently reverts to annual or non-native grassland. These areas usually are dominated by annual grasses, such as bromes {Bromus spp.) and wild oats {Avena spp.), and other disturbance-tolerant species such as filarees {Frodium spp.), telegraph weed {Heterotheca grandiflora), and doveweed {Fremocaryus setigerus). Onsite, annual (non-native) grassland is present in one patch in approximately the middle of the project site, adjacent to a developed area. This area is dominated by ripgut grass {Bromus diandrus), slender oat {Avena barbata), and Bermuda grass. Other introduced, weedy species such as black mustard {Brassica nigra), sweet fennel {Foeniculum vulgare), and bristly ox-tongue {Picris echioides) are also present in this habitat type onsite. Annual grassland is typically only considered sensitive when it occurs in large blocks of open habitat where it may provide significant function for raptor foraging and rodent habitat. The occurrence of annual grassland within the project corridor is not considered sensitive. Eucalyprtus Woodland Although not recognized as a native plant community by Holland (1986), eucalyptus woodland is a distinct vegetation type that is fairly widespread in southern California. It ^ 2798-03 ProfessiotuiL Teams for ComjjUx Projerti May 2004 23 m m m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project typically consists of monotypic stands of introduced, Australian eucalyptus trees {Fucalyptus spp.). The understory is either depauperate or lacking owing to shade and the possible allelopathic (toxic) properties of the eucalyptus leaf litter. Although eucalyptus woodlands are of limited value to most native plants and animals, they frequently provide nesting and perching sites for some local raptors. Two stands of eucalyptus are present in the eastern section of the study area. Eucalyptus woodland is not considered a sensitive habitat although some raptor species may use it for nesting. Ruderal Ruderal habitats are dominated by non-native forb species but may also contain some non-native grasses. Ruderal habitat onsite is dominated by Hottentot-fig {Carpobrotus edulis), but also includes cockle-bur {Xanthium strumarium), Bermuda grass, telegraph weed and castor- bean. The largest extent of ruderal habitat was mapped in the area extending from Hoover Street to the shore. The remainder of the ruderal habitat occurs in two smaller patches in the western region of the project site and in one small patch along Cove Street in the eastern region. Ruderal habitat is not considered sensitive. Ornamental/Develof^ed Land Ornamental land cover consists of landscaped areas associated with private development. ^ The ornamental vegetation includes Bermuda grass and a variety of woody and «• herbaceous landscape plants. Developed land cover refers to areas that currently support structures. Developed areas include: the boat launch/restaurant, several pilings, a volleyball court on a private residence and parking garage and sidewalk adjacent to an apartment complex. Ornamental/developed land is not considered sensitive; however, in « four areas in the eastern portion of the study corridor, these land use types occur below m five feet above msl and are regulated habitat under Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act; these areas are therefore considered sensitive. ii & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 Pro/euicmal Tecans for Complex Proieclj May 2004 24 ^ Biological Assessment m NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline ^ Protection Project Disturbed Habitat m These areas generally are the result of severe or repeated mechanical perturbation but m appear to be capable of recovering to a native vegetation community. Within the project ii corridor, this vegetation type includes areas that appear to experience a high level of _ vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This habitat type is only sparsely vegetated by a mixture of coastal sage scrub species (less than 20%), non-native grass and forbs. Disturbed habitat was found mainly in the eastern region of the project and surrounding the boat launch, with a small patch mapped near the center of the project. Disturbed habitat is not considered sensitive. Floral Diversity m ii A total of 130 species of vascular plants: 76 native (58 percent) and 54 non-native (42 percent), was recorded from the site {Appendix A). The recorded flora of the site is limited as a consequence of the limited number and extent of native plant communities, and the fact that surveys were conducted in winter and fall. 5.1.2 Zoology The wildlife list of the project study area represents cumulative data most recently updated by Dudek biologist Dr. Anita M. Hayworth during general and focused wildlife surveys in April and August 2003. The cumulative list of species observed during Dudek's surveys is included as Appendix B. 5.7.2.7 Birds Thirty-seven bird species were observed during the cumulative survey visits {Appendix B). The diversity of birds is limited due to the small amount of habitat and relatively low habitat quality. The coastal sage scrub and ornamental plantings onsite provide habitat for a variety of birds, including house finch {Carpodacus mexicanus), Anna's hummingbird {Calypte anna), California towhee {Pipilo crissalis), bushtit {Psaltriparus minimus), American crow {Corvus brachyrhynchos) and the federally-listed threatened coastal California gnatcatcher. The coastal salt marsh and intertidal areas provide habitat for a number of birds, including great blue heron {Ardea herodias), killdeer {Charadrius vociferus), willet {Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) and American coot {Fulica americana). All species were 2798-03 iim & ASSOCIATES, INC Prqfeuuifuil Teams for Compfei Projects May 2004 25 ii ii ii m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project observed within the project corridor with the exception of a brown pelican {Pelecanus occidentalis californicus), state- and federally-listed as endangered, and Caspian and Forster's terns (Sterna caspia and S. foresti) which were observed south of the project corridor on open water. 5.7.2.2 Reptiles and Amphibians One reptile species was observed onsite: side-blotched lizard {Uta stansburiana). However, reptiles common in the area and likely to occur onsite include western fence lizard {Sceloporus occidentalis), gopher snake {Pituophis melanoleucus), red-diamond rattlesnake {Crotalus ruber), coachwhip {Masticophis flagellum) and common kingsnake {Lampropeltis getulus). No amphibian species were observed during the survey; however, one or more of the following species may occur onsite: garden slender salamander {Batrachoseps attenuatus), western toad {Bufo boreas) and Pacific treefrog {Hyla regilla). Habitat quality for reptiles and amphibians is low and the diversity of these species is expected to be low because of the small amount of habitat available and the likely negative effects of the adjacent urban development. 5.7.2.3 Mammals Mammal species, or their sign, observed onsite during the survey include brush rabbit {Sylvilagus bachmani), Botta's pocket gopher {Thomomys bottae), California pocket mouse {Chaetodipus californicus), striped skunk {Mephitis mephitis) and domestic dog {Canis familiaris). Mammals not observed onsite but likely to be present include California ground squirrel {Spermophilus beecheyi), California mouse {Peromyscus californicus), deer mouse {Peromyscus maniculatus), Dulzura California pocket mouse {Chaetodipus californicus femoralis), cactus mouse {Peromyscus eremicus), woodrat {Neotoma sp.), Virginia opossum {Didelphis virginiana) and coyote {Canis latrans). 5.7.2.4 /nvertebrotes A number of intertidal species were observed during the survey visit which was scheduled during a springtime low tide in order to maximize detection of invertebrates. The species Ml & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 ProfessUmal Teams for Complex Projerti May 2004 26 ii il iB m m m m m 9fl m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project observed include those that occur within mudflat habitats and those that occur within the rocky intertidal zone. The mudflat species included the mud-flat crab {Hemigrapsus oregonensis), and scattered dead individuals of clams and scallops that had washed onto the mudflat areas. Burrows of clams were visible but individuals were not dug up in order to identify them. It is likely there are many other mudflat dwelling organisms including a variety of worms and other soft bodied invertebrates. Within the limited areas of rocky intertidal habitat, clusters of blue mussels {Mytilus edulis) and barnacles {Balanus glandula) were observed with scattered individuals of various limpet and snail species. A complete list of the invertebrates observed during the visits is included m Appendix B. Eight species of butterfly were recorded during surveys including cabbage butterfly {Pieris rapae), west coast lady {Vanessa annabella), pygmy blue (Brephidium exile), fiery skipper (Hylephila phyteus), salt marsh skipper, and buckeye Qunonia coenia). The moderate plant species richness onsite is undoubtedly accompanied by a fairly diverse number of phytophagous (plant-feeding) insect species. In particular, a variety of species of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and a comparable number of Coleoptera (beetles), Hymenoptera (bees, ants and wasps), and Diptera (flies) are expected to be present within the local area. 5.2 Sensitive Resources The following resources are discussed in this section: (1) 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, that are the results, in most cases, of habitat reduction; and (2) habitat areas that are unique, are of relatively limited distribution, or are of particular value to wildlife. Sources used for determination of sensitive biological resources are as follows: wildlife ~ USFWS (2004), CDFG (2004 a,b,c), Remsen (1978), Everett (1979), McGurty (1980), and Murphy (1990); plants ~ USFWS (2004), CDFG (2004), and California Native Plant « Society (2001); and habitats - Holland (1986), 5.2.1 Sensitive Plant Species No state- or federally-listed threatened or endangered plant species were observed within the NAHI West project site. One species, southwestern spiny rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii), recognized as locally sensitive by the CNPS, was detected and recorded onsite .mm m.«u.«J 2798-03 Hi & ASSOCIATES, INC. I May 2004 27 Profeuioiuil Teamj for Complex Projerti ^ Biological Assessment m NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline ^ Protection Project ii during rare plant surveys conducted by Dudek in 1998 and 2001 (Figure 4D). * No other sensitive plant species were detected or determined to potential occur within the il project study area. ii ^ Implementation of the proposed project would result in direct impacts to approximately ^ 35 individual spiny rush plants within the project corridor. ^ 5.2.2 Sensitive Animal Species Ml Implementation of the proposed project would result in the permanent and temporary ii loss of habitat that is occupied by two pair of coastal California gnatcatcher (Figure 4D). A detailed description of the California gnatcatcher is provided below. The listing authorities and an explanation of listing categories are presented in Appendix C. ii Polioptila californica californica - coastal California gnatcatcher •i USFWS: Threatened ^ CDFG: Species of Special Concern The California gnatcatcher is a small gray non-migratory bird with black tail markings. During the breeding season the male has a distinct black cap. Gnatcatchers eat insects •* and build a small, cup-shaped nest of plant material, animal hair, and spider webs. A pair of gnatcatchers typically forages over 5 to 20 acres during the breeding season and more widely at the end of spring. The present known range of the California gnatcatcher extends from the Ventura County south through Orange, western Riverside, western San *• Bernardino and San Diego counties, into northern Baja California, Mexico. The gnatcatcher is a near obligate resident of sage scrub plant communities. Individuals of this species generally are found at elevations below 900 feet in San Diego, Orange, Ventura and Los Angeles counties, and below 1600 feet in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties (Atwood 1990). Based on recent resource mapping for subregional management m plans e.g. Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP), Multiple Habitat Conservation il Plan (MHCP), and Orange County Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP), it is estimated that there are 3,000 to 3,500 pairs in CaHfornia. &ASS0CIAT1ES, INC. 2798-03 Pro/euional Teams for Complex Pttqerti May 2004 28 ii MI0 Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project Focused surveys indicate that habitat occupied by two pairs of coastal California gnatcatcher occur onsite. Non-listed Sensitive Animal Species Sixteen individuals of saltmarsh skipper within the project were observed in seven locations within the 0.36 acre of southern coastal salt marsh within the project corridor, generally nectaring on wild heliotrope (Hetiotropium currassavicum) (Figures 4Q A E). The saltmarsh skipper is listed as a Special Animal by CDFG (2002c) and is a covered species under the City of Carlsbad's Habitat Management Plan (HMP), but is neither a California Species of Concern or considered sensitive by the USFWS. Sensitive species not detected but with a high potential to occur within the project alignment include San Diego horned lizard {Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei), western whiptail {Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus), orange-throated whiptail (C hyperythrus beldingi), southern California rufous-crowned sparrow {Aimophila ruficeps canescens), California horned lark {Fremophila alpestris actia), San Diego desert woodrat {Neotoma lepida intermedia), and Dulzura California pocket mouse {Chaetodipus californicus femoralis). These species would also be affected by the permanent and temporary loss of native habitat. 5.3 Regional Resource Planning Context Cr/f/ca; Hob/tat The proposed project is located outside of designated critical habitat for the California gnatcatcher. Proposed mitigation is location within designated critical habitat (Figure 5). Relationship to Carlsbad HMP In terms of compliance with regional resource planning documents, the Carlsbad HMP is the most recently approved document and supercedes previous plans in terms of permitted biological impacts (Carlsbad 1999). The City's HMP guides biological resource planning, protection, and development within the City in conformance with California's Natural Communities Conservation Planning Act (NCCP). The HMP has been approved by the City and the California Coastal Commission (CCC), but to date the USFWS and 2798-03 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. I May 2004 29 Profeuioiul Teamj for Complex Projects Vegetation / Landcover: Agriculture Chaparral I Sage Scrub Developed I Disturbed Habitat Grassland I Open Water Riparian Scrub / Woodland ^ Wetland MHCP FPA OQ] Hard Line Soft Line • Sensitive Species Project Alignment Area e l^^l Critical Habitat for Coastal California Gnatcatcher (J) Proposed Habitat Creation Site 750 1.500 3,000 SOURCE: City of Carlsbad, SANDAG & USFWS . North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Regional Vegetation & Species, Proposed FPA Hard/Soft Lines and Critical Habitat Map FIGURE 5 m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project CDFG have not issued Take Authorization for any covered species and an Implementing Agreement has not been finalized. The HMP identifies core and linkage areas throughout the City and focused preserve assembly on these areas. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon lies within Core 4 and has associated linkages east of the lagoon. These core and linkage areas contain important vegetation communities including saltmarsh, freshwater marsh, coastal sage scrub, southern maritime chaparral, and riparian scrub. Important populations of saltmarsh skipper, light-footed clapper rail (Rallus longirostris levipes), western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus), California least tern (Sterna antillarum brovc^ni), andBelding's Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi) occur in the estuarine habitats associated with Agua Hedionda Lagoon. This lagoon is also important for the California brown pelican and American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum). Upland species identified as having important occurrences within this area include wart-stemmed ceanothus (Ceanothus verrucosus). Based on proposed development and biological resources, hard and soft line Focus Planning Areas (FPA) are designated in the HMP. Hard line areas generally require 100% conservation and soft line areas generally require specific conservation standards to be implemented during development review. The proposed project lies mostly within the hardline FPA (Figure 5). The project study corridor contains several habitat types considered sensitive by the Draft HMP: intertidal mudflats, intertidal rocky beach, open water, disturbed southern willow scrub, southern coastal salt marsh and coastal sage scrub. Sensitive species found within the study area which are covered under the HMP include California gnatcatcher and saltmarsh skipper. Regional Wildlife Corridors Agua Hedionda Lagoon is part of Core Area 4 of the Carlsbad HMP (Carlsbad 1999). It is linked to other preserve core areas to the north, northeast, southeast, and south via Linkage Areas B and F. Linkage B extends north to link to Core 2 (352 acres north of Carlsbad Village Drive) and northeast to Core 3 (1,164 acres around Lake Calavera). Linkage F extends southeast to Core 6 (1,134 acres south of Palomar Airport Road) and south to Core Area 8 (1,129 acres around Batiquitos Lagoon). The linkage to Core 3 is considered a moderately effective linkage for bird and mammal movement. The other linkages are crossed by roads that reduce their value as a movement corridor for mammal species and reptiles, but still serve as stepping-stone linkages for bird dispersal (Carlsbad 1999). & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 Professional 7eam« for Complex Projects May 2004 3.I m m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project The project is located in the northwestern part of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, outside of these regional linkages and is surrounded by residential development. Several small patches of coastal sage scrub occur north of the site but are separated by residential development. The intertidal and adjacent native upland area is not likely to function as a mammalian movement corridor as it is bounded on both the east and west ends by marinas, but may provide a wetlands buffer for bird species which utilize this portion of the lagoon. Long- term project impacts to bird use in the area are not significant due to the low acreage of permanent impacts and restoration of temporary impacts. Therefore, the proposed project would not directly impact functioning linkages or corridors. ConnectiVi'fy to Open Space Agua Hedionda Lagoon is part of Core Area 4, a 1,063-acre area includes upland areas or primarily grassland and coastal sage scrub east and south of the lagoon. Major areas of coastal sage scrub and small patches of grassland, southern maritime chaparral, and coastal sage scrub/chaparral are present in this regionally important open space area. Because the project is on the northern side of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and the open space extends to the south and east, connectivity to open space would not be impacted by the project. These coastal sage scrub patches north of the project area are likely to continue to function as a buffer for water birds using the lagoon or intertidal area, as described above. * 6.0 RESULTS This section addresses potential impacts to the California gnatcatcher that would result from implementation of the proposed NAHI West project. A plan view of the permanent and temporary impact footprints is shown on Figures 6A-6F. Cross sections of the road are depicted in Figures 7A 62 7B. 6.1 California Gnatcatcher Focused surveys for the California gnatcatcher conducted at the NAHI West site by Dudek biologists in March and April 1999, and in September and October 2001 detected two pair of California gnatcatchers occupying coastal sage scrub on the NAHI West project site. 2798-03 May 2004 Professumal Teams for Complex Projerti II f i 1 i m M Ik M m M i. J i. J a J i J ik j ik i n i i i i j i j i i i i i § ^^liiL^s ^^"^ BEST ORIGINAL SEE FIGURE 6B FOR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LEGEND North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delination Map with Limits of Permanent &Temporary Impacts FIGURE 6A VEGETATION TYPES/LANDCOVERS: Annual Grassland AGL DH CSM CSS DEV Coastal Salt Marsh Coastal Sage Scrub Developed Land EUC IM IRB Disturbed Habitat Eucalyptus Woodland Intertidal Mudflat Intertidal Rocky Beach NOTE: A lower case'd' in front of a vegetation type designator indicates that it is disturbed. An upper case 'J' following a vegetation type designator indicates that it is Jurisdictional. / \r/ Waters of the a S. (number indicates width of unvegetated channel.) O Data Station Limits of Permanent Impact Limits of Temporaiy Impact SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES: CAGN California gnatcatcher (Dudek, 2001) BIAS Salt marsh skipper (Dudek, 2003) BASE PHOTO SOURCE: CITY OF CARLSBAO SEWER SYSTEM SOURCE: CITY OF CARLSBAD GIS DEPT. (ADJUSTED TO TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES) ORN OW RUD SWS Ornamental Open Water Ruderal Southern Willow Scrub Study Area Impact Area Sewer System CAGN General Area of Calling/Movement SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES: Ac Adolphia californica Ja Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii liOTE: Number indicates individual plant counts at that location. North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project • Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delination Map with Limits of Permanent &Temporary Impacts FIGURE 6B North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delination Map with Limits of Permanent &Temporary impacts FIGURE 6C Figure 6C -Tl 10A -A / V • •' See <U 1 ^ • CSM-/ ^ • il SEE FIGURE 68 FOR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LEGEND North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delination Map with Limits of Permanent &Temporary impacts FIGURE 6D SEE FIGURE 6B FOR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LEGEND SCALE IN FEET North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment Project - Biological Assessment Biological Resources & Jurisdictional Delination Map with Limits of Permanent &Temporary impacts FIGURE 6E t i fti fti i i i i fti fti ft J i i i i Hi i i i i i i t i t i i i i i i « Onsite CSS Mitigotion RECOMMENDED •BROW DITCH Cribwoll CRIBWALL Droinoge Swole 12" r12" MIN. AGGREGATE ROAD SECTION PROPOSED DRILLED PIER WALL Ox SEWER PIPELINE-^ Sewer Access Rood CALTRANS CABLE RAIL (WHERE REQUIRED) CARVED/HAND-SCULPTURED FACE MEAN HWL (5.5) Sou Morsh intertidol Rocky Beoch Intertidol Mudflot NOT TO SCALE North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Biological Assessment Sewer Access Road Typical Section with Cribwall FIGURE 7A fti fti fti fti fti ft fti fti fti fti fti i i i i t i i i i i i i I i i i PROPOSED 2:1 SLOPE (MAX) Onsite CSS Mitigotion 12" MIN. AGGREGATE ROAD SECTION 2% Droinoge Swole CULVERT (WHERE SHOWN ON PLAN) PROPOSED DRILLED- PIER WALL Q SEWER PIPELINE Sewer Access Rood CALTRANS CABLE RAIL (WHERE REQUIRED) 2' CARVED/HAND-SCULPTURED FACE V CN MEAN HWL (5.5) Intertidol Soit Rocky Intertidol Morsh Beoch Mudflot NOT TO SCALE North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Biological Assessment Sewer Access Road Typical Section with 2:1 Cut Slope & Culvert FIGURE 78 Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project Based on all biological surveys of the project study area, no other listed species would be affected by the project. 6.2 Direct Impacts The NAHI West project site completely avoids designated critical habitat for the federally- listed threatened California gnatcatcher. However, suitable habitat on the project site forthe CaHfornia gnatcatcher includes 9.0 acres of coastal sage scrub. Of the 9.0 acres of coastal sage scrub, 0.3 acre would be permanently impacted by the proposed development, 0.8 acre would be temporarily impacted and 7.9 acres would be conserved. Breeding birds can be significantly affected by short-term construction-related noise, which can result in the disruption of foraging, nesting, and reproductive activities. 6.3 Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts associated with project implementation are primarily adverse edge effects related to ongoing maintenance and trail activities. Despite construction of trail amenities which discourage trash dumping, pollution, etc., and limited scheduled sewer maintenance, these activities still have the potential to significantly impact adjacent sensitive vegetation communities including coastal sage scrub. 6.4 Cumulative Impacts Implementation of the proposed project, in conjunction with other projects, would contribute to significant cumulative loss of biological resources by converting vacant areas supporting natural habitat into urban land uses. It is anticipated that cumulative impacts to sensitive biological resources would be mitigated on a project-by-project basis by preservation and revegetation within project boundaries and compliance with appropriate permit conditions as determined by resource agencies, including the CDFG, ACOE, USFWS, and CCC. Also, projects must demonstrate compliance with the Carlsbad HMP despite lack of final take authorization under this document. The HMP allows for public projects within the proposed FPA; however, project conformance includes avoidance and minimization of impacts to covered species and habitats to the maximum extent practicable. For unavoidable impacts to covered 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES, INC. | May 2004 40 Profe55umaI Teams for Complex Projects Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project habitats, conformance with the HMP requires mitigation at the following ratios: wetlands ^ (no net loss) and gnatcatcher-occupied coastal sage scrub (2:1). Specific conditions of • coverage for covered species which would be affected by this project include the restriction of clearing of coastal scrub between March 1 and August 15. Other measures for coastal California gnatcatcher and salt marsh skipper relate to preserve management and habitat restoration/enhancement. Therefore, conformance with the HMP requires «i that the proposed project avoid and minimize impacts to covered species and habitats, not «i preclude preserve management directives and to the extent feasible, the project and resulting mitigation measures contribute to these preserve management directives. The ^ proposed project is in conformance with the Carlsbad HMP. m 7.0 MEASURES TO AVOID, MINIMIZE AND MITIGATE IMPACTS 411 The following proposed mitigation measures are expected to reduce identified impacts to ^ sensitive biological resources to a level which is less than significant. Specific methods for implementing these measures are provided in Section 6.1 of the Biological Resources • Technical Report (Dudek 2003). Implementation of the following measures would serve to avoid and minimize potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts associated with ^ the NAHI West project to the California gnatcatcher and jurisdictional areas. In addition, a Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Program (MMRP) has been prepared for the NAHI West project as required by Section 21081.6 of the Public Resources Code. • The primary goal of the MMRP is to ensure that during final design, construction, and ^ operation, the project would avoid or reduce potentially significant environmental ^ impacts. ^ 7.1 Avoidance and Minimization li mi 1. All clearing of coastal sage scrub habitat shall occur during the non-breeding ii season of most wildlife; i.e., August 16 to February 28. ^ 2. Construction work areas shall be delineated and marked clearly in the field prior to habitat removal, and the marked boundaries maintained throughout m the construction period. 2798-03 May 2004 41 Professional Teams for Complex Projects Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project 3. A biological monitor shall be present during construction and mitigation programs, shall ensure that conservation measures required in the final SEIR, resource agency permits, and construction documents are performed in compliance with those documents and any concurrent or subsequent mitigation plans. 4. Typical erosion control measures, Best Management Practices (BMPs), in the vicinity of streams shall be employed. 5. A pre-construction survey of the proposed construction corridor adjacent to appropriate habitat for the California gnatcatcher shall be conducted according to protocols recommended by the USFWS and CDFG. The purpose of the survey is to determine the current status of this species onsite immediately prior to construction activities. 6. Construction activities within 500 feet of habitat occupied by California gnatcatchers shall be avoided during the breeding season when feasible; if not feasible, noise attenuation measures would be implemented to reduce construction noise levels to 60 dB or below at the location of known nesting sites. 7.2 Specific Mitigation Measures for California Gnatcatcher The permanent loss of coastal sage scrub habitat occupied by coastal California gnatcatcher shall be mitigated through the creation of 0.30 acre of coastal sage scrub within Agua Hedionda Lagoon and either the deduction of 0.30 acre credits at the Lake Calavera mitigation bank (yet to be finalized) or creation of an additional 0.30 acre of coastal sage scrub adjacent to Agua Hedionda Lagoon (Figures 8A 61 SB). The temporary loss of habitat for the species shall be mitigated through implementation of the Habitat Restoration Plan {Appendix D). In addition, the potential for direct impacts to coastal California gnatcatcher individuals shall be mitigated by restricting the clearing of coastal sage scrub within the project alignment to outside of the gnatcatcher breeding season (August 16 through February 28). iif 111 2798-03 & ASSOCIATES. INC. I May 2004 42 Professional Teams for Comjilci Projerti • 1 mm mm mm i i ma mm § i i i i i m § t i i i i i t i t i i i t i i J VEGETATION TYPES/LANDCOVERS: Brackish Marsh BM DH CCSM CSS DEV Coastal Salt Marsh Coastal Sage Scrub Developed Land FWM IM ORN Disturbed Habitat Freshwater Marsh Intertidal Mudflat Ornamental NOTE: A lower case'd' in front of a vegetation type designator indicates tiiat it is disturbed. OW RUD SB Open Water Ruderal Sandy Beach Waters of the U. S. (liumber indicates width of unvegetated channel.) O Data Station ^/y7/^ Proposed Habitat V/^I Creation SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES: Ap Atriplex pacifica Ja Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii NOTE: Number indicates individual plant counts at that location. SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES: CAGN California gnatcatcher CAGN General Area of Calling/Movement North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Biological Assessment Proposed Habitat Creation Legend FIGURE 8A North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Biological Assessment Proposed Habitat Creation Area FIGURE 8B m m m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project The potential short-term increase in noise related to construction of the access road/seawall, sewer line improvements, and manhole rehabilitation shall be mitigated through avoidance of construction during the gnatcatcher breeding season OR maintenance of noise levels below 60 dBA Leq at occupied nest locations. The maintenance of appropriate noise levels shall be confirmed through protocol gnatcatcher surveys to determine presence of all gnatcatcher within 500 feet of project construction and noise measurements at nest locations during peak construction activity by a qualified acoustician. 8.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This report was prepared by DUDEK biologists Paul Lemons and Dave Flietner and m reviewed by Vipul Joshi and Sherri Miller. Graphics and CIS mapping and analyses were if provided by Lesley Terry; Tonette Foster provided word processing. ^ 9.0 LITERATURE CITED * Abrams, L. 1923. Illustrated flora of the Pacific States. Stanford University Press, Stanford, * California. American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. The Check-list of North American Birds, 6th edition. Allen Press, Lawrence, Kansas. American Ornithologists' Union. 1989. Thirty-seventh Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-List of North American Birds. The Auk 106:532-538. Associated Engineers. 1965. Plans for the Construction of Agua Hedionda Interceptor Severer and Dovc^n Tovc^n Force Main. Atwood, J. L. 1990. Status revievc^ of the California gnatcatcher {Polioptila californica). Unpublished technical report, Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, Massachusetts. 79 pp. DUDEK &ASSCXnATES,INC. 2798-03 Profesjioiul Teonu for Complex Projects May 2004 45 m i m d ii m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press, National City, California. 241 pp. Bond, S.L 1977. An annotated list of the mammals of San Diego County, California. Trans. * San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 18: 229-248. Bowman, R. Fl. 1973. Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California, Part 1. United States Department of the Agriculture. 104 pp. + appendices. Brown, J. W., Fl. A. Wier, and D. Belk. 1993. New records of fairy shrimp (Crustacea: Anostraca) from Baja California, Mexico. Southwest. Nat. 38. Bury, B. 1971. Status report on California's threatened amphibians and reptiles. California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Administrative Report #72-2. 1 California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2004a. At the Crossroads: A Report on ii the Status of California's Fndangered and Rare Fish and Wildlife. State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento. California. California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2004b. Fndangered, Rare, and Threatened Animals of California. State of California Resources Agency, Sacramento, California. California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2004c. California Natural Diversity Database, Special Animals. The Resources Agency, Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch. California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2001. Inventory of Rare and Fndangered Plants of California (sixth edition). Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee, David P. Tibor, Convening Editor. California Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA x+388pp. Dudek &: Associates. 2003. Biological Resources Technical Report for the North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Project, City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego, California. City of Cadsbad, California. 2798-03 May 2004 46 ProfcsJioiuI Teams for Complex Projects m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project Dudek & Associates. 2003. Final Fnvironmental Impact Report for the North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Project, City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego, California. City of Carlsbad, California. Ehdich, P.R. 1988. The Birder's Handbook: a Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds. Simon and Schuster, Fireside, New York, New York. 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. Everett, W. T. 1979. Sensitive, threatened and declining bird species of San Diego County. San Diego Audubon Society Sketches 29:2-3. m Garrett, K. and J. Dunn. 1981. Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution. Los ii Angeles Audubon Society, Los Angeles, California. ^ Grinnell, J. and A. Miller. 1944. The distribution of the birds of California. Pacific Coast Avifauna 27: 1-608. 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 California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. 156 pp. Jones, C, R.S. Hoffmann, D.W. Rice, R.J. Baker, M.D. Engstrom, R.D. Bradley, D.J. Schmidly, and CA. Jones. 1997. Revised checklist of North American mammals north of Mexico, 1997. Occasional Papers, Museum of Texas Tech University, No. 173, 23 pp. McGurty, B. M. 1980. Survey and status of endangered and threatened species of reptiles natively occurring in San Diego, California. San Diego Herpetological Society. 2798-03 Pro/essionol Teams for CotnpUi Projf rtJ May 2004 47 Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project Munz, P. 1974. A flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley, California. 1086 pp. 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. Reed, P. B. 1988. National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: California (Region 0). Biological Report 88(26.10). United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department m of the Interior. 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 (San Diego Association of Governments). 2001 Multiple Habitat Conservation Program. CD-ROM. Stebbins, R. C. 1985 and 2003. A field guide to vc^estern reptiles and amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Stewart, G. R. 1971. Rare, endangered, and depleted amphibians and reptiles in California. Herpetology 5:29-35. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2004. Federally Listed and Candidate Species that May Occur vc^ithin the Jurisdiction of the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office. Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. Provided by: Cadsbad Fish and Wildlife Office. Carlsbad, California. Unitt, P. A. 1984. Birds of San Diego County. Memoir 13, San Diego Society of Natural History. 287 pp. Wiggins, I. L. 1980. A flora of Baja California. Stanford University Press. 1025 pp. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, ESTC. 2798-03 Profcssioiull Teamj for Complex Projects May 2004 48 •I injl Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project Willet, G. 1933. Revised list of birds of southvc^estern California. Pacific Coast Avifauna 21:1- 204. Wright, W. S. 1930. An annotated list of the butterflies of San Diego County, California. Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 6: 1-40. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 49 PrafesHonii Teams for Comdex Projects d APPENDICES APPENDIX A 9t « VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES ii Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project « APPENDIX A m m VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES * ANGIOSPERMAE (DICOTYLEDONES) m m ACANTHACEAE - ACANTHUS FAMILY m * Thunbergia alata - black-eyed susan vine * AIZOACEAE - CARPET-WEED FAMILY * Aptenia cordifolia - aptenia m * Carpobrotus edulis - Hottentot-fig « * Mesembryanthemum crystallinum - crystal ice plant * Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum - sea-fig AMARANTHACEAE - AMARANTH FAMILY m Amaranthus blitoides - prostrate amaranth •i ^ ANACARDIACEAE - SUMAC FAMILY ^ Malosma laurina - laurel sumac Rhus integrifolia - lemonadeberry H Rhus ovata - sugar bush * Toxicodendron diversilobum - poison-oak ^ APIACEAE - CARROT FAMILY * Foeniculum vulgare - sweet fennel <l APOCYNACEAE - DOGBANE FAMILY * Nerium oleander - oleander ASTERACEAE - SUNFLOWER FAMILY Ambrosia confertifolia - weak-leaved burweed Ambrosia psilostachya var. californica - western ragweed Artemisia californica - coastal sagebrush & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Pro/tMional Team, for Complex Projtcts Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX A (Cent) Artemisia douglasiana - California mugwort Baccharis pilularis - coyote brush Baccharis salicifolia - mule fat Baccharis sarothroides - broom baccharis * Conyza canadensis - horse weed * Chrysanthemum coronarium - garland chrysanthemum Fncelia californica - California encelia Fricameria ericoides - heather goldenbush Filago arizonica - Arizona filago * Filago gallica - narrow-leaf filago Gnaphalium bicolor - bicolor cudweed Grindelia camporum - gum plant Hazardia squarrosa - saw-toothed goldenbush * Hedypnois cretica - Crete hedypnois Hemizonia fasciculata - fascicled tarweed m Heterotheca grandiflora - telegraph weed Isocoma menziesii ssp. veneta - coastal goldenbush Jaumea carnosa - salty susan Lessingia filaginifolia - virgate cudweed aster Pluchea odorata - marsh-fleabane * Picris echioides - bristly ox-tongue * Senecio mikanioides - German ivy * Sonchus asper - prickly sow-thistle * Sonchus sp. - sow thistle Xanthium strumarium - cocklebur m BORAGINACEAE - BORAGE FAMILY Heliotropium curassavicum - wild heliotrope BRASSICACEAE - MUSTARD FAMILY * Brassica nigra - black mustard * Cakile maritima - sea rocket DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Profeuionol Teams for Complex Projects Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX A (Cent) ^ Lepidium sp. - peppergrass * Raphanus sativus - wild radish • CACTACEAE - CACTUS FAMILY m * Opuntia ficus-indica - Indian fig m Opuntia littoralis - coastal prickly-pear Opuntia prolifera - coast cholla * CAPPARACEAE - CAPER FAMILY li Isomeris arborea - bladderpod CARYOPHYLLACEAE - PINK FAMILY * Spergularia bocconii - sand-spurrey CHENOPODIACEAE - GOOSEFOOT FAMILY m Atriplex lentiformis- big saltbush, quail brush Atriplex pacifica - south coast saltbush ^ Atriplex patula - spear oracle * Atriplex semibaccata - Australian saltbush ii Atriplex triangularis - spearscale if * Bassia hyssopifolia - five-hooked bassia * Chenopodium ambrosioides - Mexican tea * Chenopodium murale - nettle-leaved goosefoot ^ Salicornia subterminalis - Parish's pickleweed •i Salicornia virginica - common pickleweed t§ * Salsola tragus - Russian-thistle Suaeda californica - California sea-blite CONVOLVULACEAE - MORNING-GLORY FAMILY Calystegia macrostegia - western bindweed Cressa truxillensis - alkali weed Mill & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Pro/usiomit Teams for Complex Projects m m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX A (CoiitJ CRASSULACEAE - STONECROP FAMILY Crassula argentea - jade plant Dudleya pulverulenta - chalk dudleya CUSCUTACEAE - DODDER FAMILY • Cuscuta salina - salt marsh dodder EUPHORBIACEAE - SPURGE FAMILY Chamaesyce sp. - spurge * Ricinus communis - castor-bean • FABACEAE - PEA FAMILY ^ Lotus scoparius - deerweed ^ * Medicago polymorpha - California burclover • FRANKENIACEAE - FRANKENIA FAMILY m Frankenia salina - alkali-heath * GERANIACEAE - GERANIUM FAMILY ^ * Frodium sp. - filaree HYDROPHYLLACEAE - WATERLEAF FAMILY Friodictyon crassifolium - yerba santa W LAMIACEAE - MINT FAMILY * Marrubium vulgare - horehound Salvia mellifera - black sage MALVACEAE - MALLOW FAMILY Malocothamnus fasciculatus - mesa bushmallow * Malva parviflora - cheeseweed Malvella leprosa - alkali-mallow May 2004 2798-03 Profeuionol Teomj for Complex Projects •I 1^ ii Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX A (Cant) MYOPORACEAE - MYOPORUM FAMILY * Myoporum laetum - myoporum MYRTACEAE - MYRTLE FAMILY * Fucalyptus sp. - eucalyptus OXALIDACEAE - WOOD-SORREL FAMILY * Oxalis pes-caprae - Bermuda buttercup PLANTAGINACEAE - PLANTAIN FAMILY ^ Plantago erecta - dot-seed plantain PLATANACEAE - SYCAMORE FAMILY Platanus racemosa - western sycamore PLUMBAGINACEAE - LEADWORT FAMILY * Limonium perezii - statice POLYGONACEAE - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY Friogonum fasciculatum - California buckwheat * Rumex crispus - curly dock PRIMULACEAE - PRIMROSE FAMILY * Anagallis arvensis - scarlet pimpernel RUBIACEAE - MADDER FAMILY Galium angustifolium - narrow-leaved bedstraw SALICACEAE - WILLOW FAMILY Populus fremontii - Fremont's cottonwood Salix exigua - narrow-leaved willow Salix gooddingii var. gooddingii - black willow Salix lasiolepis var. bracelinae - arroyo willow & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Profciiional Team< for Complex Proierti ^ Biological Assessment « NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline ^ Protection Project ^ APPENDIX A (Cont) m m SAURURACEAE - LIZARD S-TAIL FAMILY m Anemopsis californica - yerba mansa • SOLANACEAE - NIGHTSHADE FAMILY * * Datura vc^rightii - western jimsonweed m Lycium californicum - California box-thorn m * Nicotiana glauca - tree tobacco TAMARICACEAE - TAMARISK FAMILY ^ * Tamarix sp. - tamarisk m URTICACEAE - NETTLE FAMILY il Urtica dioica - giant creek nettle ZYGOPHYLLACEAE - CALTROP FAMILY * Tribulus terrestris - puncture vine il ANGIOSPERMAE (MONOCOTYLEDONES) • ARECACEAE - PALM FAMILY * Washingtonia robusta - fan palm m CYPERACEAE - SEDGE FAMILY * Cyperus involucratus - umbrella sedge ^ Fleocharis sp. - spike-rush Scirpus acutus - hard-stemmed bulrush «• Scirpus maritimus - prairie bulrush il Scirpus robustus - Pacific coast bulrush JUNCACEAE - RUSH FAMILY Juncus acutus - spiny rush • Juncus bufonius - toad rush ii DUDE & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Profeuionol Team, for Complex Projects Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project « APPENDIX A (Cont) m LILIACEAE - LILY FAMILY ii Agave americana - no common name Chlorogalum pomeridianum - soap plant * Lilium sp. - lily * Yucca schidigera - Mohave yucca d POACEAE - GRASS FAMILY * Arundo donax - giant reed * * Avena barbata - slender wild oat * * Bromus diandrus - ripgut grass fi * Bromus hordeaceus - soft chess d * Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens - foxtail chess * Cortaderia selloana - pampas-grass * Cynodon dactylon - Bermuda grass Distichlis spicata - salt grass Hordeum sp. - barley * Lolium multiflorum - English ryegrass Nassella pulchra - purple needlegrass * Paspalum dilatatum - dallis grass * Poa sp. - bluegrass * Polypogon monspeliensis - rabbit's-foot grass * Vulpia myuros - rattail fescue TYPHACEAE - CATTAIL FAMILY Typha angustifolia - narrow-leaved cattail Typha latifolia - broad-leaved cattail ZOSTERACEAE - EEL-GRASS FAMILY Zostera marina - eel-grass signifies introduced (non-native) species ii m 2798-03 May 2004 Professional Teams for Complex Projerti if m APPENDIX B • WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR •I DETECTED ON THE PROJECT SITE Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project ] APPENDIX B « WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR DETECTED ON THE PROJECT SITE m gi m WILDLIFE SPECIES -INVERTEBRATES CLASS CRUSTACEA - BARNACLES, BEACH HOPPERS, SHRIMPS, LOBSTERS, CRABS, ETC. Balanus glandula - barnacle Hemigrapsus oregonensis - mud-flat crab CLASS GASTROPODA - SNAILS, LIMPETS, SEA HARES, NUDIBRANCHS, ETC. Collisella digitalis - fingered limpet Collisella scabra - rough limpet Littorina sp. (probably I. scutulata)- periwinkle species Lottia gigantea - giant owl limpet Tegula funebralis - black tegula CLASS BIVALVIA - CLAMS, COCKLES, MUSSELS, OYSTERS, SHIPWORMS, * ETC. ^ Mytilus edulis - blue mussel ^ Ostrea lurida - Pacific oyster Tagelus subteres - razor clam '•I Argopecten aequisulcatus - speckled scallop *i Tresus nuttalli - gaper clam BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS m ^ HESPERIIDAE - SKIPPERS «i Hylephila phyleus - fiery skipper Panocjuina errans - salt marsh skipper & ASSOCIATES, INC. May 2004 2798-03 Professtonoi Teomj for Complex Projertj Bi if m m ii Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX B (Cont) PIERIDAE - WHITES AND SULFURS Pieris rapae - cabbage butterfly LYCAENIDAE - BLUES, HAIRSTREAKS, & COPPERS Brephidium exile - pygmy blue Leptotes marina - marine blue Blue species NYMPHALIDAE - BRUSH-FOOTED BUTTERFLIES Vanessa annabella - west coast lady Junonia coenia - buckeye WILDLIFE SPECIES -VERTEBRATES ^ REPTILES IGUANIDAE - IGUANID LIZARDS Uta stansburiana - side-blotched lizard ^ BIRDS m ^ PODICIPEDIDAE - GREBES ^ Podiceps nigricollis - eared grebe Podilymbus podiceps - pied-billed grebe PELECAMODAE - PELICANS Pelecanus occidentalis - brown pelican ARDEIDAE - HERONS Ardea herodias - great blue heron Casmerodius albus - great egret UDE 3 & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Professional Team, for Complex Projerti Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX B (Cont) ^ RALLIDAE - RAILS & GALLINULES * Fulica americana - American coot CHARADRIIDAE - PLOVERS Charadrius vociferus - killdeer m m SCOLOPACIDAE - SANDPIPERS Actitis macularia - spotted sandpiper ^ Calidris mauri - western sandpiper Catoptrophorus semipalmatus - willet Numenius phaeopus - whimbrel * LARIDAE - GULLS & TERNS m Larus occidentalis - western gull ^ Sterna caspia - Caspian tern Sterna forsteri - Forster's tern COLUMBIDAE - PIGEONS & DOVES Columba livia - rock dove Zenaida macroura - mourning dove TROCHILIDAE - HUMMINGBIRDS Calypte anna - Anna's hummingbird Calypte costae - Costa's hummingbird TYRANNIDAE - TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Sayornis nigricans - black phoebe Tyrannus verticalis - western kingbird Tyrannus vociferans - Cassin's kingbird HIRUNDINIDAE - SWALLOWS Hirundo pyrrhonota - cliff swallow ^ CORVIDAE - JAYS & CROWS Aphelocoma coerulescens - scrub jay •I m & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Pro/esntmol Teams for Ccmi|7lcx Projects m ii Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX B (Cont) Corvus brachyrhynchos - American crow AEGITHALIDAE - BUSHTITS Psaltriparus minimus - bushtit TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS Thryomanes bevcickii - Bewick's wren MUSCICAPIDAE - KINGLETS, GNATCATCHERS, THRUSHES & BABBLERS Polioptila californica - California gnatcatcher MIMIDAE - THRASHERS Mimus polyglottos - northern mockingbird STURNIDAE - STARLINGS * * Sturnus vulgaris - European stading PARULIDAE - WOOD WARBLERS Dendroica coronata - yellow-rumped warbler Geothlypis trichas - common yellowthroat EMBERIZIDAE - SPARROWS Melospiza melodia - song sparrow Pipilo crissalis - California towhee Pipilo maculatus - spotted towhee Zonotrichia leucophrys - white-crowned sparrow FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHES Carpodacus mexicanus - house finch Carduelis psaltria - lesser goldfinch MAMMALS LEPORIDAE - HARES & RABBITS Sylvilagus bachmani - brush rabbit & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Profeuionol Teams for Complex Projerti il m m m m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX B (Cont) GEOMYIDAE - POCKET GOPHERS Thomomys bottae - Botta's pocket gopher HETEROMYIDAE - POCKET MICE & KANGAROO RATS Chaetodipus californicus - California pocket mouse CANIDAE - WOLVES & FOXES * Canis familiaris - domestic dog MUSTELIDAE - WEASELS, SKUNKS, & OTTERS Mephitis mephitis - striped skunk * signifies introduced (non-native) species & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Pro/cssional Teams for Complac Projects ii ii APPENDIX C Sensitive Species Categories ii il ii m Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX C Sensitive Species Categories Federal Endangered: Taxa threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range. m iffi Threatened: g| Taxa likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. ^ Candidate: * Taxa for which the USFWS currently has on file substantial information on biological ^ vulnerability and threat(s) to support the appropriateness of proposing to list them as ^ endangered or threatened species. Federal Species of Concern «i Taxa that were formerly Category 2 Candidates for listing as threatened or endangered. This category is an "unofficiaP' designation for species that may warrant listing, but for which substantial information to support the listing is lacking. State of California 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 m m ll 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). & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Pro/essionol Teams for CoTnf>Iex Projects Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX C (Cont) m m ii ii 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 or CDFG Species of Special Concern Taxa that appear to be vulnerable to extinction because of declining limited ranges, and/or continuing threats. California Native Plant Society (2001) populations. Lists lA: 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. 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. & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Professional Teomi for Complex Projerti il Biological Assessment NAHI West - Sewer Maintenance, Access road, and Shoreline Protection Project APPENDIX C (Cont) 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 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2798-03 May 2004 Profeuional Teomi for Camf>Iex Projerti ^0 APPENDIX D Habitat Restoration Plan Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Western Segment Sewer Maintenance, Access Road & Shoreline Protection Project MARCH 2004 PREPARED FOR: City of Carlsbad 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 PREPARED BY: Dudek & Associates, Inc. 605 Third Street Encinitas, CA 92024 iPUDEKI DRArTCONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN rOR THE ^ NORTII AGLA IIEDIONDA INTERCEPI^R JpWER ACCES8 ROAD, SI10RELINE PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROJECT/. CITY Of CARLSBAD,/ilALIEORNIA n"7 Prepared for: City of CarJsbad\ 1635 FaiadayAyeriiic^ Cadsbadi^S^ortua 9200S \ X DUDEK .ASSOCIATES, INC, ^Tvfessional Teams for Complex Projects 605 Third Street Encinitas, California 92024 i^untact: Vipul Joshi or Andy Thomson (760) 942-5147 March 2004 DRArT CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVCOCTATION PLAN NORTH AQLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT TABLE Or CONTENTS Section Page No. SUMMARY IV 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 1.1 Proj ect Description rroject uescription ... • ^ - • -x • • - ^'' ^ 1.1.1 Location of Project Alignment and 1 labital Greatujn'Xreas; , . . . . 2 1.2 1.1.2 Project Purpose \. Project Responsibility and Documentation .,.. 1.2.1 City of Carlsbad V * 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.2.4 1.2.5 Access Road/Shorelme Protection Structure Coritractor Mitigation Site Contractor \. Project Biologist . . . . .•, , _ . Construction Personfiel EnvirdniheritalTdiic^tion 9 / EXISTING CONDITIONS 2.1 Proj ect Alignment 2.1.1 VegetatiOj Soil . 9 . 9 . 9 17 dVali^;..:V 17 •Construction, and Long-term Uses 18 19 22 23 nd Values 23 Proposed Uses 26 FE MITIGATION PROJECT 26 Habitats to be Established 27 H^BS'^Tr^iMe Lapse • = . . 33 •48BS>^Estimated Cost • • • • 33 DUDEK I & ASSOCIATES, INC., Nortti Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT TABLE Or CONTENTS Section Page No. 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 4.1 Rationale for Expecting Implementation Success Preliminary Schedule 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 General Outline of Habitat Creation Implementation-'St .Ucgy \ 4.3.1 Onsite Mitigation - Project AligMent Ar^^? -38 4.3.2 Site A - Offsite Intertidal Wetlai^fc^ti^ion 38 4.3.3 Site F - Offsite Diegon Coastal s\^ Scrub Mitigation 41 Plant Materials and Installation Requir^#ntV. 41 Irrigation Plan . . . . X^. 45 Required Activities During Proje^^^feentation^ 46 4.6.1 Construction Monitom^^^^^yBiologistV 46 Site Preparation . ./. J. ^ --^ • Soil Export, Impof^nd G^ng ,. v 48 Erosion Contiolf? /. M?^. .49 Constructive® Fencing^ 49 49 estrictions 50 Project Signage Onsi^^Sstructio, 50 :ies^ 51 udelines 52 itror 52 td Trash Removal 53 bntrol and Repair • 53 Maintei^ce Schedule • 54 5.3.1 jMO-Day Plant Establishment Period 54 Five-Year Maintenance Period 54 SSNITORING PLAN • 55 6.1 Performance Criteria 55 6.2 Habitat Monitoring . • 57 6.3 Monitoring Schedule 60 6.4 Annual Reports • 61 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Profctsianai Teams for CompUx PrtfecU March 2004 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT TABLE Or CONTENTS Section Page No. 7.0 COMPLETION OF MITIGATION 7.1 Notification of Completion . 7.2 Regulatory Agency Confirmation and Site Tlirnover ^. 7.3 Contingency Measures /. / 8.0 SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY f,.. Ustof rigures )^ Fl gure 1 Regional Location .. . .N^; 3 gure2 Vicinity Map y:^^-... .\. 4 gure 3 Project Components Map /C':. . . . / 5 gure 4A-4E Biological Resources Ma^^cess j\Oad' Seawall ^gnment Area 10-14 gures 5A-B Biological Resources M^Pote^l Habit^^Greation Area 20-21 Figures 6A-B Crib Wall Profile a^Kioss SeMt)n 28-29 Figures 7A-B Proposed Habita^^ation . . . . < 31-32 gures 8A-K Sewer Acccss^lp^Typicalp^^ Cnbwall and with Cut Slope . . . 39-40 ^^^^^^^^ lets toVegetation Communities and Land Cover Types .... 15 Prelimin^^^^P: Schedule 36 Recomm^^^^pecies for Southern Coastal Salt Marsh Plant Palette 42 Recomi^pded Species for Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Plant Palette 43 Recomffinded Species for Crib Wall Landscaping 44 ft Performance Cnteria for Southern Coastal Salt Marsh 56 Performance Cnteria for Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub 56 T^i£8^ii3'"^ 'visual Performance Cnteria for Crib Wall Landscaping 57 He 5 fable 0 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. Preltsslmai Teamu for CampUx Projects North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 March 2004 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT SUMMARY The City of Carisbad (City) proposes to implement the North Agua Hedionda Interceptor Sewer Access Road, Shoreline Protection and Maintenance Project (NAHI Pro^^t). Tl^e^AHI Project is being designed and proposed by the City to restore an existing degra^d acc^s road along the NAHI sewer and provide shoreline stabilization for the accgs^oad t^^avert fujther undermining and/or erosion. The purpose of the access road improvements is,:jto allow loutine se^^^ maintenance, cleaning, rehabilitation and emergency ^airs alo:^^e S^^^^^^e^iffiie existing western segment of the NAHI sewer line. Th^ojec'^^ld resuf^^^rmaneiit and temporary impacts to sensitive uplands and wetlandslegetStion communities. Ax As mitigation for permanent impacts, the City propos^to c 0.01 acre of intertidal rocky beach, 0.40 acre of souUrern coa Diegan coastal sage scrub on the north shore of^^^fedjonda of Diegan coastal sage scrub will either be^^^t^' preserved via purchase of mitigation crg^S at 1 of intertidal mudflat, i^rsh, and 0.30 acre of additional 0.30 acre the lagoon or will be Mtigation Bank (not yet finalized). Potential temporary impac^to 0-07 adre of in^^il^udflat, 0.01 acre of intertidal rocky beach, 0.10 acre of southeriu^astal sal^arsh, <a01 acre of disturbed southern coastal salt marsh, <0.01 acre of develop^^^d wi^S tidal ji^piction, 0.74 acre of coastal sage scrub, <0.01 acre of disturbed co^ta^^e scru^^^^^^cre of unvegetated ephemeral stream channel vvjif be i^i^igate^^^ffioring tl^^^^^nities in place to match pre-construction conditiqifs^^^fflM^ f^^t o^^^walls proposed with the project will be planted to establi^^^^Sfeaee sen The propose^^^^^^llLQad an^^^all would be located along the north shore of the lagoon within a^^mnat^^^^^^f the existing shoreline. Through this area, the shoreline is chara^^ed by a sand^^^^^ mudflat that is frequently inundated, a narrow band of coastal sal^&sh, and coastal sffl^mib of varying degrees of disturbance on variable slopes. The sewer li^Sccurs at the baseMthe slopes, slightly above the shoreline. Permanent impacts from the ^^t include the ^^rint of the proposed access road and seawall. The proposed access road )£ cent^^Ki the sewer line, at the grade of the existing manholes, with the shoreline ^^^e (i.e., seawall) directly adjacent rising approximately two feet above the grade of n^^^^Temporary impacts may occur within a designated corridor outside the limits of grading and on cut slopes and certain trenching and staging areas along the sewer alignment. The proposed sites for habitat creation are located on the north shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Profession^ Temns for CompUx Projects March 2004 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT south of Park Drive between Bayshore Drive and Agua Hedionda Creek. The two proposed locations were selected from six sites that were analyzed for their mitigation potential m a Mitigation Feasibility Analysis that was performed by Dudek & Associates, Inc. (Dudek 2003) m Fall 2003. The two sites that were selected were the sites with the greatest''potential for creating the proposed habitat types. ^ One of the mitigation sites is an existing unvegetated ba^^in^surrounLlcd by sout|ern coastal sjlt marsh and intertidal mudflat. This site will be over-|ccavated to remove poc^^, ^^^^^^ backfilled with appropriate soil to a finish elevation gk is t^^™<^ tliq^^t^^f the existing southern coastal salt marsh habitat that su^^^e basin on tl^^i^t After excavation, this site will be suitable for the installation (ft-soMiern coastal salt marsh, intertidal mudflat and intertidal rocky beach. The second site is located m a nearby upland ar^^^^^ntly s'^^^pon-native vegetation. The non-native vegetation will be removed^^'he site.v/iil.be res^i/d with a minimum 0.30 acre Diegan coastal sage scrub vegetation^^g^ad^^^^^je^^ this site. The revegetation of temporary imp^^^ t'^iisite h^Screation areas will be subject to a five-year maintenance and mo^^ig pr^m. A^pstablishment of appropriate habitat success criteria, all mitigation obligations wl^tbc consii^ered fulfilled. . Ji.,.!'.;-*. DUDEK \&i ASSOCIATES, INC., ProfessUmal Teams for C^mpUx Projects MZXU 2004 North Agua Hedionda • Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT 1.0 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this conceptual mitigation plan is to outline appropriate revegetation measures for creating and restoring the proposed habitat types at the two creation sit^^d along the proposed construction corridor. The plan contains a proposed fiv|^^^mtenance and monitoring program to ensure that the intended habitats ^|||pP in^cordance with mitigation requirements. This plan presents information on P^^jf^^'^ocati^^^^^^descriptio^lf permitting requirements, project impacts, revegetatic^xequir pl^tin^tid irriga|i6n recommendations, maintenance requirements, mopforing methodology>saiid*,restoration performance criteria. \ , - " 1.1 Project Description :he North Aguafe&nda Interceptor Sewer The City of Carisbad (City) proposes to impk Access Road, Shoreline Protection and Ma^^SceTrojecf (NAHlJio^ect). The NAHI Project is being designed and proposed by the Cit^ ^^^^W '^^^^^^^^-'"^^^^ ^^^^^^ NAHI sewer and provide shoreline stabfeation^^he a^^^S^to avert further undermining and/or erosion. The purpose o^^^^^ces^pad implements is to allow routine sewer maintenance, cleaning, rehabilit^^nd ^P^S^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^g 3,800 linear feet of the exisiting western segment ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^'^^^^ V70u\d result in permanent and temporaiY^"pacts to se^^^Mplands a^^^^ms vegetation communities. As mitig 0.01 acre of coastal sage coastal shore miti e City proposes to create 0.16 acre of intertidal mudflat, of southern coastal salt marsh, and 0.30 acre of Diegan ^^gua Hedionda Lagoon. An additional 0.30 acre of Diegan reated on the north shore or will be preserved via purchase of 'avera Mtigation Bank (not yet formed). Potential temporary mudflat, 0.01 acre of intertidal rocky beach, 0.10 acre of southern salt marsh, <0^^ acre of disturbed southern coastal salt marsh, <0.01 acre of developed K:tion, 0.74 acre of coastal sage scrub, <0.01 acre of disturbed coastal sage of unvegetated ephemeral stream channel will be mitigated by restonng m place to match pre-construction conditions. Additionally, 560 linear feet of with the project will be planted to establish coastal sage scrub species. Mtigation requirements associated with the permanent impacts of the proposed project are calculated using a 4:1 ratio for tidal wetlands and 2:1 for sage scrub. Based on consultation with DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 ProfessUmal Teams for Cawtplex Protects March 2004 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PIAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT various resource agency personnel and evaluating the proposed project in terms of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), mitigation for tidal wetlands shall consist of creation/restoration within the Coastal Zone and the Agua Hedionda watershed. Mtigation for impacts to coastal sage scrub are required to be at a 2:1 ratio, with at leasVhl habitat creation/restoration and the remainder as preservation, if any. The creation and restoration of Diegan coastal sage scrubland intertidal wetlands habitat t\-pcsy as discussed above, is the subject of this conceptual habitat revegetation plan. 1.1.1 Location of Project Alignment and Habit^3reation Areas The access road/seawall project alignment area e^ffd^^^^^ sewer alignment from immediately east of Interstate 5 (1-5), following the'fhorelin^^^^iouth to the southern terminus of Cove Drive (Figures 1-5). The areanr^^^or hab^ creation is located south of Park Drive on the north shore of Agua ^^pli^^^^^twee^ayshore Drive and Agua Hedionda Creek {Figure 2). Both areas li^within^^^^^^^mions of the southwestern quarter of the U.S. Geological Survc\- •^.5'minute^m*Lu^^^^drangle; Township 1 IS, Range 4W. ^' The project alignment area incites P^i^^^^^^^^^ disturbed to varying degrees. The south^ern portion^^^Moj ect ^^^^^^^^^^ several developments including private residen^^^^^omm^^^^^aunch^^^^it. The habitat creation area is located in an area tha^fe;feenfecntly^ the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) as part of the^Semfeht^procSsmg^^ Ranch. An existing development occurs on the western bordert^t"-; 1.1,2/ Project Purposeff Tlfelprimary purpose ^mporary impacts he NAHI Habitat Revegetation Project is to mitigate permanent and vegetation communities, including jurisdictional wetlands, sensitive l^nd sen^^^public views. In order to provide adequate mitigation in accordance with "^onmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Coastal Act, California Fish and G^^^^^id federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA), the City DUDEK I & ASSOCIATES, INC., Profession^ Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Orange County Camp Pendleton Fallbrook Riverside County Oceanside O o Carlsbad ' Vista San Marcos Valley Center Escondido Encinitas o o -z-Del Mar Rancho Santa Fe Mira Mesa La Jolla San Diego •X; Rancho Bernardo Poway Ramona Coronado National City Santee La Mesa Lemon Grove 1" = 8 Miles Imperial Beach Chula Vista Otay Mesa Tijuana Mexico North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Regional Map FIGURE BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series, San Luis Rey Quadrangle 1" =2000' North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Vicinity Map FIGURE North Agua Hedionda Western Segment • Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Project Components FIGURE 3 DRArT CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLIN NORTII AQLA IIEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT proposes to create 0.16 acre of intertidal mudflat, 0.01 acre of intertidal rocky beach, 0.40 acre of southern coastal salt marsh, and 0.30 acre Diegan coastal sage scrub, restore all temporary impacts to sensitive vegetation communities, and establish coastal sage scrub vegetation on two crib walls to be installed as part of the project. The project will increase the acreage of Diegan coastal sage scrub and intertidal wetlands habitats within the Agua Hedionda Lagogn^osystem through grading, removal of non-native vegetation, installation<of nat^|^^^^6, and long-term maintenance/management. The increased habitat area will be availafilejo^^dlife that utilize these habitat types, such as various waterfowl and ^tSe federallyfMfSfftlireatencd. coa^a California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) ^ ^ T .2 Project Responsibility and Docum^^ption The City of Carisbad has the responsibility for prq^^ unplem^mtion is the applicant for a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers (AG^^^^^rdancev^ith section 404 of the Clean Water Act, a Section 1602 Streambed Altei:a^^^^^^^^AAUr6m CDFG, a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the R^ional ^^^^^^^^^ntrol Board (RWQCB), a Biological Qpinion (BO) from U.S^ish andfWildli^^mce (USFWS), and a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) frojcflt^e Calij^fnia Coital Commission (CCC). A Draft Environmental Impact Report (BRpias bc(^preparc;d^ accordance with CEQA by the City Planning Department. This dr£ '^ScepLual reve^^^^plan wa^^^ared by Dudek and Associates, Inc. (Dudek), as a consultanttoiJiei^ity. nS^^^^ responsible for implementing and achieving the this pl^^^^mi Restoration Plan shall be prepared following issuance requirements prwM: of permits ^^^^^P^ to all sve<^ conditio onsiDi^^encies. The final plan will include appropriate reference ictions. sbad project m^mer, the City of Carisbad will be responsible for coordination and mtjiiJ^^spects of habitat revegetation with the assistance of the Project Biologist, ^solely responsible for administration of contracts for the project including ath the Project Biologist, Installation Contractor, and Maintenance Contractor. Decisions to stop work or suspend payment or terminate such contracts is the responsibility of the City except where-noted herein. This includes all phases of project installation, long-term maintenance, implementation of erosion control features, and biological monitoring. The City DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 ProftssUmal Teams for CompUx Projects March 2004 DRArT CONCEPTUAL HABITAT RCVEOCTATION PIAN NORTH AOUA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT may, with sole discretion and at any time, replace any of these parties. 1.2.2 Access Road/Shoreline Protection Structure Contractor The City currently anticipates constructing the proposed project m twQ|?hases!^1ie initial phase would include vegetation clearing and grubbing and mstalla^n of ero|^^^k)l measures. This initial phase would occur outside the nesting bird se^'^fMarchX - August 15) following acquisition of all necessary permits. The construction^Sase wodd^^n as-soon as poss||>fe thereafter, but may be delayed because of contract bid ^^war^fSeduresNlJe City will work to shorten the gap between the two phases of the prop'tos^nmch as possible-iK^^errdue to the breeding season restriction on clearing of habitat, leasing of the work is necessary. The initial clearing and grubbing contractor will be respons^ihlc'^or CO plant salvage and resource avoidance as directed by the Project Biolp^s^Installatioivand maintenance of fencing demarcating the limits of the temporary^^sb:|Ktbn;easc erosion control Best Management Practices (BMPs) will also he^'respprisibility of.theMtial clearing and grubbing contractor. J / / The access road/seawall constru^&E^cont^^r will ^^^esponsible for coordinating with the Proj ect Biologist regarding vario^^nstru^^^ctiA^^strictions such as noise levels during the breeding s^^, erosion^^^ffisMPs, tencm|,..^^^ education, staging areas, etc. The contrac^^^^foaintail^^^^^cation^^^^^Project Biologist throughout the construction period, ^^^^^^^mple^^^^^^oad, seawall, and cribwalls, all temporary impacts areas shall be rest^^^^^^onst^^^^^four grades and all materials and equipment shall be removed froi^^^^^^^^ tem^^^^npact areas which did not support sensitive vegetation prior to ^^^Sc^^^^^^^disturbed, shall be appropriately treated to minimize erosion, sedimeJ^tion, and col^^^^fflby exotic invasive species. Any unauthorized impacts shall be imiTO^iately disclosed ^^^entified to the City Project Manager and Project Biologist. A^opriate remedial assures would need to be taken as soon as possible. Mitlqafimi Site Contractor dpates using a grading contractor to excavate the soil necessary to create the desired grade at the wetlands creation area. The City also anticipates using a landscape contractor for the installation of the plant materials, irrigation, and long-term maintenance during the five-year maintenance and monitoring period for the temporary impact restoration areas, cribwall DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Proftsdond Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTII AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT revegetation, and habitat creation areas. Under direct supervision by the City, a private contractor may also be used to implement additional elements of this plan that are beyond the normal capabilities the grading and landscape contractors. The contractor will be responsible for conformance to this conceptual restoration plan, resource agency permits,^and contract documents. The contractor's responsibility may continue until completion of the work and final acceptance by the City. The contractor will not be releasedTrom cohttaetual obligations until written notification is received from the City and thejropt Biol^^^^^^g satisfactojy completion of all required installation tasks as defined m the in^tallafior^pntract. 1.2.4 Project Biologist \ \ The Project Biologist may be a City employee or a privatc-environn^ntal services consultant. Preparation of this conceptual plan, interpretation^'f the^lan; fieto^^monitoring of access road/seawall construction and mitigation site' constructio^^^atibn, monitoring of revegetated areas during the 120-day maint^MB^^^^ biolo^^monitoring throughout the five-year monitoring period are th^^^nsi^^^^^^^pct Biologist. The Project Biologist shall coordinate with the City^arding^ttivi^^^^^nd monitoring success of the project. Construction monitoring and implementation of^^ccess road/seawall area and the habitat creation are^^ill occur t^^fout the cMStriictipn periods. Monitoring time may increase decreasi Project Bl^^sl where biologi indirect imp^ observatig^-^ort t proje^peficiencies. T 120-a^ plant establish or ed by^elg^CTltions aSBohstruction activities. During construction, the jthe ^^^^^^Manager will have authority to stop work in situations ^^tos, not^^^^^ to be impacted, are in imminent danger of direct or ^^^^QStruo^^Etivities. Each site visit will be documented in an ^construction activities relating to the enhancement plan and any Sbiologist will conduct four formal site observations during the iiltpDeriod for all revegetation areas. itenance monitofing visits will be documented with a checklist of project deficiencies and lendations^^remedial measures. Monitoring documentation will be provided to the ^^r distribution and to resource agency staff as required or requested. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. ProfeseUmal Teams for CompUx ProjecU North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 March 2004 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTII AGLA IIEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT 1.2.5 Construction Personnel Environmental Education Education of all project personnel will be conducted prior to implementation of the access road/seawall and mitigation projects. Before any construction activity begigsjlwhen new personnel and/or sub-contractors assume responsibilities for the res^ratic^^foject, or when volunteer labor is utilized, the Project Biologist will meet onsite to reviewtffepriginal conceptual plan and existing Held conditions. All project personn|rwill be iniormed ot ttie presence potential presence of sensitive species and habitats ^thin or a^^en^^^^?rojea ^e^. Information about laws relating to these biological res^rces JjfTbe discussed as parfpfthe personnel education. The contractors will provide copierOf^atf^ontract docum^^#ncluding permits, landscape plans, and conceptual plan, to sub-c5^^&. The City and the contractors will review all aspects of pertinent contract docui^^^cluding,, but not limited to, site protection, submittal, scheduling of formal site obser\^ations,^lines'of communication, and persons with stop work authority. 2.0 EXISTING CONDITION^ 2.1 Project Alignmen^^a The following section desc^xsSisting C; the proje^ragnment. slopes easement staging areas ^S^^^$y:outes impacts a maxii^^narea o and (^ptruction traffl le landward side o ^^^^rfiin the potential restoration areas along irect teMj^^^Spacts may occur in three ways: (1) graded ewer^^^nment outside the road; and (3) a construction ^g and trenching activity that includes three designated A-F). The first and second categories of temporary ite shlD^t-term mechanical soil disturbance. The third category is irt-term disturbance which would likely be limited to stockpiling mited soil disturbance. In addition, two cribwalls are proposed access road to limit cut slope impacts to coastal sage scrub. The I'all locations are iMstrated on Figure 3. Iiniyegetati^ • I heproject corridor is located along the north shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon east of 1-5 (Figures 4A-E). Upland habitats and land covers include coastal sage scrub, annual (non-native) grassland, ruderal, disturbed habitat, ornamental plantings, and developed land. Jurisdictional waters and wetlands include open water, southern coastal salt marsh, disturbed southern coastal salt marsh DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 ProfessUmal Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 • • I' ••! r. • •, ivNisiao iS3a SEE FIGURE 4B FOR BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LEGEND North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Biological Resources index Map - Project Alignment Area FIGURE 4A VEGETATION TYPES/LANDCOVERS: Annual Grassland AGL DH CSM CSS DEV Coastal Salt Marsh Coastal Sage Scrub Developed Land EUC IM IRB Disturbed Habitat Eucalyptus Woodland Intertidal Mudflat Intertidal Rocky Beach NOTE: A lower case'd' in front of a vegetation type designator Indicates that It is disturbed. An upper case J foilowing a vegetation type designator Indicates that it is Jurisdictional. •. 1 Waters of the U. S. (number indicates width of unvegetated channel.) o Data Station Limits of Permanent Impact Limits of Temporaiy Impact SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES: CAGN California gnatcatcher (Dudek, 2001) SMS Salt marsh s/c/pper (Dudeia, 2003) BASE PHOTO SOURCE: CITY OF CARLSBAD SEWER SYSTEM SOURCE: CITY OF CARLSBAD GIS DEPT. (ADJUSTED TO TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES) ORN OW ROD Ornamental Open Water Ruderal SWS Southern Willow Scrub / \ / Study Area Impact Area Sewer System CAGN General Area of Calling/Movement SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES: Ac Adolphia californica Ja Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii NOTE: Number indicates individual plant counts at that location. North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Biological Resources Legend - Project Alignment Area FIGURE 4B North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Biological Resources Map - Project Alignment Area FIGURE 4C North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Biological Resources Map - Project Alignment Area FIGURE 4D I SEE FIGURE 48 FOR BIOLOGICAL I RESOURCES LEGEND 160 SCALE IN FEET North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Biological Resources Map - Project Alignment Area FIGURE 4E DRArT CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTII AGLA MEPIONPA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT disturbed southem willow scrub, intertidal mudflat, and intertidal rocky beach. Table 1 lists the acreage of each community with the potential temporary impact areas. TABLE 1: TEMPORARY IMPACTS TO PLANT COMMUNITIES AND LAND USE TYPES * InWgetated ephemeral stream^nnel is an overlay on the vegetation layer and therefore is not included in the total calculations. Numbers rounding , which require native habitat revegetation are limited to impacts to sensitive vegetation^ommunities (intertidal mudflat, intertidal rocky beach, coastal salt marsh, disturbed coastal salt marsh, coastal sage scrub, and disturbed coastal sage scrub). Impacts to non-sensitive communities (including developed land within tidal jurisdiction and unvegetated stream channel) and land cover types only require restoration of pre-construction contours and application of DUDEK ,& ASSOCIATES, INC. I — Professional Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 15 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTII AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT appropriate BMPs {e.g., non-habitat forming/non-invasive erosion control seed mix application and temporary fiber rolls). The following is a brief description of those native habitats that will be subject to temporary impacts and thus require onsite restoration. Intertidal Mudflat Intertidal mudflat areas include all of the sandy shor^C)cated within the normal tide flcjw between highest tide (4.91 ft AMSL) and mean lower^ow tide^.GS^^^V^L^ Thi^^a contains little vegetation aside from algae, but it is iJs|d^r for|S^g ^y so^^^j8i^s#fhis habitat occupies the majority of the intertidal zone w^^^^^roject corrido^^fifiofigh this area contains mostly sand, it is not considered a sandy beacfe^calise it is regularly inundated and does not have the loose soil composition typical of a sandyl)eaeh community. Intertidal Rocky Beach The rocky intertidal areas in the project^:;-. C' -ri ist of exposed bccii' >• 1 md rip-rap probably remnant from the shoreline protection afsociatedtfvith construction of the sewer line and access road in 1965. All rocky intertidal habipt with^the projegrcorridor is unvegetated. Two rocky intertidal areas were identified; o^^focate^ear the^fidle of the project (approximately 200 ft in length) and another small^^a (apn^pnatel^O^'ft in length) is located near the eastern terminus o^^he project. Southern^oastal Salt Marsha 'fit'' - ' ^^^^^^^^^F Onsite, soutlicm coastaliSalt marshi)ccurs below ten feet in elevation, adjacent to the sandy or rocky sh^Tine. "^ yP^M^^^fo^^d ^^^^ {Distichlis spicata), common pickleweed virginica), ^^^^^^^(I^^^^^ carnosa), spiny rush (juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii) and {Atriplex spp.).^^^Sal salt marsh patches are present in a variety of sizes and are col^ntrated in the weMrn region of the project site. Four large patches of salt marsh are located shoreline n^Hoover Street and near the middle of the project adjacent to the rocky tbem^Snder of the project site southern coastal salt marsh is interspersed with sage scrub habitats. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. Profesalonsi Teams for CompUx ProjecU North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 March 2004 16 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT Disturbed Southern Coastal Salt Marsh Three areas of disturbed southern coastal salt marsh are mapped in the eastern portion of the project corridor. These patches support salt grass and other indicator species but also several non- native species including Bermuda grass {Cynodon dactylon) and several e.scaped exotics from adjacent landscaping. /i-^-'^-vA. Coastal Sage Scrub ' • MjJ^ "^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Coastal sage scrub is the most common upland habitat alongj^e piojeci coiiidor,^oastal sage scrub habitat extends landward from the southern coas^^|^^sh and ruderal habitat. This habitat type is dominated by California sagebrush^(An^^^^^/c^); black sage {Salvia mellifera), California encelia {Encelia californica), CalifSnia bi^M^^£r/ogottww fasciculatum), coyote brush {Baccharis pilularis), lemonadeberg^|||^ggr/f()/^^^^aw sumac {Malosma laurina), but also includes pampas grass {Gort^t^^i^a)^nd pri^y-pear {Opuntia littoralis). / Disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub Five areas of disturbed coastal sa^eiscrub 'mappe^h the project corridor. These patches contained lemonadeberry, laurelfumac, Ua^^^^^ other indicator species, but they also contained seVcial non-nafiVe*species incli^^^^^as, hottentot-fig {Carpobrotus edulis), curly dock (Ruinex.crisrus), liorehoxind.yiAlatru^^^Mgare), and slender wild oat {Avena barbata). )edH:oastaI'sage scrub ori^mupp( Disturbccl- species. supports 20 to 50% cover by coastal sage scrub indicator 2.1.2 g to Bowman (^^^ere are two soil types found onsite: Carisbad gravelly sandy loam .arina loamy coarffsand. Within the temporary impact areas, most areas should be subject ely little S(^^sturbance {e.g., stockpiling, vehicular trafficj. For the 2T slopes on the Wkrd side nf^ti^ccess road, the finished soil material will be native exposed cut slopes. Functions and Values The habitats subject to temporary impacts represent relatively undisturbed native communities with a typical species composition for the area. One sensitive plant species occurs within the project corridor, southwestern spiny rush; two sensitive animal species occur, the federally-listed |& ASSOCIATES, INC., Professional Teams for Complex ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 17 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and salt marsh [wandering] skipper (Panoquina errans). Habitat loss and direct impacts will affect each species, however each of the species is expected to persist at relatively similar population levels post-project implementation. The diversity of birds is limited due to the small amount of habitat ^^e^yely low habitat quality. Habitat quality for reptiles and amphibians is lo^^^i the^&^^of these species is expected to be low because of the small amount of habita^plHable arS^^E^gegative effe^s of the adjacent urban development. A number of mterudal invert^a^^^^^^^ge ob^^d or are expected to occur both within mudflat habitats ^^^^ ^^^^^""^^^^^"^^^ ^one.- The-Jhudflat species include mud-flat crab {Hemigrapsus oregonens^^^^^vjorms and o^^^ft bodied invertebrates. Within the limited areas of rocky i^t^^^^^^at, clusters of blue mussels {Mytilus edulis) and barnacles {Balanus glanduli) weic^^^^d-witli scattered individuals of various limpet and snail species. 2.1.4 Present, Post-Construction, and Long-term Uses . The project area consists mostly of vaca^Fland supportir^^^ertidal zone and hillsides/bluffs with native scrub habitat. Several ^^^s and busingses also occupy portions of the study area. The propo^^proj^ct permane^^^^joad, regional reduce eevers^Welopments to the area. These include a walls,^^^^ewer maintenance activities, and a designated escribed below. erallvil2 feet wide and constructed of decomposed granite with the foot section east of manhole number 19, where the alignment unch). In addition to the 2,400 feet of decomposed granite approach road from Hoover Street is proposed. The access road ct and convey storm water runoff to appropriate drainage points along seawall. cection wall would include a sculpted face colored to simulate a natural bluff adj^ai^ffitiimi^lagoon edge. The shoreline protection wall would extend approximately 1,800 feet from manhole numbers 10 to 19. The height of the manholes in relation to the shoreline varies and therefore, the height of the wall, in relation to the shoreline, varies from no exposed wall to approximately sbc feet of exposed sculpted wall (Figure 5). The shoreline protection wall would DUDEK I & ASSOCIATES, INC., ProfesdaodTkamu for CompUx ProjecU MarCh 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT be constructed with a drilled pier foundation (also referred to as a cast-m-drilled-hole [CIDH] pier wall or auger cast pile wall) which allows for a reduced construction corridor. Crib walls are proposed in two areas to avoid large cut slopes. The location and the dimensions of the crib walls are illustrated on Figure 3. The crib wall is a plantable surfac^nd will be an earth-tone color, if available. The City of Carisbad Public Works would perform roi^me'^aintenaiiccon the bcwer pipe|Je and associated manholes following construction of the access road. XoutmeYi^mteAn would require the use of a vacuum/ water jet pump vel^^^^^ accumulatec^^g|rom the sewer pipeline and manholes. Other routine maintena^^gofllH include inspectiofMfThe access road, shoreline protection wall, cable railing and drainageswale. There maintenance tasks would be performed by City of Carisbad Public Works p^6nnelxm.'.a bi-annual basis outside the breeding season with visual inspections occurringas^^uently as^_onffl^|:hroughout the year. All activities are expected to remain conflned to the access road area, '. The regional trail designation would occur from t^-endl^^^^Fde-sac at Hoover, east along the alignment, for the length of the sh^line pr^rction ^^^Btgure 3). Trail amenities designed as part of the project would be l^^p at tl^^d of tl^ul-de-sac at Hoover Street and near manhole number 19 and includ^^age c^^ibing t^^n:ules and regulations, trash cans and waste dispo^ facilities for end of thc-'^S^de-sac at Mfc^Kitreet pate rcstSl;in^-"«^^cular access would also be located at the iCreafionfArea The two shore o^^ua Hedion irea is currently exreijus east to El lement processi ^wetlands Cai :at for ^^itat creation are located south of Park Drive on the north etween Bayshore Drive and Agua Hedionda Creek {Figure 2). nd that was part of the larger Kelly Ranch ownership which al and south, across the lagoon, to Evans Point. As part of 'or development of Kelly Ranch, the developer dedicated 186-acres of land to CDFG, including land on the north shore.of the lagoon in this ^aluated a 54-acre area extending from the shoreline to Park Drive and patches of disturbed land (Figure 5A-B). Dudek conducted a mitigation feasT^tyanalysis for the area which identified six potential habitat creation sites (Sites A-F). The feasibility analysis took into account existing physical features of the land as well as current ownership and planned development. Based on the highest likelihood of long-term successful habitat restoration, two sites were chosen to mitigate permanent impacts of the NAHI project. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Proftsdand Teams for CooipUx ProjecU March 2004 19 VEGETATION TYPESAANDCOVERS: Brackish Marsh BM CCSM CSS DEV Coastal Salt Marsh Coastal Sage Scrub Developed Land DH FWM IM ORN Disturbed Habitat Freshwater Marsh Intertidal Mudflat Ornamental NOTE: A lower case d' in front of a vegetation type designator indicates that it is disturbed. OW ROD SB Open Water Ruderal Sandy Beach . 1 Waters of the il. S. (Number indicates width of unvegetated channel.) o Data Station r— I I I L.. '1 Proposed Habitat .J Creation Approximate Property Line Location SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES: Ap Atriplex pacifica Ja Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii NOTE: Number indicates individual plant counts at that location. SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES: CAGN California gnatcatcher CAGN General Area of Calling/Movement North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Potential Habitat Creation Area Legend FIGURE 5A North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Biological Resources Map - Potential Habitat Creation Area FIGURE 5B DRArT CONCEPTUAL HABITAT RCVEOCTATION PLAN NORTII AGLA LICDIONPA SCWCR - WESTERN SEGMENT The offsite area proposed for coastal salt marsh, intertidal mudflat and intertidal rocky beach mitigation is a shallow basin surrounded by existing coastal salt marsh and intertidal mudflat on three sides and coastal sage scrub on the fourth side (Site A). The offsite area proposed for coastal sage scrub mitigation is surrounded by an unvegetated dirt access road, Park Drive^ and existing coastal sage scrub (Site F). Existing unvegetated dirt access paths ii^he ar^^buld provide vehicular access to both of the potential mitigation sites. The lolloj^ing is'acscripiion of the existing conditions of both Site A and F. 2.2.1 Vegetation Site A Site A is approximately 1.12 acres in size (Figur^''--^A-l^)'^~li'is-<a basin surrounded by approximately two to threeToot high berms on^^west, ea^t;^rid south sides. The berms surrounding the basin contain gaps that are ^^^^^^^&Jy ^^^^^ the basins. The gaps in the berms connect the Site A b^^^^^^^^^^tos east and west sides, and to the lagoon on the south side, that supi3^ffi southmi^^^^Sl^^arsh and intertidal mudflat; however, the basin within Site A is a of these native communities, and^^tt, re marsh habitat is dominated by i5^Hewee berms surrounding the sage. The disturbc laSkzoasta approxima SiteF fi, precluding the establishment s prima^ unvegetated. Southern coastal salt {Frankenia salina) and salt grass. The fe scrub habitat, dominated by California transitions from disturbed habitat to 5.4-5). The elevation at the site ranges from :en feet AMSL. ^^M£et to' ^^^^^^^^^^ approximaicly^^^^res in size and currently supports non-native ruderal vegetation lated by fennel (Men^ulum vulgare), black mustard {Brassica nigra), and prickly-lettuce ica serriola) {Figur^pA-B). The area is surrounded by an unvegetated dirt access road on the iast, southeas^^nd south sides, Park Drive on the northwest side, and a patch of big W^MUi^^^ntiformis) on the west side, which is associated with coastal sage scrub habitat, ^ted understory of pickleweed and salt grass {Figures 5A-B). Beyond the unvegetated dirt access road, vegetation consists of ruderal and coastal salt marsh species, including black mustard, brome grasses {Bromus spp), Australian saltbush (^triplex semibaccata) and Hottentot fig in the ruderal areas and salt grass, pickleweed and alkali heath in coastal salt DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 ProfesdomdTtams for CompUx ProjecU MarCh 2004 22 DRArX CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA MEPIONPA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT marsh habitat. Beyond the ruderal and coastal salt marsh habitats is a large area of freshwater marsh to the east and south, dominated by cattails {Typha latifolia). 2.2.2 Soils According to Bowman (1973), soils at the proposed mitigation areas c^g^J^idal Flat at Site A and Las Flores Loamy Fme Sand at Site F. Tidal Flats ar|^nodicaI^p||^^ith tidal water and are either barren or can support a sparse salt-toler^tlvegetatioiar The textuie of ^he^I ranges from clay to very fine sand (Bowman, 1973) liipiores Loatri^^ine^^^^^^^|d^il type that consists of moderately well drained loani)' fine-sands that have a^^^^^^tibsoil (Bowman, 1973). 2.2.3 Functions and Values Both of the proposed mitigation sites. Sites A and F, currei}tly pro>i^platively few, depressed biological functions and values. Site A is p^^^tnvegetatec^^ exception of the berms that surround the basin which support Die^ cQ^^^^crub vegetation, and Site F is dominated by non-native vegetation^cludin^nnel (l^^Pt, Most Invasive Wildland Pest Plants; Widespread) and black mu^^List l^pldland^st Plants of Lesser Invasiveness), both invasive plant species, accordin^^K Cal^iia I^v^^ Plant Council (Cal-IPC; 1999). The present funcji. .n; and values oi^es A an^Src^e^^ed in more detail below. Hydrol^ic^Functions and^alues Site A north shore pa Fiedionda Lagoon, which connects to the Pacific Ocean. The Tiigh-tide elevation. The lower portion (approximately one- to tidal inundation at the highest of the high tides (above 6.6 feet ^tion of the site lacks tidal inundation and only experiences minimal surrounding areas during rain events. There is a nearby storm drain ly 200 feet to the west that introduces fresh water to the lagoon, and has ^ruitment of freshwater and brackish water habitats near the outfall. Fiowever, ^enough away from the storm drain outlet that adjacent habitat to the west is southern coastal salt marsh and intertidal mudflat. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 ProfesalondTeaau for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 23 PRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEPIONPA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT The current hydrologic functions and values of Site A are short-term surface water storage during high tides and long-term subsurface water storage. The values of short-term and long-term water storage functions at the site are the support of limited algal growth which can support fisheries and wildlife, and limited flood control. ^, SiteF g / Site F is adjacent to wetlands associated with the mouth p||Agua Fie^undl^reekas it enters igto the lagoon. While the creek may recharge the water tawe under^tlT Site ^li^^surface • i\\iidlogy at the site is limited to runoff during rain events. Site j^^^^ply level, wi^^^^^fation of approximately 21.5 feet AMSL and a low elevation o^^^ffimately 18.5 feet S^'SL. If there is sufficient surface water from a rain event to lesulMri-.surfa'ce, flow, it would be directed downslope south and east toward the lagoon as. i .L a lio'.'.' Hicrc are n^' channels or depressions of note in Site F that collect stormwater. ^ to alleviate flooding, moderate the soil^tnperat and recharge surficial groundwat Biogeochemica/ Funct/on^a^ Value Site A Currently, the patches of coastal J^F scrub sp botto^d basin include md trap to im iction from ben soil moisture for plant growth. ^^^rily barren, with the exception of some sparse isolated rrounding the basin are sparsely vegetated with Diegan ^eochemical functions and values of the unvegetated sandy- nutrient cycling by bacteria to support algal growth, sediment ater quality and lessen coastal erosion, and minimal primary diatoms and algae to improve water quality, bind sediments thereby resuspen^^erosion, and fuel benthic food webs. The isolated patches of vegetation ^tated berms provide limited nutrient cycling by the deposition detritus into fuels microbial food webs. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. ProfeselondTeaau for Coo%pU* ProjecU North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 March 2004 24 PRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEPIONPA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT SiteF Site F currently supports nutrient cycling and organic carbon export functions. Vegetation at the site is dominated by non-native fennel, black mustard and prickly-lettuce, which introduce detritus into the system to fuel microbial food webs. Lfov/cver. vegetatiorf is sparse, and consequently, these functions are depressed at the site. / / Habitat Functions and Values Site A Currently, Site A provides limited habitat functions because tfiefe is yeiy little vegetation present onsite. The vegetation present onsite does, howev^f'pro^^^^^^functions. The sparsely vegetated berms provide wildlife habitat; howeve^^^^habitat^^^^^Md isolated from high quality native habitat. Other functions of ^^mbkatjonsite ina^^^Smary and secondary production to support food webs, see(^^^^^mon\='^^^ production and accumulation of detritus to fuel microl^^^tivitidPmdjec^^ nutrients to support plant growth. Each of these functions is de^essed a^me site^cause of the lack of plant diversity, which limits the diversity of prima^§hd sec^pary pro^^ers, variety of seeds as food sources, and diversity of detritus for mi(^^K and ^Miauna.^me lower portion of the basin that gets inundated by high tides n^htffovide li^^^^^^R^ for primary producers such as benthic diatoms an^leae and prd^^Toraping hSoit^^^^aterfowl. Site F The high ciegrce^£;^^^s^e sp?<;ics dominance within Site F severely limits the habitat functiootj^or wildlife^^^^^^ The site is dominated by non-native species, which provides nesting habit^^^^ras and limited foraging habitat for wildlife. Other functions of fabitat onsite inclMe primary and secondary production to support food webs, seed iction to suppo^pvildlife, production and accumulation of detritus to fuel microbial fg of nutrients to support plant growth. Each of these functions is also 'because of the lack of plant diversity, which limits the diversity of primary Reducers, variety of seeds as food sources, and diversity of detritus for microbes and sonrauna. & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 for C*mpUx Proi€CU March 2004 25 PRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PIAN NORTH AGLA HEPIONPA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT 2.2.4 Present and Proposed Uses Current uses for the proposed mitigation sites and adjacent areas include passive and active outdoor recreation use, open space, wildlife habitat and tidal and non-tidal floo^torage. The area is also used by individuals for riding bicycles, jogging and walking,dogs. GDFG has begun management activities on the site by first installing signage indicating tfiat the land is public land dedicated towards the preservation of natural resources. / . ' ^ As a CDFG preserve area, the primary long-term use <^i^e site w^J be U^Ovpreseryatio^^f^^^ and wildlife species. The proposed mitigation sites woi^^^^^^ailable hal^it;atf9i:numerous sensitive species already present in the lagoon ecosyster^-.The habitat creation sires'%ould have improved function as open space, wildlife habitat, passiv^^^^^^nd tidal and non-tidal flood storage following implementation of this project. Aft;^&i^^^^^^ of this mitigation plan. the areas will continue to be managed and maintained by CDFO^ut^^^nagement activities will likely include designation of trail use areas;'and .giiidelineSTi^^pte disposal areas, and interpretative signage. / ^ ... •. /" 3.0 GOALS OF THE Ml PROJEOT* The primary goal of the NAHI ^|bitat Rei^egetatio temporary bipacts to replacemei^msre-cons^^^^^^iological^ 'oject is to mitigate for permanent and veget^^^^^^^nities and public views by ensuring ^"^"^'"'^Thetic conditions and "no net loss" of wetlands within upland will prevent Additional followii xosyst xroject will increase the acreages of intertidal wetlands and |ation of native container plants, cuttings, and seed, and -native weeds onsite through regular maintenance, ^ectives of the onsite mitigation program include the Avoid disturMnce to existing saltmarsh habitats during implementation of the NAFil mitigatior^m) j ect. Salvag^^o reuse existing native plant species located within the project impact area .mi^Kaximum extent practicable. mnize indirect impacts such as erosion, sedimentation, noise, trash, etc. during revegetation activities. Prevent any impacts to threatened or endangered native plant and wildlife species. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 ProfesdondTaamssfoirComffUxPrMtcU March 2004 26 PRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEPIONPA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT 3.1 Type of Habitats to be Established Cut Slopes The landward side of the proposed access road will require cut slop^^^at a^l^ade in some locations. These cut slopes will require revegetation with coastal sage^gbgecies typical of this area, including California sagebrush, black sage, Califoi niaencelia, Califomiabuck\\'heat. ^'oyote brush, lemonadeberry, laurel sumac, bladderpod {Isotneri> atlvrca)f,^\mi wild i^v (/-^'y|ws condensatus) and white sage {Salvia apiana), among others. ApproxifnateK' 0.-19 acre 6f cut-siopes are designed into the project (Figures 4A-E). \ \ Crib Walls Two crib walls designed as part of the project ^^^^^lanted\<ith:coastal sage scrub species {Figures 6A-B). The wall would be suited tos^^^ra^-.and native'grisses; therefore typical species would include California sagebrush^'^^^^^^SlSia ep?Sia, California buckwheat and coyote brush, among others. / ,../ Trench Areas / Trenching for sewer repla^feient r- r. cxpected.tpmpact sensitive habitat and therefore no revegeta^(^-3%cquired^||v^^^ V^|^ Temporary^Q^p^ction 3tockp4 ^ activities may occur within the temporary construction mi access road on landward side and five feet beyond proposed ^ximately 40 feet total) (Figures 4A-E). Not including the nent impacts an^heTutslopes areas, the construction corridor occupies a 1.89-acre area fsting of 0.18 acr^^ intertidal wetlands and 0.57 acre of coastal sage scrub. Construct^ corrido]^^ feet beyoil^I<J seavgr on seaward si^ P the construction corridor would be revegetated with coastal sage scrub of ^9^^^^^^^currently present in the area. Seaward portions of the corridor will require replanting for coastal salt marsh but would be limited to re-establishment of pre-construction contours for intertidal mudflat. Any rocks removed from intertidal rocky beach areas would need to be replaced following construction. DUDEK ,& ASSOCIATES, INC. I — Profesdond Teams for Complex ProjecU MdfCh 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 27 RECOMMENDED BROW DITCH-GROUND LINE TOP OF WALL 0.33' GROUND LINE NOTE: See Figure 3 for cribwall locations & Figure 6B for cribwall profiles. * - BATTERED VERTICAL INCREMENT 0.97' FOR STD. 1:4 BATTER. NOTE: "X" MARKS FALSE HEADERS. ALL OTHERS ARE FULL HEADERS. TOE OF WALL SECTION A-A FRONT STRETCHERS (TYP.) TOP OF WALL ALTERNATING JOINTS (TYP.) TOE OF WALL TYPICAL CRIB WALL ELEVATIONS NOT TO SCALE North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Typical Cribwall Elevations FIGURE 6A APN 206-• 1^ o I Ol T o CM z CL < Ij > 270± LF •172-03 1 1 4' MAX. L_4' MAX. X < APN 206-172-05 ^ K 6* MAX. I—f CRIBWALL NO. 1 292± LF APN 206-200-01 APN 206-200-02 CM CRIBWALL NO. 2 I APN I 206-200-03 Cribwall Elevations NOT TO SCALE NOTE: See Figure 3 for cribwall locations. North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Cribwall Profiles FIGURE 6B DRArX CONCEPTLAL HABITAT RCVCQCTATION PLIN NORTII AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT Site A - Intertidal Wetlands Creation The target habitat types to be created at Site A include southern coastal salt marsh, intertidal mudflat and intertidal rocky beach (Figures 7A-B). Southern coastal salt marsh WLII^^ dominated by pickleweed, alkali heath and saltgrass. This community type \vill be siimlar in vertical / ^^^^^ structure and spatial composition to the existing vegetation in the immegk|e^tinity of the site. All plant species to be utilized on the site are shown in Section44 - PlmWInurials and Installation Requirements. / •• / ^ --V- / Currently, the elevations at Site A are too high to alfowTdl^idSl inundation^ Additionally, existing berms on three sides of the basin preclude norn^ffiSMl^shing. At the higffSFhigh tide, tidal inundation reaches into the lower one-quarter of th^^^^rading is proposed to bring the mean high tide line back to the north edge of the basi^Sd^^eatet^appropriate conditions for full tidal inundation in the entire basin on a rcgular.basis. OMe^he^^^ grade is low enough to allow full tidal inundation during high tides, hydrologic functionS'£it|^?site will include water storage. /^''""^^S!'- / / ' The creation of southern coastal salt n^sh, mtemdal mu^atend intertidal rocky beach habitat at Site A is intended to expand up^^pisting^^ive wetl^p habitats adjacent to the mitigation site. In order to accomplish this ^^^solat^ffitches^^astal sage scrub on existing berms will be impacted An estimat^^.^acre o^^^^^^^^^crub would be impacted and require replacem^^^^a 2:1 ^^^^^fci^ ^^^^^^^^^^^'-^^ creation site. Associated functions accomp^^^^^^ropo^^^^^^reation, include improved habitat quality for invertebrates and vertebr^^^^^^ed fo^^^^^to^uctivity onsite, and improved terrestrial and aquatic micro-habitats^^^^^depres^^^^^primarily unvegetated basin. Creation habitat typeM) be created at Site F is Diegan coastal sage scrub. Diegan coastal sage dominat^S'by California sage, California buckwheat, laurel sumac and white sage are dominant plant species in the impact area. In addition to these 5, the Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat will include, coast goldenbush and coyote brush, which are dominant species in the adjacent patch of native )itat. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Prefesslond Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 30 VEGETATION TYPES/LANDCOVERS: Brackish Marsh BM CCSM CSS DEV Coastal Salt Marsh Coastal Sage Scrub Developed Land DH FWM IM ORN Disturbed Habitat Freshwater Marsh Intertidal Mudflat Ornamental NOTE: A lower case'd' in front of a vegetation type designator indicates that it is disturbed. OW ROD SB Open Water Ruderal Sandy Beach Waters of the U. S. (Number indicates width of unvegetated channel.) O Data Station Proposed Habitat Creation SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES: Ap Atriplex pacifica Ja Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii NOTE: Mumber indicates individual plant counts at that location. SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES: CAGN California gnatcatcher CAGN General Area of Calling/Movement North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Proposed Habitat Creation Legend FIGURE 7A iPotential J Developed [Area ^Proposed • - Proposed CSS| J>EV I^J^^y Access fc/V^ Creation Area i ^A/wK ^-'Route (0-3 Ac.) i^J\^-^^^ Fwir CSS CSS CSS CSM IM RUD CSM SB dCSi IM 50 RUD DH OW CSS CSM Proposed Wetlands Creation Area (0.6 Ac.) Site A ^/^^ Proposed Habitat Creation Potential Developed Area / ^ J Proposed A«ess Route SEE FIGURE 7A FOR LEGEND AERIAL BASE MAP SOURCE: AERIAL ACCESS LLC, JANIMAR 2002 ra7( RUI DH IM RUI IM/ idC CSI Potential CSS Creation Area (0.3 Ac.) - Site F IM IM 200 Scale in Feet North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment • Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Proposed Habitat Creation Area FIGURE 7B DRArT CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVCOCTATION PLIN NORTH AGLA MCDIONDA SCWCR - WCSTCRN SCGMCNT As explained eadier, permanent impacts of the access road/seawall project require a minimum of 1:1 habitat creation. As such a minimum of 0.30 acre of coastal sage scrub creation will be a created. However, an additional 0.18 acre is required due to impacts to coastal sage scrub on Site A. Also, the City is required to preserve an additional 0.30 acre of coastal sage scr^occupied by California gnatcatchers for permanent impacts of the project. If adequate prese^lon of coastal sage scrub cannot be achieved, the required acreage will bejreated ^^it|^^or a total of 0.78 acre. If this takes place, the revegetation will also be reqi^6d|o dem^^gra^giitability for use by California gnatcatchers. The habitat creation are^§^ajrrentl>^^^^g^ P^^^^ gnatcatchers; one located north of Site A and another v^'t of Sit^^i^wr?lB«IMliDerma#nt coastal sage scrub impacts are mitigated through habi^^^^Jira goal effort will be to establish suitable habitat for existing ^^^^^^ P^^^^- of ^^a^tion In an effort to establish a weed-free buffer zone practicable, non-native plants on the upland portbns of the removed as part of this plan. Appropriate nati\^upland:spccies California encelia, and California buckv^^^^il^befestabjishec disturbance areas that are located in upland areas^ 3.2 Time Lapse •evegetation Ipla soutli The variou anticipa^ It is like habitats wi However, all develop ii^ comm^^mes and Sib habitats to re] r expectedkbl XQ the maximum extent iO-foot buffer will be California sagebrush, r erosion control on all ome )nn1 op at different rates, even though it is and se^^^^^be installed at approximately the same time, marsh, intertidal mudflat and intertidal rocky beach uickly than the Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat. Krs of maintenance and monitoring to ensure that they Based on previous restoration experiences with similar dek expects the southern coastal salt marsh and Diegan coastal percent of the mature height, form, and cover of the like habitat requir ibitats in the vicinity of Mis project within the five-year monitoring period. Estimd^d Cost ..^.^i^bst of the NAHI Project will be approximately $455,000. The total project cost includes project planning, grading, removal of non-native plants, installation of irrigation, erosion control, and native container plants, application of hydroseed, site maintenance, five years of biological monitoring, and 10% contingency. DUDEK I & ASSOCIATES, INC. I —— Pro^esdondTeamsforCom^ProfeeU MarCll 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 33 DRACT CONCCPTLAL HABITAT RCVCOCTATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HCDIONDA SCWCR - WCSTCRN SCGMCNT 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN This implementation plan describes the habitat restoration that is proposed. The plan proposes to restore temporarily impacted habitats, landscape crib walls, replace barren soil^th southern coastal salt marsh, intertidal mudflat and intertidal rocky beach at Site^^and^^ative ruderal vegetation with Diegan coastal sage scrub at Site F. Project restor^^^^will be achieved through plant materials salvage, site grading, irrigation, ^d^piantin^sflescribed below. 4.1 Rationale for Expecting Implemerilation Success / Cut Slopes Revegetation of the cut slopes should be successful b^use th£.ciit slopes will be capped with salvaged topsoil from the impact area and will b^^^gt to exi'sffig'coas^al sage scrub habitat at relatively similar aspect and slope. Addi^^^^^^^iate n^^^pecies, that naturally occur in areas with similar soils, aspect ar^^^e/My^^^ planting the slopes. A temporary irrigation system will be ins^^d and^Siz^^^^K initial two to three years of the project to aid the establishmenUlJhe coa^pTsage sc^^^cies on the slopes. Crib Walls lative d^^P%e scrub species should be successful because taken into consideration when specifying plant species, j^^in similar crib walls in the area, and that occur in the ll^^cted for planting. Additionally, measures will be taken Serial behind the crib wall is used. A temporary irrigation ^ed during the initial two to three years of the project to aid the esta^hment of the coa^!^^ scrub species planted in the crib wall. The irrigation system will bejRed to promote a^ropriate root system development that will lead to self-sustaining ition. Vegetati^^^^ crib the <^esi^^^^^tob Wl Native pl^^i^^^^^^t wer^ coastal sage scr^^^^^miisite, to ensure^^^^^^^OT system^Sl be installec Rruction Corridor Revegetation of the temporary construction corridor has a high probability of success because existing topsoil will be left in place, when feasible, and pre-construction contours will be re- established prior to planting. Native plant species that are present within the temporary DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 ProfesdomA Temms for ComfXtx ProjecU March 2004 34 DRACT CONCCPTLAL HABITAT RCVCGCTATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HCDIONDA SCWCR - WCSTCRN SCGMCNT construction corridor prior to project impacts will be used to revegetate the temporary construction corridor. A temporary irrigation system will be installed and utilized during the initial two to three years of the project to aid the establishment of the coastal sage scrub species on the temporaiy construction corridor. Withm the five-foot wide temporary area extending from the edge of tjie proposed seawall to the lagoon, there is potential for vegetation community ty^^mversi^^^^^anges m wave energy following introduction of the seawall. These affe^^iU be m^^^^^^^he five-^ post-revegetation maintenance and monitoring periog Any c^ges wil^^^^^^^d; if necessary, the City will cooperate with wetlands resource.agencies to resolveSiiw concems. Site A - Intertidal Wetlands Creation The project design at Site A has a high probability for the establishment of the target habitat conditions will be created by grading the habitat. This will create the necessa intended habitats at Site A. In additip. lydrolo down to 12 inches below the desi the finish elevation. By excavati to the existi^ hydrologic {Figure ^^^M^itiona^ reveget^^^^^m^that o ol-success bec^^^^^ppropriate conditions e creat^^^^e. The appropriate of adjacent functioning ^r the establishment of the be o^^^SLvated below the existing grade fevatioafand appr^riate soils will be imported to create Ite elevations, the site will be subjected r^^ime ot tiS^M^]ae^lfiagoon estuary and functioning habitats ize the same dominant plant species to existiiigaS[acent southern coastal salt marsh habitat. The site is, an factors out^ success M^e mitigatTcp^'effprf ue to^^^^^^ained as natural open space, limiting the disturbance intXQll^Mhis ^m{^-g-, human disturbance) and increasing the likelihood of Sit - Coastal Sage ^rub Creation roject desigv^Site F also has a high probability of success because the appropriate ^^^^^^tablishment of Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat already occur or will be cf^tt^^^^^-dsting non-native plants will be removed from the site and existing soils will be^^^Sd to ensure a proper balance of soil nutrients and organic matter are present to promote healthy establishment of Diegan coastal sage scrub plant species. An irrigation system will be designed and installed to ensure that the installed plants and seed receive sufficient water to encourage healthy growth and development during the first two to three years of the five-year DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Profesdond Teams for CoeKpUxProfecU March 2004 35 DRArT CONCCPTIJAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PIAN NORTII AGLA IIEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT maintenance and monitoring period. The mitigation area will be positioned such that natural barriers to non-native weed encroachment into the site are maximized {Figure JB). The mitigation area will also be designed to be adjacent to existing Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat west of Site F. Dominant plant species planted at the site will be typical of those that are dominant in nearby Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat. Similar to Site A, this site is, and will continue to be, mair^^d as naturaix)pen space, limiting the disturbance factors outside the control of this planincreasin£?tbSlikeImood of succj#^ of the mitigation effort. 4.2 Preliminary Schedule The schedule provided below in Table 2 represents a tii^'lmc cst;^^^foi^ of the NAHI project based upon the City's intended^iKtruction sm^mefe\ final schedule for implementation will be prepared by the City ago^^^^g|ito the rcsmpre agencies for approval prior to the start of the project. Updates t^,^^[s schP^m||^e pjyided to all parties involved in project, as necessary. TABLE LIMimY PROJECmCHEDULE ation act Areas truction Corridor November 2003 December 2004 January 2005 March 2005 Cut Slopes ;ess Road/Seawall Construction of pre-construction contours In temp, impact areas) April 2005 June 2005 nstallation on Crib Walls/Temp. Impact Areas July 2005 n of Installation Report August 2005 Install site fencing September 2005 Non-native vegetation removal and plant salvage September 2005 DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Proftsdomd Taam, for CompUx ProltcU MafCh 2004 2798-13 36 DRAET CONCEPTUAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PIAN NORTII AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT TABLE 2 (Continued) TASK DATE • Grading and site preparation September|005 Plant Installation ^ f^ctobe^fe Site Seeding /_ November 2005 120-day plant estabiisiiment period .' \ No\|2pp§^Jan 2006 j Assessment of Revegetation Effort /"^ J?n^2006 . Completion of Installation Letter Report \ / Febmary^OOe.,-.' T Five-Year Revegetation Monitoring atid Reporting \ • . First Annual monitoring report due ^ ^ December 2006 Remedial efforts, if necessary <C " --January 2007 Second Annual monitoring report due ,. . \ ' - Debmber 2007 Third Annual monitoring report due . \ -'December 2008 Fourth Annual monitoring report due / "^-'"-v December 2009 Fifth Annual monitoring report due / ^ December 2010 * Note: Actual dates are contingent upon res;)(fc§gency pemiit process./; Restrictio from M nestlings, the portions restricted quarter a ^al are re^^^^^^ipty ^th the Migratory Bird Treaty Act uall^^ms law generally prohibits the destruction of eggs, tive nesting birds during this seasonal window. Because tidal inundation, non-native plant removal will be levels are at the lowest magnitude, usually around the ^sting birds are unlikely to occur in the habitat to be impacted, the presence/absence of potentially-occurring species will be :getation during project implementation if it occurs during the nests will be identified and located by a qualified biologist. Plant these areas until nesting activity has ceased. The proposed revegetation icipated to exceed the 60 dBA noise threshold for harassment of coastal ^cher breeding activities. However, if noise levels during construction do exceed the ^D'^BT^ noise threshold, noise attenuation strategies, such as the use of smaller, less noisy equipment, changing the intensity and duration of work, the use of mufflers, or the use of a sound wall, may be required. DUDEK |& ASSOCIATES, INC., Professtond Temns for CompUx ProfecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 37 DRAfT CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTII AOLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT The project implementation schedule above shall be in strict conformance with provisions listed m the ACOE 404 permit, CDFG 1602 SAA, City of Carisbad Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Environmental Impact Report, CDP, and California P\\VQCB 401 Water Quality Certification. 4.3 General Outline of Habitat Creation Implernentation Strategy The NAHI mitigation project includes restoration of th/temporangmpact alignment (onsite mitigation) and creation of intertid^^^^^^nd Diegan at Sites A and F (offsite mitigation) as mitigation for permaiient impacts alignment. The general implementation strategy for th^^^^MS^escribed below. 4.3.1 Onsite Mitigation - Project Alignment?Area Temporary impacts along the project align: construction conditions. Pre-constructip#contou areas where the soil surface has been^sturbed shoreline protection wall on the ss^^rd sid a cut slope on the landward sl^Mttgures seaward side of the shorel^^S^tection southern Q<^dl salt maxrf^^Sidal roc to generally match pre- as much as is practicable in ^ect alignment, there will be a sew^^access road, and either a crib wall or :t impacts should be minimal on the fer, where temporary impacts do occur, intertidal mudflat habitats will be restored to resei coastal sage^ A temporary if! and on the. item l^ons as much as is feasible. On the landward side, Diegan ited on disturbed areas, cut slopes and on the crib wall. Td for the Diegan coastal sage scrub revegetation areas )lants during the maintenance and monitoring period. Site A - OffM^Krtidol Wetlands Mitigation is currently a^pivegetated shallow basin surrounded by small berms on three sides ^ing the bas^^rom existing southern coastal salt marsh and intertidal mudflat. Grading the mean high tide line back to the north edge of the basin to create the ap^^^^^B^itions for full tidal inundation in the basin on a regular basis. Berms surround the basin will be removed to allow unimpeded tidal inundation. The site will be over-excavated to a depth of 12 inches in order to remove sandy, saline soils that are inappropriate for salt marsh creation. Appropriate soils for salt marsh vegetation will be imported to the site to the design DUDEK |& ASSOCIATES, INC., Profesdond Teamu for CompUx ProjecU MarCtl 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 38 Onsite CSS Mitigotion RECOMMENDED BROW DITCH Cribwall CRIBWALL Droinoge Swole PROPOSED DRILLED PIER WALL Q \ SEWER PIPELINE-^ CALTRANS CABLE RAIL (WHERE REOUIRED) OJ CARVED/HAND-SCULPTURED FACE Sewer Access Rood Solt Morsh MEAN HWL (5.5) Intertidol Rocky Beoch Intertidol Mudflat NOT TO SCALE North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Sewer Access Road Typical Section with Cribwall FIGURE 8A PROPOSED 2:1 SLOPE (MAX) Onsite CSS Mitigation 12" MIN. AGGREGATE ROAD SECTION 2% Drainage Swole CULVERT (WHERE SHOWN ON PLAN) PROPOSED DRILLED- PIER WALL Ox SEWER PIPELINE^ Sewer Access Rood CALTRANS CABLE RAIL (WHERE REQUIRED) CARVED/HAND-SCULPTURED FACE MEAN HWL (5.5) Intertidol Salt Rocky Intertidol Morsh Beoch Mudflat Ar NOT TO SCALE North Agua Hedionda Sewer Western Segment - Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan Sewer Access Road Typical Section with 2:1 Cut Slope & Culvert FIGURE 8B DRArT CONCCPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT elevation, which will be the same elevation as the adjacent existing southern coastal salt marsh habitat. It is expected that intertidal mud flat will develop in a mosaic with southern coastal salt marsh onsite in shallow depressions and in micro-channels where the duration of tidal inundation is greater. A Intertidal rocky beach will be created at the southern tip of^the berna€Kat^ends toward the open water of Agua Hedionda Lagoon {Figure 7B). After t^^erm is fmJ^H^ck will be placed on the shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon to create the condjions for th|^'^M§^en^of intert^l rocky beach. The imported rock will be salvaged froi^he imp^^rea Si^^^^^^^all boulders and cobble. If there is not enough salvagedl^^^^bble from^^^^SjSrea to adequately cover the intertidal rocky beach creation ar^ftditaonal rock will be &^drted from a source approved by the City and the project biologisty- .^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^ 4.3.3 Site F - Offsite Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Site F is currently at an appropriate elevation f-'.VxrcaUng Dieg-in/coa-Lil sage scrub habitat; therefore, no grading will be required. Soij^mpleswilll^^^^^^nd tested to ensure that the soils onsite are not in need of remedmt^ prior^mhe ins^^^^m of plant materials. If soils are deficient, soil amendments may ^^Smm^ed. The^tial implementation strategy will be to remove existing non-native ^^fror^^ prop^^Diegan coastal sage scrub mitigation area, install an irrigation sys^^d perfo^^^^^^ grow and kill cycle by irrigating the area hen coi^^^^^^ weeds. The grow and kill cycle will help he soil, and thereby, improve conditions for native seed ce long-term maintenance at the site. until wee^^^ germ to redu^^&e?we^ see germinatio^^^Efii Following il^P^^^i^^M^^tion cl^ng and the grow and kill cycle(s), container plants and seed will be^^^ed in ac^^^^^^th Section 4-4 below. The plant species composition for Site F is de^^d to be consis^^^^^plant species composition in nearby Diegan coastal sage scrub ha^pt and to be appiSriSe for coastal California gnatcatcher use and/or occupation. The is designed t^e dominated by California sage, black sage, California encelia, and ®rnia buckwh( Materials and Installation Requirements Implementation of this wetland and upland planting plan must be coordinated among the Restoration Contractor, the City, the Project Biologist, and the nursery providing the plant materials under the contract growing agreement. The contracting nursery and seed supplier shall DUDEK I & ASSOCIATES, INC., Professlond Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 41 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT be given the maximum amount of lead time possible to allow for successful seed collection, species propagation and preparation of plant materials for transport to the project site. Plant materials for the planting plan will include container stock and seed of native coastal salt marsh and Diegan coastal sage scrub plants as indicated m the plant palettes provided bg^w in Tables 3-5, / TABLE 3: RECOMMEWDED SPECIES FOR SOUTHERN COA^/l^ALT MARSH PLANT PALEHE CRATION AREA AND TEMPORARYWACT AREA'> / * These species may not be appropriate for the onsite southern coastal salt marsh along the seawall, depending upon the finish elevation and frequency and duration of tidal inundation in that location. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Profesdond Teams for CompUx ProjecU MafCll 2004 42 DRArT CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVCOCTATION PIAN NORTII AGUA IIEDIONDA SCWCR - WCSTCRN SCOMENT TABLE 4: RECOMMENDED SPECIES FOR DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB PLANT PALETTE CREATION AREA AND TEMPORARY IMPACT AREA DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. Professlond Teams for CompUx ProjecU North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 March 2004 43 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT TABLE 5: RECOMMENDED SPECIES FOR DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB PLANT PALETTE CRIB WALL LANDSCAPING Botanical Name Common Name Size Ave. Spacing* Total Quantity^ \Diegan coastal sage scrub container { ilants (0.14 acre) -1 Artemisia californica California sagebrush 4-iji6h pot • ^-^-Sfeef... 160 , Bacctiaris pilularis coyote brush ^cTTpot /2-5,feet: -^ 80 / Encelia californica Califomia sunflower ^Inch pot /.--2-5fcet,^ 'r. Eriogonum fasciculatum Califomia buckwheat i4:|ch pot ^ 2-5 feet \ Isocoma menziesii goldenbush \4-inchpot' ' 2 - 5 feet ^ Isomeris arborea bladderpod ^chpot..: 2 - 5 feet 40 Lycium californicum desert thorn ^ffnchjwtr'--2 - 5 feet 40 Mimulus aurantiacus sticky monkeyflower <'4-inch p'bt^v: -a^steet 40 Salvia mellifera black sage ,..^,4-inch pot N,; ^::-T2r51eet 80 t'tiy 'sur.*i e' • ; -^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Note: Container plants will not be planted on the crib walljffiire it is shorter than approxiinatfy three feet. Instead, container plants of the cribpall onl^^ the crib v^u and will be will be planted at the base of the crib wall and on the * Container plants will be planted in every othej-ce five feet apart horizontally, t Total quantity of container plants is an ^^te whict height of six feet^nd 292 linear feet^h ffiverage hei| that there wiySplantable surfe(^^^&p and at tf also be plaraS) ttiere^;!?:-.. approximately two feet apart vertically and i^mes thatjhffitwo crib walls will be 270 linear feet with an average Additionally, in figuring the total quantity, it is assumed ie crib wall when it is complete, and that container plants will A contrac I rio^jiig^^^^^^nt v^^^ suitable nursery shall be initiated prior to implementing the plan^^plan, to^^^^^^appropriate plant materials are reserved and to minimize costs for p^^gation of the s^^^^muded in the plan. Plant material may be purchased from Tree of y^nursery in San Juffi ^pistrano, El Native Nursery in Azusa, and Las Pilitas in Escondido. approved sourc^por native plant materials may be available, based upon approval by the )gist. The contracted nursery shall provide plants and seeds that are of psunty origin. StaiTS^^S^^anting procedures will be employed for installing most container stock. Holes approximately twice the size of the rootball of the plant will be dug using a post hole digger or power auger. If dry soil conditions exist at the time of plant installation, holes will be filled with water and allowed to drain immediately prior to planting. Backfill soil will contain no DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 ProfesdondTeamsforCompUxProjecU MSrCh 2004 44 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT amendments or fertilizers unless the results of the soil tests indicate that soils are deficient and are in need of amendments. Wire cages shall be installed around each of the coastal sage scrub container plants to prevent herbivory while plants are becoming established. Following installation, each plant shall be fully irrigated to the depth of the rootball to v^^er-settle the backfill mix and provide moisture to the plant. ^^.^ ' Seed shall be of coastal San Diego County origin and may^d|;qbtaind||omto seed sources including S&S Seeds m Carpenteria, Anderson Seed Cq^Escond^o^^|^^OTative some approved by the City and the Project Biologist. Seed shgbe hydr^e^ded on'^^^^^^^^gan coastal sage scrub creation area and on any onsite uplaii% a_rcas#\ransitionS^|^g^ during installation. 4.5 Irrigation Plan < Site A The primary goal of the NAHI Projec^p^ceptt^pu^^^^^n at Site A is to establish an extension of the functional tidal we^^s syst^^hat is^^^Ie of maintaining and supporting itself. Excavation of existing s^^pwn ^pppropriW elevations, will allow regular tidal inundation at the site, comparaj^^the a^Sent ex^mg coastal salt marsh habitat. Thus, no irrigation system is plann^c^ite A. ^^^^^necessary, the container plants will be itH'avWater tj irrigated Erosion com 'diately' installation. isitiom and existing uj vegetative^^Si for this^^ either; ho^ critic^Wo encourage init a v^pr truck may be n nDt.6i\'ui tween the proposed southern coastal salt marsh habitat lan coast^gge scrub habitat is intended to establish an appropriate itive c^^al salt marsh and upland species. No irrigation is planned feDpriate timing of planting to correspond with seasonal rains is ^^lishment of seeded plant species. Supplemental watering with lired during the initial plant establishment phase if sufficient rains do ^m^^^Construction Corridor, Cut Slopes and Crib Walls Irrigation systems will be installed to ensure that native container plants and seed installed at the offsite Diegan coastal sage scrub site and the onsite temporary construction corridor, cut slopes, and crib walls become established. The irrigation systems will be temporary and will be used DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Professlond Teanu for Cootplex ProjecU March 2004 45 DRAFT CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT only until the plants are established such that they can survive on their own from seasonal rainfall. The irrigation systems will be installed entirely above ground, so that all irriga^efp equipment may be removed once the systems are decommissioned. The irrigationj^^^stemsj^^lll utilize City water mains located in nearby streets and will be installed with a temp^^^ater meter (to be installed by the City). All onsite irrigation will consist of PVGpipe srateaj'^made at 10 feet on^; center and at all corners, providing 100 percent coveragpsing spr^€eaq^. Check valve^jdl be installed to eliminate low-head drainage. Irrigation ^[ipone^^uch a^lvcs and ^priiifiler heads, may be salvaged for re-use elsewhere at the end ^^^^^mishment per^^^Mrngation will be installed by the Contractor. Irrigation shall st^ at the earliest possible^^e without risking significant loss of plantings. It is expected that^iie^Kigation system will be abandoned at the end of year 2 or year 3 of the five-year mainterfence^^^^^^ing period. Watering onsite will gradually be decreased prior to the i^^^^s^^"^^^^^^^"^^^^^^^^^ the plants to become acclimated to the site'^&ural^ h^drolog)'. AH^^gation material shall be removed from the site once irrigation is t^^^ate^;./':;:» •-•:>-. . 4.6 Required Activitie^^ring Project Implementation 4.6.1 Construction Mpngoring by^^roject Eulogist ^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ThePr duration ^f^Ssl^et as needed. Project Biolo^ conditio^^id the will ^mocumented in ^ted, as needed, to^rip work in areas (S^r of damage in will^^e regular site obsfivations of revegetation activities throughout the ^^^^^^^iologist will visit habitat creation and revegetation areas ion re^^^^^ding, irrigation installation and plant installation. The lew ^^ffies for conformance to this plan, environmental permit of contract plans and specifications. Each site observation visit •B^^ation report. Photo-documentation of site conditions will be Dject Biologist, via the construction manager, will have authority fere biological resources, not permitted to be impacted, are in imminent 'construction activities. •SitSPreparation If construction of the road and wall begins outside of the breeding season (February 15 - August 30), habitat within the temporary construction corridor will only be cleared on an as-needed basis. However, if construction of the road and wall begins during the breeding season, all habitat on DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Profesdond Teams for CompUx ProjecU MafCh 2004 46 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT the landward side of the temporary construction corridor {i.e., coastal sage scrubj will have to be cleared prior to construction because no clearing is allowed during the breeding season. Pre- construction clearing would be limited to above ground vegetation removal with little or no root disturbance. Breeding season clearing of coastal salt marsh would be allowed wi^^.pre-clearmg nesting bird survey. In total, habitat removal along the project alignm|nt ar^ffiay include up to 1 04 acre of coastal sage scrub, 0.20 acre of coastal salt marsh, 0.15 acre uf^intertidal mudflat and 0.01 acre of intertidal rocky beach. ^P'^ > \ X Prior to beginning construction on the habitat creatio^tes, allnt)n-nativc^^x^^^^ br infasWe vegetation must be removed and disposed of offsite at a^^ep^^e landfill facilit^^^^ptionally, at Site F, a grow and kill cycle shall be completed after ^^^k^ has been instiled to reduce the weed seed bank onsite. Site access for mechanized ^^^^^^^be required for removal of the majority of the non-native vegetation via an exi^g u^^^^^Mrt access road. When working in the proposed restoration areas, a corr^^^^er-tra^^^^pid/or track excavator under 10,000 pounds operating weight sh^^^^^^to ens^^^t disturbance to site substrates is minimized. Any other equipped tracked equipment {e.g., no tires) to prevent soil^Spactig^n^^^^ffiiizing the pounds per square foot of pressure exerted by the machine At Site A, there is a very limited onsite will ^salvaged to to be salv^^X)nsite plant An attempt"^^^^^^de to s berms that bord^^^fe: how^ scrub ^unt of ^^ing na^^Dlant cover. Existing native vegetation :est ext^^^^^^^. Native coastal salt marsh plant species leweed,^^^^^ and alkali heath. Other coastal salt marsh Biologist, will be salvaged and reused onsite, if feasible, lative coastal sage scrub shrubs growing on the existing to the difficulty of transplanting mature coastal sage ^thcm rn^ be impractical. ffiiited amount of existing native plant cover. Only a few native salvaging them will not be practical. the impact area will be identified by the Project Biologist prior to to be salvaged from the impact area include selected - native plants (as icie?51i^PF^^r^proiect biologist) from southern coastal salt marsh and Diegan coastal sage scrub habitats, and boulders and cobble from the impacted areas of intertidal rocky beach. In areas where grading is required, the top six inches of soil will be salvaged prior to construction and spread back over the top of the revegetation areas after construction is complete. Additionally, DUDEK ,& ASSOCIATES, INC. | — Profesdond Teams for CompUx ProjecU MafCil 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 47 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PIAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT native plant material, from plants not salvaged, will be mulched and spread around the base of container plants in the revegetation areas. Methods of salvage will be coordinated with the contractor but will likely include removal of plant materials with shovels and removal of rock and soil with mechan^ed maemnery. Salvaged plant materials will likely include southern coastal salt marsh sp^^^^^^as salt grass and pickleweed and coastal sage scrub species such as Califormpage brta^^^^pst prickly-pe^. All native plants for salvage will be kept onsite in a loca^n agreed^^^S^^^^^ct Bi^^'t and the Construction Manager, to prevent further dam^durin^evegetaflqn reiiioval dncl?ite preparation activities. All native plants removed from. Site A aiplH the impact ^^^^^ed for transplantation, shall be kept moist until they arc plaiSat meir receptor site. 4.6.3 Soil Export, Import and Grading Site A Soil export, import and grading will be n^ssar>' at-fite Alocreate-the appropriate elevation, soil and hydrology for the intended hab^^ypes. ^^ing be^^Et surround Site A and the berm that extends from the basin tow^^P lago^p^ill be g^ed down to the appropriate levels for southern coastal salt marsh hal^ff^ Soils^fthin the»sin will be over-excavated at least 12 ine soilsj identified by the City or the Restoration Contractor. The s laboratory to ensure that it is appropriate for the nsure that the soil is free of all contaminants and weed y the Restoration Ecologist that the soil is appropriate for and spread out across the over-excavated area to the design inches to re^ve sandy, h A soil soil will firs proposed seed Site A eleV: adjacent coastal salt marsh in this area, it is expected that a mosaic of marsMna intertidal mud flat will develop at Site A. However, to increase the :h habitat types develop at the site, approximately 0.16 acre of the site will be itly lower elevation than the elevation for southern coastal salt marsh. Rock from the permanently-impacted areas of intertidal rocky beach will be salvaged and transported to the intertidal rocky beach creation site (Site A). If there is not enough salvaged DUDEK |& ASSOCIATES, INC. I —— ProfesetondTeaou for Complex ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 48 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT rock and cobble from the impact area to adequately cover the intertidal rocky beach creation area, additional rock will be imported from a source approved by the City and the project biologist. SiteF No soil export, soil import or grading will be required at SiteE. However, clearing and grubbing will be required to remove the existing non-native vegetation fioni'the site.- 4.6.4 Erosion Control Both Sites A and F are relatively flat, with very little elevation change. Only limited erosion control will be necessaiy to preserve final graded ele\^^ions^^^^cluding the slope at the transition between the proposed southern coastal salt^narsh iSfiitat and i visting Diegan coastal sage scrub habitat at Site A. To protect this slo^^^^eet erosicm; nurse crop species such as arroyo lupine {Lupinus succulentus) and "^ot-^^^^^^to^^r^g^^^) that germinate and quickly create vegetative cover will be i^^^^^ate^^^^^^^^pnal seed mix for that area. Additional erosion control measures in^p form^^M^^^^^ilized during winter months to ensure the project is acceptable ^^Regio^|l'Water ^Sity Control Board as stipulated in the 401 water quality certificatio^^^it. {e.g. straw wattles), straw erosidWontrol rfSakets at key locations where watOTtlnott is ext 4.6.5 NCoris^ction includ®! installation of silt fencing, fiber rolls ^ndbags, will be installed, as necessary, hcentrate. Temporary^^^^^^^^cn fe^SMl be installed to protect environmentally sensitive areas that are -S^^nt t^^^^^^ources along the impact area and surrounding the proposed mitig^n areas. Th^^^^^locations will be approved by the Project Biologist prior to ins^ption and shall beffisMed prior to the beginning of vegetation clearing and grading. The fdffi will consist of or^e snow fence attached to metal T-posts. All fencing materials must be lum of foutJ^ high and remain in-place construction is complete,. Signage that identifies the project sites as habitat restoration areas will be placed on the perimeters of the sites,- and will include a phone number for additional information, directing questions to appropriate City personnel. Signage will remain in-place until the end of the five- year monitoring period. DUDEK ,& ASSOCIATES, INC. I — Professlond Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 49 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT 4.6.7 Onsite Construction Activity Restrictions During construction of the NAHI Project mitigation sites, the following guidelines shall be implemented onsite. • No coastal sage scrub vegetation shall be cleared during the coastal Califoi ma gnatcatcher breeding season. Construction during the coastalXMifornia g^^atcher bi ccdini; season or the breeding season of any other sensitive bir^fshall only.^a ir after comnirt \jnma nesting bird survey. j y"^ Pets or domesticated animals are not allowcLi on the sifc X.^^- No machinery fluids will be added or changed on the re^^tion site or near the stream channel; refueling of machinery will occur withln^'desigrfa^^eas and only over areas with a non-permeable membrane installed. " Concrete truck wash-out areas shall be designate<J,and imple^^ft in accordance with CalTrans standards. .^^^ Only machinery necessary to P^^^^^ ^^"^^^^^^^^^^^^ allowed on site, and each machine shall be removed imn^mtely aftei' its^^^^^plete. All machinery used onsite e lowJ^ST equipp^TOcked equipment {e.g., no tires) to prevent soil compaction.^ "^ion sit^&llb^^Knpact rubber-track loader and/or track iunds of^^^^^^ht. :kpili^^^^ will occur in or near wetland areas on site, ^will be limited to the existing unvegetated access path. Equipment used in the excatfator under 1 ^^ig of iructioii a -ces MAINtENANCE PL^^ the project site as part of this plan will be subject to the mnce plan. The City will be responsible for at least five years of ring of all habitat revegetation areas, in compliance with this conceptual -terrn^pLntenance and management responsibility for the restoration areas along rest with City of Carisbad Public Works in coordination with private Planning Department, CDFG, CCC, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, and offsite habitat creation areas are under CDFG ownership and they will continue ongoing maintenance and management of the site. DUDEK ,& ASSOCIATES, INC.. Professlond Toons for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 50 DRAFT CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT The purpose of the maintenance plan is to provide guidelines for maintenance, erosion control, and biological monitoring of the restoration and buffer areas. Maintenance activities will occur in consultation with the Project Biologist. Because the goal of the restoration plan is to establish a natural system that can support itself with little or no maintenance, the primar^^^ffort of the maintenance plan is concentrated in the first few seasons of plant^grov^hfollowing the enhancement effort, when weeds can easily out compete native/plants»?The intensity of maintenance activity is expected to ease each year as tl^gative plSr^^^^^ become mc^e established and local competition from non-native pM'Ffor res^el^^^^^ject ^e;is minimized through direct removal of non-natives fromffie site. L^term rnli|itcnancc Juricerns for the site will include non-native, exotic, and invasiye:planL-^ecies that \^^^^^^to be carried onto the site through tidal action and wind. H^^^^^risk of large-sc^^e-invasion of non-native plants onto the site can be adequatcK' mpii^edtiuring the first maintenance period by adhering to the specific maintenanc(^ an^l management guidelines that are presented below. 5.1 Maintenance Activities / A) Temporary impact restotaHbn are establishment and plant«tlrviva summer months. IrmgStion m above normal ^^^tio ^^^myolu irn^^^^^ition N^^^^^m^em: ^^TOE^^^^^^date with the pr^S^^^fcist will be irrigated to promote seed lier parts of the year, primarily the inter months to simulate a normal or ^^Sation is lacking in volume or appropriate continue for a maximum of three years, radually reduced over time to acclimate plants to a non- plete cessation of irrigation. Irrigation from June to allow plants to experience normal drought cycles and growth. The irrigation schedule shall be coordinated r;.^ P)) Trash and i^ganic debris washed or blown onto the site will be removed regularly ' ip- in accordat^ with Section 5-2.2 below. ^^•^^Tf^'ii^es will not be fertilized during the maintenance period unless so directed by the '"'^'^''^^^Q^^ Biologist and approved by the City. D) Non-native species may invade the restoration site and become a problem before or during the establishment of native plant associations. Weedy, invasive, and non- DUDEK I & ASSOCIATES, INC. I — Profesdond Teamu for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 51 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT native species (listed below in Section 5-2.1) will be controlled as soon as they begin to appear onsite. While manual control of non-native species is the preferred method, herbicide treatments may be required to adequately control some invasive species. Herbicide treatments shall only be performed with approval from tl^^^City, and as directed by the Project Biologist. E) No service vehicles will be allowed in any habitatjarea at^any time. F) Remedial container planting and/or supplemental h^^seeding^ay be r.ocessary following each monitoring stage, as directed by thcrfoject Biologist^ . G) Implementation of erosion control mea^jre^^^^^onducted for a minimum of three years during the monitoring perim Er^^^^S^ features may include sand bags, silt-fencing, installation of geojtmile fabr^^^^M^s {i.e., straw wattles) H) or other measures as determine Contractor. No machinery-dependen^namten any sensitive birds withou^rst a qualified avian biolo I^the event ^^dinate rescnt)e and 'roject Biologist or the uring the breeding seasons of gh a nesting bird survey by goals are not achieved, the City shall 'to identify the project's success and shall remedial measures to address the project shortcomings. 5.2 HamiffiPMaintena^^Guidelines control will be n^ssary during the clear and grub period before grading begins, after initial lation of plant^ffi seed, and throughout the five-year maintenance period. Ongoing weed ictivities^pl occur within coastal salt marsh and coastal sage scrub habitat areas ig-term maintenance period. All weed species will be removed from Sites A ^getation installation activities. All debris and slash generated from weed removal activities will be disposed of offsite in a legally acceptable manner. DUDEK «St ASSOCIATES, INC. ProfeldondTeaou for CooxpUx ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 52 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT Weed control measures will include the following: (1) hand removal, (2) cutting with weed whip machines, and (3) herbicide application. Hand removal of weeds is the most desirable method of control and will be used around individual plant installations. If hand removal is ineffective for some difficult to control plant species, spot treatment with herbicid^jA^ill be done. Any herbicide treatment must be applied by a licensed pest control applitator in^ccordance with all applicable laws, regulations, safety precautions, and labeLdirections. Weed control shall occur bi-weekly during January tl)K>ugh Ma^, and mgnt^^uring |^fie through December of the first year of the long-term mmntena^ppkiod^l^^^^^s^^^^ weed control shall occur on a monthly basis. WeeM^^^^all be contrSl^^^rto the formation of seed heads. More frequent weeding will^e performed as recommended by the Project Biologist to keep any weeds establishing on th^^oject site at manageable levels. The following weed species, which may occur^^^^Ml be cbntrolied before seed-set: black mustard, African brass buttons {Cottda ^^^^^^^^^F^ fenni^Italian ryegrass {Lolium multiflorum), perennial ryegrass {Lolium /^^^^^^h^^^^^^^^^rv//7ora), clover {Melilotus spp.), tree tobacco {Nicotiana glauca), bnstly ox^pn^^^^^piioides), castor-bean {Ricinus communis), dock {Rumex sp.), commJi sow-^stle {So^tms%leraceus), cocklebur {Xanthium strumarium), salt cedar (r^w^r/.>c. s^fHotte laetum), Brazilian pepper {Schir^Mnolle), dactylon) an^nnual rabbi^^c^ grass ( appear Project 5.2.2 Clearing and Trashxetnoval areas brotus edulis), myoporum {Myoporum fundo donax), Bermuda grass {Cynodon 'speliensis). Additional weed species that to this list if deemed necessary by the clearing of ^^^a^fe vegetation will not be allowed within the restoration area, as directed by th^^^t Biologist. Trash will be removed from the restoration areas by a regular basis;^eaning no less than one-month intervals for the first year and quarterly fter. Trash co^ts of all man-made materials, equipment, or debris dumped, thrown, blown, aiffleft within the restoration areas. Ion 5.. Erosion Control and Repair Areas that exhibit a tendency to erode will be stabilized by revegetation, straw waddles, re- compaction, or other means as prescribed by the Project Biologist and approved by the City. DUDEK ,& ASSOCIATES, INC. Profesdond Teams for CompUx ProjecU MarCh 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 53 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT 5.3 Maintenance Schedule Maintenance activities will be conducted concurrent with the installation of the container plant materials on the project site, and will continue throughout the initial 120-day plari^^tablishment period, and through the scheduled five-year maintenance and monitoring period. 5.3.1 120-Day Plant Establishment Period The installation contractor will be responsible for m£mtenanco^f the mitigation areas .for a minimum period of 120 days. Maintenance visit^^ai^^^onducted t\\a^' per-month throughout the 120-day establishment period. At the e^^^^g^riod, the City, tKe contractor and the Biologist will review the mitigation areas to^^e^^^^^completion of the plant establishment period. Any problems detected durii^his ^^^^^^e completed prior to acceptance of the mitigation areas. The conti actors'hali.be respo of all container plants at the end of this period 5.3.2 Five-Year Maintenance Period '100 percent survival Contractor maintenance activit^^n the through May, and monthly di^^June maintenan^^eriod. Aft^^kgst year. The Proied^mlis^ist ^i^J^^^^^^P^^^i^ momtoriWlp'e'tldclj Re^^^^fflktions for maintenance efforts will be based upon site observations^^ will include i^S^^Jrag irrigation, weed control, and trash and debris removal. quar bnducted bi-weekly during January mber of the first year of the long-term activities shall occur on a monthly basis, terly basis for the duration of the five-year 'Summor^f es^lishromt following installation, all plants on the project site shall viabilit)^^^^^®tdred percent survival of container plants is required during the percen^^^^fter, of the five-year maintenance and monitoring period. If the contaii^r plants exceed the survival requirements, they wiU be removed and size material as was planted originally. Replacement planting wUl be native plant establishment on the project site. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. Professlond Teasns for CompUx ProjecU North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 March 2004 54 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT 6.0 MONITORING PLAN 6.1 Performance Criteria The habitat types to be created at the project site include southern co^a| s^Snarsh, intertidal mudflat, intertidal rocky beach and Diegan coastal sage^|yb. P^^^b^ criteria vary for individual habitat types and have been established based U|pifexpec^g||^^ developm^t withm a properly functioning native habitat. In additio^impacts t^ublf^^^^^ cribj|^alls require landscaping to mimic natural aesthetics. Since the ciili^v^ffll revegS^^^^^pf not intended to establish habitat, performance criteria tor'this component is F^|^|Dni visual performance/success. Performance criteria will be utilized to assess the annual progress of tl^^igation areas, and are regarded as interim project objectives designed ^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^'^^^ Section 3.0 {Tables 6, Z and 8). Fulfillment of these criteriaHmU^ th^^ project is progressing toward the intended habitat type and hjb^t ^^^^^^^^^^F^^^ long-term goals of the plan. If the restoration efforts failJ'^eet th^er^^^^^andards in any one year, the Project Biologist will recommend/|ffidial ^^ns to ^^^lemented that are intended to enhance the vegetation to a leve^^^forr^^ce with^ original standards. No perforn^^e criteria a coastal 5^^^^^ habit primary^^^^^^^ con is important^^^^ptie an ac be no less th^^^^^gt^on-nS there shaU^^^oiiTvaSM native*d^er exceeds thi [flished fo^^^^^itional area between the proposed southern "e^sting^S^^oastal sage scrub habitat at Site A because the ^life habitat. However, adequate native vegetation cover el of erosion control. Native vegetation cover should egetation cover should not exceed 10 percent cover, and rc^^tiveTpecies at the end of the five-year monitoring period. If non- ^fflte anytime during the monitoring period, then additional native seegl^ould be introducMl^hose areas lacking native cover. leiffsite coastal^^e scrub creation area will have additional performance criteria to Im^strate suiM^y for coastal California gnatcatchers, if the City is unable to preserve "^^^^nS^mied habitat as part of the mitigation for permanent impacts of the project. M^tkmng tor gnatcatcher behavior will begin two years following plant installation and continue annually during the spring or summer until use of the created habitat is observed. "Use" is defined by observation of male or female gnatcatcher activity within the created habitat area over a minimum of one total hour during two survey days. DUDEK I & ASSOCIATES, INC., Profesdond Teamu for CompUx ProjecU 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 55 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PIAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT TABLE 6: HABITAT PERFORMAWCE CRITERIA FOR SOUTHERW COASTAL SALT MARSH (creation and restoration areas) Year Percent Survival Southern Coastal Salt Marh Percent Native Cover Maximum Percent Non- Native Cover 1 100% 20% 10% 2 90% 40% 10% 3 90% 60% 5% 4 90% 80% 5% 5 90% 90% 5% Percent Sun/ival = total percentage survival of all co^^^^^ Percent Cover = total percent cover of all native plant species, including planted and naturally recruited. • • • • •' .. • Note tiiat Hi years one and two, perforniance criteria vnll be derived jrom qualitative data ^ from quarterly monitoring visits to the mitigation s^^^ / / TABL^pABITAWRFORMAI^iE CRITERIA ^miEGAN^^TAL^#SCRUB (creatioj^^Mttl^^areas) Year Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub • Creation and Restoration Areas Percent Survival Percent Native Cover Maximum Percent Non- Native Cover 1 100% 15% 10% 2 90% 40% 10% 3 90% 70% 5% 4 90% 80% 5% 5 90% 90% 5% ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^(^^"we^omj^ DUDEK I & ASSOCIATES, INC. Professlond Teaau for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 56 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT TABLE 8: VISUAL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR DIEGAN COASTAL SAGE SCRUB (crib walls) DIegan Coastal Sage Scrub - Crib Walls Maximum Percent Non-Native Cover Percent Native Cover 1 10% 5% 2 20% 5% 3 30% 0% 4 40% 0% 5 50% 0% Percent Cover = total percent cover of all native'plant species, including plahted arid naturally recruited.^ For the crib walls, percent.• naUve cover will be visually estimated by the project biologist.:;;:.. • '[K'^'-:/ '> 'SC Xx.-"' • 6.2 Habitat Monitoring / / Site A - Intertidal Wetlands Cti^tipn ;idal muifflat aaddntertidal rocky beach habitat areas will be Habitat monitoring in the limited t^^^tive ^s^^^^^o ^^^^^ habitats are developing as "^^^^'^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^ document the presence of visible functions of the habitats. Quality as^^^^^^icato^^^^^^tidal mudflat will be based on the presence of shrinking •^epreseOI^^WPtracked surface when dry, the accumulation of fine soil ^s, an^^ evidence of invertebrate animals on or within the mud, :01^^^x>ther anecdotal evidence. In the intertidal rocky beach habitat, Ssed on the development of visible functions such as the presence tMiment sites for primary producers, roosting sites for birds, presence ertebrate anima^pi rocks, under rocks, and in sediments under and surrounding rocks. A fative assessraig^Df some of the intended functions of the intertidal rocky beach habitat and swelling o^^^^S particles, su^^^^^S such as^^mow casing qual^ffive assessments of iSnanent and stabl Q ^^^^onsidering the inaccessibility of the habitat to the Biologist. If this is the ^^^^^ habitat could still be assessed without access, and may be the only reasonable parameter to monitor. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Professlond Teaou for CootpUx ProjecU March 2004 57 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT Habitat monitoring m the southern coastal salt marsh areas will include both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative monitoring will be conducted to determine initial survival rates of container plants, plant species diversity and visual evidence of use of the revegetated area by wildlife species. Percent cover of native and non-native species planted on the j^oject site will also be estimated by visual estimates during the first two years after project installation. Quantitative monitoring will be conducted during years threethroifn;h five to determine native and non-native plant species cover onsite. The following meffiodology for measurmg jtab^shed series of 10 one-meter square quadrats will be placed over th^^^^pn in alternatingTashion every other meter along the transect line. Percent cover of all^^^^^^^esent and bare ground will be estimated to the nearest five percent cover (species® the one to five percent cover range will be estimated to the nearest one percent cover). Tmns^^will be^^^Sotumented at the time quantitative cover will be used: Three permanent 20-n^fer long^Aect liri^ randomly within the southern coastal salt marsh habitat. Alo^pach of the trahl^ imary) [so be esSHished to document the [information^thered and representative of data collection. Permanent photo loca| development of the habitat over time. A photos will be presented in annual r^poifs. Ifthe habitat develops sufficientl\^mtet th^stablishe^ve-year success criteria before the end of the five-year maintenance moni^&ig P^^M quantitative measurements will be discontinue^to avoid u^^^^ry traii^^^^^^ southern coastal salt marsh habitat. Qualitat^^^^toring^^^^^ue, ho^^^^^ml the five-year maintenance and monitoring period i^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^c^,'!^^^^ accepted and signed-off by the regulatory agencies. Site F - CoastallSae^fetub Creiti'oii Habit^^ionitoring in^^^-^^^an coastal sage scrub habitat will include qualitative and quamtative assessmen^^^Mitative monitoring will be conducted by a qualified biologist (as by the City oOTadsbad and the resource agencies) and consist of a general site walkover laracterization QTOe revegetation planting. General observations, such as health of planted catering, and drought stress will be noted. Revegetation plantings will be ly estimate percentage of cover, species mortality, species composition, seedling recmtmeprf^d soil, weed and pest problems. Maintenance needs will be recorded and submitted to the installation/maintenance contractor and the City for appropriate action subsequent to each survey. DUDEK |& ASSOCIATES, INC. Profesdond Teaau for CompUx ProjecU MarCll 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Pian 2798-13 58 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT To augment qualitative data collection, more precise data will be collected and analyzed by a qualified biologist to document and evaluate the progress of the revegetation program toward meeting habitat goals. At year three, or before, three permanent transect sampling locations will be established at appropriate representative locations withm the revegetation area<|Quantitative transect data will be collected along each of these transects in years threjlhrough'five. Transects will be 25 meters long, and sampling will utilize the pomt-in^ercept niethodat 0.5 meter intervals along each transect. Consistent sampling techniques will'^fee^used tlirpughout the monitoring icu&entation stations process to ensure accuracy in comparative analysis. Pemanent ph^^^ ^ will be established along each transect to record the Kg^^ss o^e^'reveget^^^^gra^ind plant establishment over the five-year monitoring pe^od. X'cgetation sampli^^gps^ill be analyzed and included in annual monitoring reports, c^^^m^ow. California gnatcatcher presence/absence surveys shal^e conducted by a qualified, permitted biologist annually beginning two years after p^^^^^ationNSurveys shall be conducted in accordance with the USFWS currently ^^cep^fe^^^^^ol for U^p^ecies, with a maximum of three surveys per year. Surveys will be^^^te^^^^^^^#-year monitoring period or until gnatcatcher use of the Diegan coas® sage scrub Mp^^^^ion site is observed. / / Sewer Alignment Restoration^ea Qualitative beach, monitor pnitoringwiuAi igan^ii s will consist of a ^^Siite^walkd health of planteast^e'ciesisigns o be exami seedlinrfecruitment only foim of m^^Mng for intertidal mudflat, intertidal rocky e scrub^^t^on planted on the crib walls. Qualitative ;o those methods proposed for the creation areas and shall acterization of the revegetation planting to determine ^patering, and drought stress. Revegetation plantings will ate p^entage of cover, species mortality, species composition, :ed and pest problems. Maintenance needs will be recorded and maintenance contractor and the City for appropriate action y.^All vegetation sampling results will be analyzed and included in ts, discussed below. Rve monitoring will be conducted for the habitats along the seaward side of ^potential habitat type conversion due to the construction of the seawall and consequent changes to the wave energy dissipation. If type conversion is observed along the seawall, then the City will need to consult with the resource agencies to determine if amendments to the permits and appropriate mitigation are required. DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Professland Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 59 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PIAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT Both qualitative and quantitative monitoring will be conducted for Diegan coastal sage scrub vegetation planted on the cut slopes and along the temporary construction corridor, and southern coastal salt marsh vegetation planted along the temporary construction corridor. Revegetated Diegan coastal sage scrub areas along the temporaiy con^tructioj^orridor will be patchy, due to the varied topography along the north shore p|^g^^ He^idhda^Lagoon, and may not be large enough to place 25-meter permanent monipoHng transects. ThcTcfore, transej:t lengths shall be adjusted to fit within the Diegan coasmsage scr^^el^^^^^areas, ^lye permanent monitoring transects will be established in a the revegetation areas at or before year three of the fiv^ transect data will be collected along each of these trans sampling will utilize the point-intercept method at Consistent sampling techniques will be used throuflTout I lropriate^fesentat^'V^^aCibns*^^thin ^^^ptoring progr^^^mntitative :ears three through H^. Transect torvals along each transect, ^ring process to ensure tetis will be established etei randomi^^i shall be est total percent nearest develo accuracy in comparative analysis. Permanent photo^documentat. . along each transect to record the progress ol^ihc icycgetatiuii p-i >/Knn and plant establishment over the five-year monitoring period, ^ \^"'^'* • • For southern coastal salt marsh hab^^^uadra^easurei^ii^^^ of transects, shall be used to quantify plant cover. At y^^hree, ^pefore, t^quadrats shall be placed randomly throughout the southern coasta^^marsl^^getat^p.reas along the temporary construction corridor. The location of ^^^^o^ ^^^^^^^^^^^"^^^^^^^^^^"^ ^ yearly basis. For each of the 10.,^f^&)Qa ^ one^^^^^are quadrat shall be placed at the identified the su^^^^^telative percent cover of individual species and bare ground ^'^^^^^'^^^^^^^''^^ ^^^^ percent for the herbaceous layer. The e pla^^^^Snative plants and bare ground will be quantified to the Perman^ffi^ photo locations will also be established to document the ime. 6f^ f MonitoriM Schedule monthly during the 120-day plant establishment period, and quarterly for ipletion of the installation and the initial 120-day maintenance period. The resrcu^LjIfin^rr^rt shall be assessed in fall following planting to determine mortality of individuals, initial success of the erosion seeding and functioning of the irrigation system. Thereafter, the site will be monitored four times per year for five years, with monitoring reports submitted quarterly and annual reports submitted at year end. Qualitative monitoring will be conducted during each DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Profesdond Teamu for CootpUx ProjecU March 2004 60 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTH AGLA HEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT site visit through the five-year monitoring period. Quantitative transect data collection will be collected m the spring of Years three through five. 6.4 Annual Reports y!}; An annual report outlining the results of the habitat monit^jing wiU€eiubmitted to the City, RWQCB, ACQE, CCC, USFWS and CDFG at the begii^ggl^f each^^^^^annual reports will describe the existing conditions of the project site d|rived from aUalitl^Md^P^ and quantitative data to provide a comparison of anrg^succ^s^riteria wit^^^^nditions, identify all shortcomings of the restoration plan, and ^^^§nd remedial m^^kstfiecessary for the successful completion of the restoration pro]&t. Each yearly report will provide a summary of the accumulated data. Annual reports also^^^uto^^the following: • a list of names, titles, and companies ^dl'persons wh5^^|pcl the content of the annual report and participated in m^^^^^^^tes; \ • a copy of the resource agency permi^^^y s^^^^gk^|^nd any subsequent letters of modification; / • prints of biological monitormg^otog^hs; • maps identifying monitijnn|^ areas^lanting^ones, and weed removal areas as appropriate. The final-fifth'-year mori^mgreport shaflliffilBde a vegetation map of the project site depicting the confi'g^^^^^ ext^^f^he w^land and upland vegetation communities across the site. The final re^^^^^^ude r^^^^^^^tions for long-term maintenance activities and identify shortcomings.^^^^^^that^^^quire ongoing attention by the long-term management entity, ai^^dj succes' ittecitp the city and resource agency personnel for evaluation of project COMPLETON OF MITIGATION ^ll^li^^^Notifi^^ of Completion \\^rfSoiiitoiing data collected at the site indicate that the project has met performance criteria, the City will notify the resource agencies upon submitting the annual report. Al native wetland communities established onsite will not have been irrigated for a minimum of two years before successful revegetation is considered to have been achieved. DUDEK \&L ASSOCIATES, INC. | —— Professlond Teamu for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 61 DRArT CONCCPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTn AGLA IIEDIONPA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT 7.2 Regulatory Agency Confirmation and Site Turnover Prior to final acceptance of the mitigation site, a wetland delineation may be conducted to verify that j urisdictional wetland habitat has indeed been created by the mitigation effc^tat Site A. The wetland delineation report may be submitted to the ACQE for review^d^app^oval prior to final sign-off. Following receipt of the final annual monitoring report-Wdlhe notification of completion, representatives from the City, RWQCB, AC0E^i€CC, USFWS and CDFC.i ma\'vi0 the NAHI mitigation site to confirm the completion of the^mitigation^fort and com; -lianccOTh all permit conditions. \ 7.3 Contingency Measures If the final success criteria are not met, the City will prepare^an ^^^js of the cause(s) of failure(s) and, it determined to be necessary by^^^^patgry agend^^ppose a remedial action for approval. If the revegetation site has4iot-<met .tlie^peiforr^^e criterion, the Cit/s maintenance and monitoring obligationsjiMinue uffiUhc fijiai [;J ^ct confirmation is obtained. 8.0 SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY Atkinson, Philip W. 2003 Tiusfi\)i Qrnith CalEPPC.^§99. frhe^CalFPrn 'we Recre Nunni' tertidal Habitats for Shorebirds^ British Norfolk, U.K. Bulletin 100, pp. 67-71. Qc tobcfS12pp,'r7u.^ ^fl^Cf^ iiVi!.* J^*\- ^ ^J^^ JSb^ Califorr^^mtural '#)ivision, Califo ic Pest Plants of Greatest Ecological Concern in California. tabase (CNDDB). 2003. Unpublished Report, Natural F4eritage tment of Fish and Game, Sacramento, California. April to May. Hlk & Associates, J^. 2003. Mitigation Feasibility Analysis - North Shore of Agua Hedionda ('"Pit _ Lagoon - City^^arlsbad, California. City of Carlsbad, California. '''luJKam^A^^Mitchel. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater River ^^^National City, CA. Bossard, C, J. Randall, and M. Fioshovsky Ed. 2000. Invasive Plants of California's Wildlands. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. IDUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Professlond Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 62 DRAET CONCEPTLAL HABITAT REVEGETATION PLAN NORTII AGLA IIEDIONDA SEWER - WESTERN SEGMENT Brinson, M.M., Richard D. Rhemhardt, F. Richard Haeur, Lyndon C. Lee, Wade L. Nutter, R. Daniel Smith, Dennis Whigham. 1995. A Guidebook for Application of Hydrogeomorphc Assessments to Wetlands. US Army Corps of Engineers, Wetlands Research Program Techmcal Report WRP-DE-11. Cooke, S.S. 1996. Wetland and Buffer Fimctions Semi-^tmntitpive Assessment Methodology. Draft User's Manual. Cooke Scientific Services, Seattle, Washington. Department of Environmental Protection, Maine. Hot^Dated^Lmertidan^abitats. Available: www.maine.gQv/dep/blwq/vollpt2.pdf. Accels&T.ebjtijIry 25, 2004^-,^ Hickman lames C. 1993. The Jepson Manual. Universityof Califomia Press, Berkeley, CA. \ ' , ^^^^^^^^ Holland, R.F. 1986. Preliminary Descriptio^of^^^Terre^^l^lral Communities of California. Nongame-Heritage Prograni#lif^ma Departrnmf'of Fish and Came. V - ' ^'^ ' ' /r Neckles, Hilary A., Dionne, Michele, Burcfick, David M ."Roman, Charles T., Buchsbaum, Robert, and Hutchins, Eric. 2002. /^0onitori^Protocol t^Aisess Tidal Restoration of Sal Marshes on Local and Regional Scales! Ke&toratidn Ecolog)^ol. 10 No. 3, pp. 556-563. Pacific Estuarine Research Laboratory. 1996My\4^fl for Assessing Restored and Natural Coastal ^ms%with Ex^^^^ South^^^iprnia. Biology Department, San Diego State Zedler, Joy. Diegt sh Resthr^^^A Guidebook for Southern California. Second Draft. San nivoibit) '"^^ \ DUDEK & ASSOCIATES, INC. North Agua Hedionda - Draft Conceptual Habitat Revegetation Plan 2798-13 Professlond Teams for CompUx ProjecU March 2004 63