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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3583; Cannon Road Lift Station; Cannon Road Lift Station Biological Survey; 2001-01-02LUU January 2, 2001 Ms. Lanaya Voelz C n > •*. Camp Dresser & McKee U '/<-j 1925 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 300 Carlsbad, California 92008 Reference: Results of Biological Survey for Cannon Road Lift Station (RECON Number 3416B) 1927 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92101-2358 619 / 308-9333 fax 308-9334 Dear Ms. Voelz: RECON conducted a biological survey of six of the seven alternatives associated with the Cannon Road Lift Station project in the city of Carlsbad (Figure 1). Alternative 6 is not addressed in this report because it is not a feasible alternative due to its proximity to daycare facilities. The survey area lies south of El Camino Real adjacent to an unpaved section of Cannon Road (Figure 2). This biological constraints letter provides information and limitations to conducting work on and around the six feasible alternatives. Assessments are based on the draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP) for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (City of Carlsbad 1999), which is currently in the process of being approved by regulatory agencies and adopted by the City. If this document is not approved as currently published or is not adopted by the City, the required mitigation recommended in this document may have to be revised. Survey Methods RECON biologist Jennifer Hodge surveyed a 250-foot-wide corridor east of Cannon Road surrounding five alternative sites on September 26, 2000. Ms. Hodge surveyed the area surrounding Alternative 7 on November 7,2000. The vegetation communities were mapped and a list of floral and faunal species observed was recorded. Vegetation was mapped on a one inch equals 200 feet color aerial photograph overlaid with the project alternatives provided by the client in a digital format. A search for sensitive plants that would have been apparent at the time of the survey was conducted in conjunction with the vegetation mapping. Wildlife species were observed directly or detected from calls, tracks, scat, nests, or other sign. Floral nomenclature follows Hickman (1993), while plant community classifications follow the California Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) system (State of California 1997b and Holland 1986), with modifications as necessary. Zoological nomenclature for birds is in accordance with the American Ornithologists' Union Checklist (1998); for mammals, Jones et al. (1982); and for amphibians and reptiles, Collins (1997). Assessments of the sensitivity of species and habitats are based primarily on City of Carlsbad (1999), State of California (2000a, 2000b), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (1997), Skinner and Pavlik (1994), and Holland (1986). Soils Five soil types are located in the survey area: Reiff fine sandy loam, Gaviota fine sandy loam, Salinas clay loam, tidal flats, and terrace escarpments (U.S. Department of Agriculture 1973). The fine sandy loam soils (Reiff and Gaviota soil series) are the prominent soil type found in the survey area. The Salinas clay loam is found primarily in the central and southeast portions of the survey area. The tidal flats are located in the southern portion of the survey area. A small section of terrace escarpment is in the northeast corner of the survey area. Survey Results Five native plant communities were classified within the survey area: coastal sage scrub, southern coastal salt marsh, mule fat scrub, southern willow scrub, and freshwater marsh. Also, disturbed OCEANSIDE SAN MARCOS PROJECT LOCATION CARLSBAD ENCINITAS t 0 MILES 2 M:jobs\3416b\grapliics\regional.cdr FIGURE 1 Regional Location of the Project PROJECT LOCATION 0 Map Source: U.S.GS. 7.5 Minute topographic maps, San Luis Rey and Encinitas quadrangles t 0 FEET 2000 4000 FIGURE 2 Project Vicinity R-3416B Ms. Lanaya Voelz Page 2 January 2, 2001 areas were mapped. Figure 3 illustrates the plant communities mapped in the survey area. Table 1 presents the plant species observed during the survey. The coastal sage scrub within the survey area is dominated by California sagebrush (A rtemisia californicd) and contains associated species such as California buckwheat (Eriogonumfasciculatum), shore cactus (Opuntia littoralis), and lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia). Areas of disturbed coastal sage scrub were mapped to indicate areas of the native habitat that have been invaded by weeds such as black mustard (Brassica nigra). These patches are primarily found adjacent to roads and other disturbed areas. A small area of revegetated coastal sage scrub located above the desilting basin is also mapped as disturbed coastal sage scrub. The southern coastal salt marsh identified on-site consists of low-growing, salt-tolerant plant species, such as pickleweed (Salicornia sp.), arrow-leaf saltbush (Atriplex patula ssp. hastata), and alkali heath (Frankenia salind). Mule fat scrub is a community that consists of a uniform stand of mule fat (Baccharis salicifolia). Mule fat scrub is found in the depression area where Alternative 5 is located. Groundcover species beneath the mule fat scrub and in the surrounding disturbed habitat include non-native grasses, such as wild oats (Avena sp.) and brome grasses (Bromus spp.). An isolated patch of southern willow scrub is within the Alternative 4 and 5 survey areas. This southern willow scrub consists of a few mature arroyo willow trees (Salix lasiolepis). Adjacent to the southern willow scrub in the Alternative 4 survey area lies a thin band of freshwater marsh at the base of the slope. The freshwater marsh consists of a patch of cattails (Typha sp.) that thins out into a line of emergent vegetation and spiny rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii). Spiny rush is a sensitive plant species and is discussed below. Disturbed areas in the survey area include dirt roads, the desilting basin, and graded housing pads. Alternative 3 is located within a graded pad behind a block wall. The native habitats in the survey area support a variety of wildlife species. Wildlife species observed during the survey are listed on Table 2. Sensitivity Criteria For purposes of this report, species will be considered sensitive if they are (1) listed or proposed for listing by state or federal agencies as threatened or endangered; (2) on List IB (considered endangered throughout its range) or List 2 (considered endangered in California but more common elsewhere) of the California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (Skinner and Pavlik 1994); (3) included on the City of Carlsbad draft HMP or Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) list of species evaluated for coverage or list of narrow endemic plant species; or (4) considered rare, endangered, or threatened by the NDDB (State of California 1997a, 1997b, 2000a, 2000b) or other local conservation organizations or specialists. Noteworthy plant species are considered those that are on List 3 (more information about the plant's distribution and rarity needed) and List 4 (plants of limited distribution) of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory. Sensitive habitat types are those identified by the HMP (City of Carlsbad 1999), NDDB (Holland 1986), or considered sensitive by other resource agencies. The MHCP is a habitat conservation plan currently being drafted for the northern subregion of San Diego County (San Diego Association of Governments 1998). The City of Carlsbad has drafted the Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad, a subarea plan of the MHCP (City of Carlsbad 1999). The HMP designates a natural habitat preserve system and provides t Project boundary Disturbed area •U^—F^ Feet 350 Vegetation Communities HBBI Southern willow scrub BBE9H Freshwater marsh | Southern coastal salt marsh | Coastal sage scrub | Disturbed coastal sage scrub FIGURE 3 Existing Vegetation Communities M:\jobs\3416b\j>is\biolec.apr\Fig3(veg) - final 12/21/00 TABLE 1 PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin Anagallis arvensis L. Artemisia californica Less. Atriplex patula var. hastata Atriplex semibaccata R.Br. Avena sp. Baccharis pilularis DC. Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz Lopez & Pavon) Pers. Brassica nigra (L.) Koch. Bromus hordaceus L. Bromus madritensis L. ssp. rubens (L.) Husnot Carex sp. Chenopodium sp. Convolvulus arvensis L. Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. Cortaderia sp. Distichlis spicata (L.) E. Greene Eriogonutn fasciculatum Benth. \ar.fasciculatum Eschscholzia californica Cham. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Frankenia salina (Molina) I.M. Johnston Heliotropium curassavicum L. Hemizonia fasciculata (DC.) Torrey & A. Gray Isocoma menziesii (Hook. & Am.) G. Nesom Jaumea carnosa (Less.) A. Gray Juncus acutus L. ssp. leopoldii (Pad.) Snog. Lactuca serriola L. Malvella leprosa (Ortega) Krapov. Melilotus alba Medikus Nicotiana glauca Grah. Opuntia littoralis (Engelm.) Cockerell. Phacelia ramosissima Lehm. Picris echioides L. Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. Rhus integrifolia (Nutt.) Brewer & Watson Scarlet pimpernel, poor-man's weatherglass DIS California sagebrush CSS, DCSS Arrow-leaf saltbush SM Australian saltbush DIS Wild oats DIS Coyote bush DIS, CSS Mule fat, seep-willow MFS Black mustard DIS, DCSS Smooth brome DIS Foxtail chess DIS Sedge FM Goosefoot DIS Bindweed, orchard morning-glory DIS, CSS Horseweed DIS Pampas grass DIS, MFS Saltgrass DIS, SM California buckwheat CSS California poppy DCSS Fennel DIS, DCSS Alkali heath SM Chinese pusley DIS Golden tarplant DIS Coast goldenbush MFS, DCSS Jaumea SM Spiny rush SM Prickly lettuce DIS Alkali-mallow, whiteweed SM White sweet clover DIS Tree tobacco DIS Shore cactus CSS Shrubby phacelia DCSS Bristly ox-tongue DIS Annual beard grass FM Lemonadeberry CSS I N I I N N N I I I N I I N I N N N I N N N N N N I N I I N N I I N TABLE 1 PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED (continued) Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin Rumex crispus L. Salicornia sp Salix gooddingii C. Ball. Salix lasiolepis Benth. Salsola tragus L. Sambucus mexicana C. Presl Sisymbrium orientate L. Stephanomeria virgata (Benth.) ssp. virgata Tamarix sp. Taraxacum officionale Typha sp. Xanthium strumarium L. Curly dock Pickleweed Goodding's black willow Arroyo willow Russian thistle, tumbleweed Blue elderberry Mustard Slender Stephanomeria Tamarisk Dandelion Cattail Cocklebur DIS, MFS SM MFS SWS, MFS DIS DCSS DIS DIS, MFS DIS, MFS DIS FM DIS, MFS I N N N I N I N I I N N HABITATS OTHER TERMS CSS = Coastal sage scrub DCSS= Disturbed coastal sage scrub DIS = Disturbed FM = Freshwater marsh MFS = Mule fat scrub SM = Saltwater marsh SWS = Southern willow scrub N = Native to locality I = Introduced species from outside locality TABLE 2 WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED/DETECTED Common Name Scientific Name Occupied Habitat Status Evidence of Occurrence Invertebrates (Nomenclature from Mattoni 1990 and Opler and Wright 1999) Behr's metalmark Pigmy blue Apodemia mormo virgulti Brephidium exilis ; (Nomenclature from American Ornithologists' Union) Great blue heron American kestrel Anna's hummingbird Black phoebe Bushtit Wrentit Coastal California gnatcatcher House finch Common yellowthroat Spotted towhee California towhee Ardea herodias herodias Falco sparverius Calypte anna Sayornis nigricans semiatra Psaltriparus minimus minimus Chamaea fasciata henshawi Polioptila californica californica Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis GeoMypis trichas Pipilo maculatus Pipilo crissalis CSS DIS F F CSS SM MFS CSS CSS CSS MFS CSS CSS FT,CSC, HMP Mammals (Nomenclature from Jones et al. 1982) O O O O O O O O V O O O O Cottontail rabbit Sylvilagus audubonii Habitats Status CSS = Coastal sage scrub D = Disturbed MFS = Mule fat scrub SM = Southern coastal salt marsh FC = Federal candidate for listing (taxa for which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support proposals to list as endangered or threatened; development and publication of proposed rules for these taxa are anticipated) FT = Listed as threatened by the federal government * = Taxa listed with an asterisk fall into one or more of the following categories: • Taxa considered endangered or rare under Section 15380(d) of CEQA guidelines TABLE 2 WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED/DETECTED (continued) Evidence of Occurrence S = Scat F = Flying overhead V = Vocalizations O = Observed CSC = • Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, or declining throughout their range • Population(s) in California that may be peripheral to the major portion of a taxon's range, but which are threatened with extirpation within California • Taxa closely associated with a habitat that is declining in California at an alarming rate (e.g., wetlands, riparian, old growth forests, desert aquatic systems, native grasslands) California Department of Fish and Game species of special concern HMP = Draft Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad Ms. Lanaya Voelz Page 3 January 2, 2001 a regulatory framework for determining impacts and designating mitigation associated with proposed projects. The MHCP draft document identifies a series of focused planning areas within which some lands will be dedicated for preservation of native habitats. These preserve areas contain both "hard line" areas that will be preserved as open space and "soft line" areas that will include both development and open space to be determined through the planning process. Mitigation requirements for impacts to the biological resources are provided in the HMP (City of Carlsbad 1999). This document is currently in the process of being approved by regulatory agencies and adopted by the City. If this document is not approved as currently published or is not adopted by the City, all projects with proposed impacts will need to conform to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and may be required to obtain a Section 10(a)(l)(A) or Section 7 permit from the USFWS. Assessments for the potential occurrence of sensitive or noteworthy species are based upon known ranges and habitat preferences for the species (State of California 1990; Skinner and Pavlik 1994; Reiser 1994), species occurrence records from the NDDB, and species occurrence records from other sites in the vicinity of the project site. Sensitive Biological Resources The survey area is located outside the preserve system identified in the draft HMP. Therefore, the survey area is not considered part of a significant biological resource area. Coastal sage scrub is a sensitive upland habitat type according to the HMP and should be avoided, if feasible. Impacts to all wetland communities would be considered significant and require mitigation. Disturbed areas are not considered sensitive. There are wetland areas within the survey area that may fall under the jurisdiction of California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE). A wetland delineation to identify potential jurisdictional waters of the U.S. within the construction corridor is recommended if Alternatives 4 or 5 are chosen. Alternatives 1, 2, 3, and 6 would not require a wetland delineation. As stated in the HMP, analysis of proposed impacts to wetlands consists of a three-step process. First, impacts to wetlands must prove unavoidable. For unavoidable impacts, the allowable encroachment must be determined. Impacts must be minimized to the maximum extent practicable. Lastly, mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts will be determined by the appropriate agencies. One sensitive plant species was identified on the site, spiny rush. Spiny rush is a CNPS List 4 plant species. This species was found within a swale on the east side of the dirt road adjacent to the southern coastal salt marsh habitat at Alternative 4. Spiny rush is also located within the freshwater marsh at Alternative 4. A coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica califomica), a federally listed threatened species, was heard calling from the slopes adjacent to Alternatives 1,4, and 7. No sensitive wildlife species were identified directly on the site, but there is a potential for them to occur within the survey corridor. Potential Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures Potential project impacts were assessed by examining the building footprint at each alternative and allowing for construction activities. Biological impacts for the project were assessed according to guidelines set forth in the HMP and CEQA. Mitigation is required for impacts that are considered significant under HMP guidelines or CEQA. Mitigation may be in the form of avoidance, replacement, payment of fees into a mitigation bank, or other appropriate measures. Mitigation ratios Ms. Lanaya Voelz Page 4 January 2, 2001 generally required for impacts to the plant communities and habitats on-site are summarized below in Table 3. Mitigation ratios designated in the HMP are 2:1 for occupied coastal sage scrub habitat and 1:1 for coastal sage scrub not occupied by the coastal California gnatcatcher. Surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher are recommended if work activities occur within or adjacent to coastal sage scrub habitat. To avoid impacts to nesting coastal California gnatcatchers, brushing of habitat during the breeding season of March 1 to August 15 should be avoided. If this is not feasible, clearing of coastal California gnatcatcher habitat (i.e., coastal sage scrub) should not be conducted without the presence of a qualified biological monitor. A preconstruction survey should be conducted to identify the coastal California gnatcatcher territories adjacent to the work area. If coastal California gnatcatchers are present within 500 feet of the work area, construction should cease for the remainder of the breeding season unless a qualified acoustician can demonstrate that, with or without the implementation of noise attenuation measures, construction noise levels will not exceed 60 decibels. If the jurisdictional areas (i.e., wetlands) in Alternatives 4 or 5 must be impacted, mitigation measures are required. In addition, a Section 404 permit and 401 state water quality certification under the Clean Water Act and a Streambed Alteration Agreement (Section 1600 of the Fish and Game Code) must be obtained prior to any impacts to jurisdictional areas. TABLE 3 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION RATIOS Plant Community Mitigation Ratio Coastal sage scrub (occupied/unoccupied) 2:1/1:1 Freshwater marsh 2:1 Southern willow scrub 3:1 Southern coastal salt marsh 4:1 Mule fat scrub 3:1 Disturbed areas N/A Following is a brief discussion of the potential impacts for each of the five alternatives. Once an alternative is chosen, a full biological technical report should be prepared. Alternative 1: Photograph 1 shows the slope where Alternative 1 is located. Impacts to disturbed coastal sage scrub would occur if the lift station were built at this location. These impacts would be considered significant. Surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher are recommended. Alternative 2: Impacts to disturbed areas within a desilting basin (Photograph 2) would occur if the lift station were built at this location. The desilting basin was designed to collect runoff, allow for silt to settle out, and discharge the runoff. Cattails (Typha sp.) which infiltrate the basin will be continually removed. It is RECON's understanding that freshwater marsh habitat will not be allowed to establish at this site. A small amount of the revegetated (disturbed) coastal sage scrub habitat would also be impacted. This revegetated area is relatively new and is not considered potential coastal California gnatcatcher habitat at this time. No mitigation would be required if this alternative were chosen. : "' PHOTOGRAPH 1 Alternative 1 Survey Area PHOTOGRAPH 2 Desilting Basin • R-3416B Ms. Lanaya Voelz PageS January 2, 2001 Alternative 3: As shown in Photograph 3, the entire survey area adjacent to Alternative 3 consists of graded lands. No biological impacts would occur at this location. No mitigation would be required if this alternative were chosen. Alternative 4: The survey area surrounding Alternative 4 supports southern coastal salt marsh, southern willow scrub, freshwater marsh, and coastal sage scrub habitat. An overview of this area is shown in Photograph 4. One sensitive plant species, spiny rush, was observed at this location. Each of these impacts would be considered significant and require mitigation. A wetland delineation has been conducted for this area in association with the South Agua Hedionda Sewer Interceptor System (RECON 1999). This document would be reviewed to determine USAGE and CDFG jurisdiction if this alternative were chosen. Protocol surveys for the federally listed threatened coastal California gnatcatcher are recommended for this survey area. Alternative 5: The Alternative 5 survey area contains mule fat scrub, southern willow scrub, coastal sage scrub, and disturbed areas (Photograph 5). A wetland delineation would be required prior to impacting this site to define the limits of jurisdictional areas. Alternative 7: The area surrounding Alternative 7 supports coastal sage scrub, disturbed coastal sage scrub, and disturbed areas. Disturbed areas include graded areas and dirt roads used to access the towers in the area. The majority of the habitat surrounding this alternative is disturbed coastal sage scrub. The footprint of the building overlays an area classified as disturbed because of the prevalence of bare ground and weed species, such as tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), black mustard, and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.). Impacts to disturbed areas would not be considered significant. Care should be taken to avoid the disturbed coastal sage scrub that is found within 15 feet of the proposed building site. Due to the proximity of the potential coastal California gnatcatcher habitat, protocol surveys for the federally listed threatened species are recommended. If you have any questions about the results of this survey, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Jennifer J. Hodge Biologist JJH:smk References Cited American Ornithologists' Union 1998 Check-list of North American Birds. 7th ed. Washington, D.C. California, State of 1990 California's Wildlife: Birds. Department of Fish and Game. November. 1997a State and Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game. Revised April 1. 1997b Natural Diversity Data Base. Nongame-Heritage Program, Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. 2000a Special Animals. Natural Diversity Data Base. Department of Fish and Game. July 2000b Special Plants List. Natural Diversity Data Base. Department of Fish and Game. July. R-34I6B PHOTOGRAPH 3 Alternative 3 Survey Area PHOTOGRAPH 4 Alternative 4 Survey Area PHOTOGRAPH 5 Alternative 5 Survey Area R-3416B Ms. Lanaya Voelz Page 6 January 2, 2001 Carlsbad, City of 1999 Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. December. Collins, Joseph T. 1997 Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Reptiles. 4th ed. Herpetological Circular No. 25. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Department of Zoology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Hickman, J. C. (editor) 1993 The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles. Holland, R. F. 1986 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. October. Jones, J. K., D. C. Carter, H. H. Genoways, R. S. Hoffman, and D. W. Rice 1982 Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers of the Museum, Texas Tech University 80:1-22. Mattoni, R. 1990 Butterflies of Greater Los Angeles. The Center for the Conservation of Biodiversity/Lepidoptera Research Foundation, Inc. Beverly Hills, CA. Opler, P. A., and A. B. Wright 1999 A Field Guide to Western Butterflies. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. RECON 1999 Wetland Delineation for Agua Hedionda Sewer Project. Prepared for Carlsbad Municipal Water District. April. Reiser, C. H. 1994 Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press, Imperial Beach, California. San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) 1998 The Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) Consultants' Working Draft. June. Skinner, M. W., and B. M. Pavlik 1994 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. California Native Plant Society Special Publication No. 1, 5th edition. Sacramento. U.S. Department of Agriculture 1973 Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California. Edited by R. H. Bowman. Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service. December. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1997 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Review of Plant and Animal Taxa that are Candidates or Proposed for Listing as Endangered or Threatened, Annual Notice of Findings on Recycled Petitions, and Annual Description of Progress of Listing Actions. Federal Register 62(182). September 19. 50 CFR 17. B November 13,2000 Ms. Lanaya Voelz Camp, Dresser, and McKee 1925 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 300 Carlsbad, CA 92008 00 NOV I k PH 2-' Ut COM Reference: Results of Biological Survey for Cannon Road Lift Station Alternative 7 (RECON Number 3416B) 1927 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92101-2358 619 / 308-9333 fax 308-9334 Dear Ms. Voelz: As requested, a biological survey of Alternative 7 of the Cannon Road Lift Station project has been conducted. The results of this survey are summarized below. We understand the letter report dated October 18 will neer! to be revised .once the City revisions are provded. During the revision process, the survey results for Alternative 7 will be incorporated into the final letter. Please note that the freshwater marsh habitat in the detention basin (Alternative 2) will be changed to reflect the removal of the vegetation by the City and will also be presented in the final letter report. RECON biologist Jennifer Hodge surveyed the area surrounding Alternative 7 on November 7,2000. Vegetation was mapped on a one inch equals 200 feet color aerial photograph overlaid with the project alternative provided by the client in a digital format. The vegetation map for the survey area is provided as Figure 1. The area surrounding Alternative 7 supports coastal sage scrub, disturbed coastal sage scrub, and disturbed areas. Disturbed areas include graded areas and dirt roads used to access the towers on-site. The majority of the habitat has been classified as disturbed coastal sage scrub. This community is dominated by California sagebrush (Artemisia califomica) and other native shrubs, but is considered a lower quality habitat due to the presence of black mustard. The higher quality coastal sage scrub within the survey area is free of weed species and is found on the east-facing slope. The footprint of the building overlays an area classified as disturbed because of the prevalence of bare ground and weed species, such as tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca), black mustard (Brassica nigrd), and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). As mentioned in the letter report, coastal sage scrub (disturbed and undisturbed) is a sensitive upland habitat type according to the draft Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the city of Carlsbad (1999) arid should be avoided, if feasible. Disturbed areas are not considered sensitive. No sensitive plant or wildlife species were identified in the area surrounding Alternative 7. There is a moderate potential for the federally listed threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica califomica) to use the coastal sage scrub habitat adjacent to Alternative 7. Impacts to disturbed areas will occur if Alternative 7 is chosen. These impacts are considered less than significant and do not require mitigation. Depending upon the final project footprint and construction requirements, impacts to disturbed coastal sage scrub may occur because this community is found within 15 feet of the building site. Mitigation ratios for impacts to coastal sage scrub range from 1:1 to 2:1, depending upon if the coastal California gnatcatcher is detected using the habitat. A focused survey for the coastal California gnatcatcher is recommended for all alternatives with the potential to impact coastal sage scrub habitat. Ms. Lanaya Voelz Page 2 November 13, 2000 Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding this survey. Sincerely, $ Jennifer J. Hodge Biologist JJH:sh Reference Cited Carlsbad, City of 1999 Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. December. t Project boundary Disturbed area 0 Feet 150 Vegetation Communities mg| Southern willow scrub I Freshwater marsh I Southern coastal salt marsh | Coastal sage scrub | Disturbed coastal sage scrub FIGURE 1 Vegetation Communities at Alternative 7 M:\jobu\3416b\gis\blolec.oprtfig I - Una) 11/09/00 1 J October 18,2000 Ms. Lanaya Voelz Camp, Dresser, and McKee 1925 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 300 Carlsbad, California 92008 RECEIVED 00 OCT 18 PH COM Reference: Results of Biological Survey for Cannon Road Lift Station (RECON Number 3416B) 1927 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92101-2358 619 / 308-9333 fax 308-9334 Dear Ms. Voelz: RECON conducted a biological survey of the five alternatives associated with the Cannon Road Lift Station project in the city of Carlsbad (Figure 1). The survey area lies south of El Camino Real adjacent to an unpaved section of Cannon Road (Figure 2). This biological constraints letter provides information and limitations to conducting work on and around the five alternatives. Assessments are based on the draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP) for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (City of Carlsbad 1999), which is currently in the process of being approved by regulatory agencies and adopted by the City. If this document is not approved as currently published or is not adopted by the City, the required mitigation recommended in this document may have to be revised. Survey Methods RECON biologist Jennifer Hodge surveyed a 250-foot wide corridor east of Cannon Road surrounding the five alternative sites on September 26,2000. The vegetation communities were mapped and a list of floral and faunal species observed was recorded. Vegetation was mapped on a one inch equals 200 feet color aerial photograph overlaid with the project alternatives provided by the client in a digital format. A search for sensitive plants that would have been apparent at the time of the survey was conducted in conjunction with the vegetation mapping. Wildlife species were observed directly or detected from calls, tracks, scat, nests, or other sign. Floral nomenclature follows Hickman (1993), while plant community classifications follow the California Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) system (State of California 1997b and Holland 1986), with modifications as necessary. Zoological nomenclature for birds is in accordance with the American Ornithologists' Union Checklist (1998); for mammals, Jones et al. (1982); and for amphibians and reptiles, Collins (1997). Assessments of the sensitivity of species and habitats are based primarily on City of Carlsbad (1999), State of California (2000a, 2000b), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (1997), Skinner and Pavlik (1994), and Holland (1986). Soils Five soil types are located in the survey area: Reiff fine sandy loam, Gaviota fine sandy loam, Salinas clay loam, tidal flats, and terrace escarpments (U.S. Department of Agriculture 1973). The fine sandy loam soils (Reiff and Gaviota soil series) are the prominent soil type found in the survey area. The Salinas clay loam is found primarily in the central and southeast portions of the survey area. The tidal flats are located in the southern portion of the survey area. A small section of terrace escarpment is in the northeast corner of the survey area. Survey Results Five native plant communities were classified within the survey area: coastal sage scrub, southern coastal salt marsh, mule fat scrub, southern willow scrub, and freshwater marsh. Also, disturbed areas were mapped. Figure 3 illustrates the plant communities mapped in the survey area. Table 1 presents the plant species observed during the survey. OCEANSIDE SAN MARCOS PROJECT LOCATION CARLSBAD ENCINITAS t 0 MILES 2 M:jobs\3416b\graphics\regional.cdr FIGURE 1 Regional Location of the Project PROJECT LOCATION Map Source: U.S.GS. 7.5 Minute topographic maps, San Luis Rey and Encinitas quadrangles t 0 FEET 2000 4000 FIGURE 2 Project Vicinity R-34I6B m t Project boundary Disturbed area •U-F^J^ Feet 350 Vegetation Communities BBH Southern willow scrub ] Mule fat scrub m Freshwater marsh j j Southern coastal salt marsh | Coastal sage scrub | Disturbed coastal sage scrub FIGURE 3 Existing Vegetation Communities M:\jobs\34 l6b\gis\biotec.aprtFig.!(veg) - final 10/16/01) TABLE 1 PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin Anagallis arvensis L. Artemisia californica Less. Atriplex patula var. hastata Atriplex semibaccata R.Br. Avena sp. Baccharis pilularis DC. Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz Lopez & Pavon) Pers. Brassica nigra (L.) Koch. Bromus hordaceus L. Bromus tnadritensis L. ssp. rubens (L.) Husnot Carex sp. Chenopodium sp. Convolvulus arvensis L. Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. Cortaderia sp. Distichlis spicata (L.) E. Greene Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. var. fasciculatum Eschscholzia californica Cham. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Frankenia salina (Molina) I.M. Johnston Heliotropium curassavicum L. Hemizoniafasciculata (DC.) Torrey & A. Gray Isocoma menziesii (Hook. & Arn.) G. Nesom Jaumea carnosa (Less.) A. Gray Juncus acutus L. ssp. leopoldii (Parl.) Snog. Lactuca serriola L. Malvella leprosa (Ortega) Krapov. Melilotus alba Medikus Nicotiana glauca Grab. Opuntia littoralis (Engelm.) Cockerell. Phacelia ratnosissima Lehm. Picris echioides L. Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. Rhus integrifolia (Nutt.) Brewer & Watson Scarlet pimpernel, poor-man's weatherglass DIS California sagebrush CSS, DCSS Arrow-leaf saltbush SM Australian saltbush DIS Wild oats DIS Coyote bush DIS, CSS Mule fat, seep-willow MFS Black mustard DIS, DCSS Smooth brome DIS Foxtail chess DIS Sedge FM Goosefoot DIS Bindweed, orchard morning-glory DIS, CSS Horseweed DIS Pampas grass DIS, MFS Saltgrass DIS, SM California buckwheat CSS California poppy DCSS Fennel DIS, DCSS Alkali heath SM Chinese pusley DIS Golden tarplant DIS Coast goldenbush MFS, DCSS Jaumea SM Spiny rush SM Prickly lettuce DIS Alkali-mallow, whiteweed SM White sweet clover DIS Tree tobacco DIS Shore cactus CSS Shrubby phacelia DCSS Bristly ox-tongue DIS Annual beard grass FM Lemqnadeberry CSS I N I I N N N I I I N I I N I N N N I N N N N N N I N I I N N I I N TABLE 1 PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED (continued) Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Origin Rumex crispus L. Salicomia sp Salix gooddingii C. Ball. Salix lasiolepis Benth. Salsola tragus L. Sambucus mexicana C. Presl Sisymbrium orientate L. Steplianomeria virgata (Benth.) ssp. virgata Taniarix sp. Taraxacum officionale Typha sp. Xanthium strumarium L. Curly dock Pickleweed Goodding's black willow Arroyo willow Russian thistle, tumbleweed Blue elderberry Mustard Slender stephanomeria Tamarisk Dandelion Cattail Cocklebur DIS, MFS SM MFS SWS, MFS DIS DCSS DIS DIS, MFS DIS, MFS DIS FM DIS, MFS I N N N I N I N I I N N HABITATS CSS = Coastal sage scrub DCSS= Disturbed coastal sage scrub DIS = Disturbed FM = Freshwater marsh MFS = Mule fat scrub SM = Saltwater marsh SWS = Southern willow scrub OTHER TERMS N = Native to locality I = Introduced species from outside locality Ms. Lanaya Voelz Page 2 October 18,2000 The coastal sage scrub within the survey area is dominated by California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) and contains associated species such as California buckwheat (Eriogonumfasciculatum), shore cactus (Opuntia littoralis), and lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia). Areas of disturbed coastal sage scrub were mapped to indicate areas of the native habitat that have been invaded by weeds, such as black mustard (Brassica nigra). These patches are primarily found adjacent to roads and other disturbed areas. A small area of revegetated coastal sage scrub located above the detention basin is also mapped as disturbed coastal sage scrub. The southern coastal salt marsh identified on-site consists of low-growing, salt-tolerant plant species, such as pickleweed (Salicornia sp.), arrow-leaf saltbush (Atriplex patula ssp. hastata), and alkali heath (Frankenia salind). Mule fat scrub is a community that consists of a uniform stand of mule fat (Baccharis salicifolld). Mule fat scrub is found in the depression area where Alternative 5 is located. Groundcover species beneath the mule fat scrub and in the surrounding disturbed habitat include non-native grasses, such as wild oats (Avena sp.) and brome grasses (Bromus spp.). An isolated patch of southern willow scrub is within the Alternative 4 and 5 survey areas. This southern willow scrub consists of a few mature arroyo willow trees (Salix laslolepis). Adjacent to the southern willow scrub in the Alternative 4 survey area lies a thin band of freshwater marsh at the base of the slope. The freshwater marsh consists of a patch of cattails (Typha sp.) that thins out into a line of emergent vegetation and spiny rush (Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii). Spiny rush is a sensitive plant species and is discussed below. Disturbed areas in the survey area include dirt roads and graded housing pads. Alternative 3 is located within a graded pad behind a block wall. The native habitats in the survey area support a variety of wildlife species. Wildlife species observed during the survey are listed on Table 2. Sensitivity Criteria For purposes of this report, species will be considered sensitive if they are (1) listed or proposed for listing by state or federal agencies as threatened or endangered; (2) on List IB (considered endangered throughout its range) or List 2 (considered endangered in California but more common elsewhere) of the California Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (Skinner and Pavlik 1994); (3) included on the City of Carlsbad draft HMP or Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) list of species evaluated for coverage or list of narrow endemic plant species; or (4) considered rare, endangered, or threatened by the NDDB (State of California 1997a, 1997b, 2000a, 2000b) or other local conservation organizations or specialists. Noteworthy plant species are considered those that are on List 3 (more information about the plant's distribution and rarity needed) and List 4 (plants of limited distribution) of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory. Sensitive habitat types are those identified by the HMP (City of Carlsbad 1999), NDDB (Holland 1986), or considered sensitive by other resource agencies. The MHCP is a habitat conservation plan currently being drafted for the northern subregion of San Diego County (San Diego Association of Governments 1998). The City of Carlsbad has drafted the Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad, a subarea plan of the MHCP (City of Carlsbad 1999). The HMP designates a natural habitat preserve system and provides a regulatory framework for determining impacts and designating mitigation associated with proposed projects. The MHCP draft document identifies a series of focused planning areas within which some lands will be dedicated for preservation of native habitats. These preserve areas contain both "hard TABLE 2 WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED/DETECTED Common Name Scientific Name Occupied Habitat Status Evidence of Occurrence Invertebrates (Nomenclature from Mattoni 1990 and Opler and Wright 1999) Behr's metalmark Pigmy blue Apodemia mormo virgulti Brephidium exilis i (Nomenclature from American Ornithologists' Union) Great blue heron American kestrel Anna's hummingbird Black phoebe Bushtit Wrentit Coastal California gnatcatcher House finch Common yellowthroat Spotted towhee California towhee Ardea herodias herodias Falco sparverius Calypte anna Sayornis nigricans semiatra Psaltriparus minimus minimus Chamaea fasciata henshawi Polioptila californica californica Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis Geothlypis trichas Pipilo maculatus Pipilo crissalis CSS DIS F F CSS SM MFS CSS CSS CSS MFS CSS CSS FT.CSC, HMP Mammals (Nomenclature from Jones et al. 1982) Cottontail rabbit Sylvilagus audubonii O O O O O O O O V O O O O CSS = Coastal sage scrub D = Disturbed MFS = Mule fat scrub SM = Southern coastal salt marsh Status FC = Federal candidate for listing (taxa for which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threat(s) to support proposals to list as endangered or threatened; development and publication of proposed rules for these taxa are anticipated) FT = Listed as threatened by the federal government * = Taxa listed with an asterisk fall into one or more of the following categories: • Taxa considered endangered or rare under Section 15380(d) of CEQA guidelines TABLE 2 WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED/DETECTED (continued) Evidence of Occurrence S = Scat F = Flying overhead V = Vocalizations O = Observed CSC = • Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, or declining throughout their range • Population(s) in California that may be peripheral to the major portion of a taxon's range, but which are threatened with extirpation within California • Taxa closely associated with a habitat that is declining in California at an alarming rate (e.g., wetlands, riparian, old growth forests, desert aquatic systems, native grasslands) California Department of Fish and Game species of special concern HMP = Draft Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad Ms. Lanaya Voelz Page3 October 18,2000 line" areas that will be preserved as open space and "soft line" areas that will include both development and open space to be determined through the planning process. Mitigation requirements for impacts to the biological resources are provided in the HMP (City of Carlsbad 1999). This document is currently in the process of being approved by regulatory agencies and adopted by the City. If this document is not approved as currently published or is not adopted by the City, all projects with proposed impacts will need to conform to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements and may be required to obtain a Section 10(a)(l)(A) or Section 7 permit from the USFWS. Assessments for the potential occurrence of sensitive or noteworthy species are based upon known ranges and habitat preferences for the species (State of California 1990; Skinner and Pavlik 1994; Reiser 1994), species occurrence records from the NDDB, and species occurrence records from other sites in the vicinity of the project site. Sensitive Biological Resources The survey area is located outside the preserve system identified in the draft HMP. Therefore, the survey area is not considered part of a significant biological resource area. Coastal sage scrub is a sensitive upland habitat type according to the HMP and should be avoided, if feasible. Impacts to all wetland communities would be considered significant and require mitigation. Disturbed areas are not considered sensitive. There are wetland areas within the survey area that may fall under the jurisdiction of California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE). A wetland delineation to identify potential jurisdictional waters of the U.S. within the construction corridor is recommended if Alternatives 2,4, or 5 are chosen. Alternatives 1 and 3 would not require a wetland delineation. As stated in the HMP, analysis of proposed impacts to wetlands consists of a three-step process. First, impacts to wetlands must prove unavoidable. For unavoidable impacts, the allowable encroachment must be determined. Impacts must be minimized to the maximum extent practicable. Lastly, mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts will be determined by the appropriate agencies. One sensitive plant species was identified on the site, spiny rush. Spiny rush is a CNPS List 4 plant species. This species was found within a swale on the east side of the dirt road adjacent to the southern coastal salt marsh habitat at Alternative 4. Spiny rush is also located within the freshwater marsh at Alternative 4. A coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila califomica californicd), a federally listed threatened species, was heard calling from the slopes adjacent to Alternatives 1 and 4. No sensitive wildlife species were identified directly on the site, but there is a potential for them to occur within the survey corridor. Potential Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures Potential project impacts were assessed by examining the building footprint at each alternative and allowing for construction activities. Biological impacts for the project were assessed according to guidelines set forth in the HMP and CEQA. Mitigation is required for impacts that are considered significant under HMP guidelines or CEQA. Mitigation may be in the form of avoidance, replacement, payment of fees into a mitigation bank, or other appropriate measures. Mitigation ratios generally required for impacts to the plant communities and habitats on-site are summarized in Table 3. Ms. Lanaya Voelz Page 4 October 18,2000 If the jurisdictional areas (i.e., wetlands) in Alternatives 2,4, or 5 must be impacted, mitigation measures are required. In addition, a Section 404 permit and 401 state water quality certification under the Clean Water Act and a Streambed Alteration Agreement (Section 1600 of the Fish and Game Code) must be obtained prior to any impacts to jurisdictional areas. TABLE 3 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION RATIOS Plant Community Mitigation Ratio Coastal sage scrub (occupied/unoccupied) 2:1/1:1 Freshwater marsh 2:1 Southern willow scrub 3:1 Southern coastal salt marsh 4:1 Mule fat scrub 3:1 Disturbed areas N/A Following is a brief discussion of the potential impacts for each of the five alternatives. Once an alternative is chosen, a full biological technical report should be prepared. Alternative 1: Photograph 1 shows the slope where Alternative 1 is located. Impacts to disturbed coastal sage scrub would occur if the lift station were built at this location. These impacts would be considered significant. Surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher are recommended. Mitigation ratios designated in the HMP are 2:1 for occupied coastal sage scrub habitat and 1:1 for coastal sage scrub not occupied by the coastal California gnatcatcher. Clearing of occupied habitat between the breeding season of March 1 and August 15 is prohibited. Alternative 2: Impacts to freshwater marsh habitat within the desilting basin (Photograph 2) would occur if the lift station were built at this location. A small amount of the revegetated (disturbed) coastal sage scrub habitat would also be impacted. This revegetated area is relatively new and is not considered potential coastal California gnatcatcher habitat at this time. The impacts to freshwater marsh, a wetland community, would be considered significant and would require mitigation. A wetland delineation is recommended prior to impacting this area. Alternative 3: As shown in Photograph 3, the entire survey area adjacent to Alternative 3 consists of graded lands. No biological impacts would occur at this location. No mitigation would be required if this alternative were chosen. Alternative 4: The survey area surrounding Alternative 4 supports southern coastal salt marsh, southern willow scrub, freshwater marsh, and coastal sage scrub habitat. An overview of this area is shown in Photograph 4. One sensitive plant species, spiny rush, was observed at this location. Each of these impacts would be considered significant and require mitigation. A wetland delineation has been conducted for this area in association with the South Agua Hedionda Sewer Interceptor System (RECON 1999). This document would be reviewed to determine USAGE and CDFG jurisdiction if this alternative were chosen. Protocol surveys for the federally listed threatened coastal California gnatcatcher are recommended for this survey area. 1 Alternative 1 Survey Area PHOTOGRAPH 3 Alternative 3 Survey Area PHOTOGRAPH 4 Alternative 4 Survey Area R-3416B PHOTOGRAPH 5 Alternative 5 Survey Area 101 R-3416B Ms. Lanaya Voelz PageS October 18,2000 Alternative 5: The Alternative 5 survey area contains mule fat scrub, southern willow scrub, coastal sage scrub and disturbed areas (Photograph 5). A wetland delineation would be required prior to impacting this site to define the limits of jurisdictional areas. If you have any questions about the results of this survey, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Jennifer J. Hodge Biologist JJH:smk References Cited American Ornithologists' Union 1998 Check-list of North American Birds. 7th ed. Washington, D.C. California, State of 1990 California's Wildlife: Birds. Department of Fish and Game. November. 1997a State and Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game. Revised April 1. 1997b Natural Diversity Data Base. Nongame-Heritage Program, Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento. 2000a Special Animals. Natural Diversity Data Base. Department of Fish and Game. July 2000b Special Plants List. Natural Diversity Data Base. Department of Fish and Game. July. Carlsbad, City of 1999 Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad. 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B. Wright 1999 A Field Guide to Western Butterflies. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. RECON 1999 Wetland Delineation for Agua Hedionda Sewer Project. Prepared for Carlsbad Municipal Water District. April. Reiser, C. H. 1994 Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press, Imperial Beach, California. San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) 1998 The Multiple Habitat Conservation Program (MHCP) Consultants' Working Draft. June. Skinner, M. W., and B. M. Pavlik 1994 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. California Native Plant Society Special Publication No. 1,5th edition. Sacramento. U.S. Department of Agriculture 1973 Soil Survey, San Diego Area, California. Edited by R. H. Bowman. Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service. December. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1997 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Review of Plant and Animal Taxa that are Candidates or Proposed for Listing as Endangered or Threatened, Annual Notice of Findings on Recycled Petitions, and Annual Description of Progress of Listing Actions. Federal Register 62(182). September 19. 50 CFR 17.