HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDP 11-10; El Camino Real Southbound Widening; Coastal Development Permit (CDP)BIOLOGY RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
EL CAMINO REAL WIDENING -SOUTHBOUND SIDE
BETWEEN KELLY DRIVE AND CRESTVIEW DRIVE
Prepared for :
RANCHO COSTERA, LLC
83 83 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 700
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Prepared by:
PLANNING SYSTEMS
1530 Faraday Ave.
Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
May 5, 2011
EL CAMINO REAL SOUTHBOUND WIDENING
BIOLOGY RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
1.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Planning Systems has prepared this biological resources technical report for the proposed
widening of southbound El Camino Real, between Kelly Drive and Crestview Drive, in Carlsbad,
California. This project involves the additional lane expansion along the west side of El Camino
Real between Kelly Drive and Crestview Drive. El Camino Real is an existing prime arterial in
the City of Carlsbad's Circulation Element; however this segment is presently not developed up to
prime arterial standards. The intent of this project is to upgrade, widen and improve the roadway
to achieve the required prime arterial design standards.
This southbound side of El Camino Real roadway segment is located in an urbanized setting,
surrounded by previously developed uses. Please see Figure 1, Location Map. As such, in order
to achieve the necessary right-of-way width and lane configuration for buildout, the proposed
project will widen the existing two-lane southbound side of the roadway to its ultimate buildout
configuration of three lanes. The project will include full width grading and widening of the
roadway to accommodate a third travel lane, bike lane, curb, gutter, sidewalk, and related
drainage improvements, landscaping, driveways and utility piping and structures.
The study area is located within the subarea plan boundary for the Habitat Management Plan for
Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad (HMP). It lies within Local Facilities Management
Zone 1, and is not located within any Carlsbad HMP designated Focus Planning Areas (FPA's),
Linkages, or Special Resource Areas. The project is within the Carlsbad Coastal Zone.
The habitat within the study area consists predominately of non-vegetated urban hardscape and
disturbed vegetation. The area proposed for impact from implementation of the roadway sidening
has been virtually entirely disturbed in the past. Vegetation which will be impacted through
implementation of the project consists primarily of Disturbed non-native weedy vegetation, and
Developed ornamental landscaping plant species. A channelized drainage, tributary to the Agua
Hedionda Lagoon, including an area of Southern willow scrub and Mulefat scrub vegetation
associated with the drainage, exists at the northern section of the project area. A small portion of
these Southern willow scrub and Mulefat scrub vegetation habitats will also be impacted by the
project.
Significant impacts to sensitive habitats (Southern willow scrub and Mulefat scrub) would occur
as a result of the proposed project. These impacts to sensitive habitats will necessitate the
adoption of mitigation measures to minimize the impacts to a level of insignificance pursuant to
CEQA. These impacts and mitigation measures are identified in this report. A jurisdictional
delineation applicable to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and
Game, and California Coastal Commission for the project has also been prepared by others and is
included in a separate report.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Planning Systems has prepared this biological resources technical report for the proposed
widening of southbound El Camino Real, between Kelly Drive and Crestview Drive, in Carlsbad.
The project is located within the city of Carlsbad, California. The report has been prepared at the
request of Rancho Costera, LLC, the developer of Robertson Ranch West Village, a 219.4 acre
planned community which is in final planning stages at the time of this report. The purpose of
this report is to document the existing biological conditions within the project study area; identify
potential impacts to biological resources that could result from implementation of the proposed
project; and recommend measures to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate significant impacts
consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and all applicable local, state
and federal rules and regulations, including the City of Carlsbad HMP.
2.1 Project Location
The proposed project is located within a shallow strip of land along the southwesterly
(southbound) side of existing El Camino Real, in Carlsbad. This strip is located southerly of the
existing intersection of El Camino Real and Kelly Drive, and extends southerly to the existing
intersection of El Camino Real and Crestview Drive. Properties adjacent to the proposed
improvements contain single family residential, neighborhood commercial shopping, residential
mobile home park and commercial landscape nurseries. See Figure 1; Regional Location Map.
The closest substantive native plant preserve area occurs south of the project, south of Crestview
Drive in the upper Agua Hedionda Lagoon basin, approximately 150-feet south of the property.
Also, native riparian vegetation exists westerly of a smaller, separate drainage to Agua Hedionda
Lagoon, approximately 250 feet south of the Kelly Drive intersection.
2.2 Physical Characteristics of the Study Area
The study area is located within the lower hydrologic unit of the Agua Hedionda Creek
Watershed, approximately one mile upstream from the terminal receiving waters of Agua
Hedionda Lagoon. Regionally, the Agua Hedionda Creek and its tributaries drain about 39 square
miles from the foothills of San Marcos, through Vista and into Carlsbad, where it discharges into
the Pacific Ocean via Agua Hedionda Lagoon.
The underlying surficial geology is mapped as Upper Cretaceous Marine and Alluvium soils
(GeoSoils, Inc. 2011 ). Onsite soils are mapped as Visalia sandy loam and Huerhuero loam.
The City of Carlsbad land use designation for the project area is Prime Arterial Roadway.
Adjacent land uses are residential, commercial, and open space.
2.3 Project description
The project lies within Carlsbad Growth Management Local Facilities Management (LFMP)
Zone 1. The project is located outside of the HMP planning area, and is thus identified as a
"Development Area" within the HMP. None of the project site lies within designated critical
habitat for any federal or state-identified endangered species. See Figure 2; HMP Focus
Planning Areas Map. Properties outside of the HMP planning area are labeled as "Development
Area" are not subject to LFMP Zone-specific standards; however, these areas are still subject to
the Measures to Minimize Impact on HMP species as identified in the HMP.
El Camino Real Southbound Widening
Biology Resources Technical Report
May5,2011 Page 2
OCEAN
SOURCE: The Thomas Guide, San Diego County, 2005
Figure 1
Location Map
El Camino Real Improvements Project
Carlsbad, California
May 17,2011
0 21)01) 8000FT
sa ~ ...
NORTH SCALE: 1" = 4000'
l8.!M) PMUS>AY AVDlVI. 8UlTI 100, C:IJW!IBAD. C4 82008 tno) t3l-07&0 r.u (Tao) 03t-&74<&
Legend ,,
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I -: I -
Figure 2
El Camino Real Improvements Location
HMP Core Area
Linkages
HMP Core & Link Areas
El Camino Real Improvements Project
Carlsbad, California
SOURCE: Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the
City of Carlsbad (final approval November, 2004)
0 112 2 miles
Scale In miles
The proposed improvements to southbound El Camino Real are divided into two separate
sections (identified as Area 1 and Area 2) because the existing roadway widening is fully
improved along a 400-foot middle section of the road segment. The length of Area 1 (north
section) and Area 2 (south section) impacts a total of approximately 1,600 linear feet. (See
Figure 3; Project Study Area.) The previous central-portion widening (not included in the 1,600
foot calculation) was completed in as part of the frontage improvements for an existing mobile
home park which fronts along the middle portion of this section ofEl Camino Real.
El Camino Real is a prime arterial with a 126-foot right-of-way in the Carlsbad Circulation
Element. Adopted prime arterial roadway standards in the City of Carlsbad contain three thru
lanes each direction, plus an 18-foot wide landscape median, plus any tum lanes. The existing El
Camino Real along this stretch presently contains only four through lanes, no median, and no tum
lanes, and thus does not conform to the adopted buildout design standards for the prime arterial
roadway. The widening of this roadway is necessary in order to provide adequate street segment
capacity for project buildout traffic projected estimates for this section of the central portion of
Carlsbad.
This proposed southbound widening of El Camino Real will result in an overall project area of
impact of 2.42 acres. Project-related impacts are confined to the area needed in order to construct
the necessary road widening and utility impacts, and a temporary construction zone of
approximately 1 0-feet in width around the perimeter of the work area, which will be restored to
its pre-project character, upon completion of the construction. Some native plants exist in a
narrow drainage that travels under El Camino Real, through the northern section of the project
area, to the west and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon beyond.
Area 1 of the proposed project (Shown on Figure 3) is relatively flat and previously-developed
with a commercial retail center, and plant nursery. A box culvert drains offsite property upstream
on the east side of El Camino Real, and exits from under the roadway into an existing drainage at
a point approximately 150-feet south of Kelly Drive. This is the low point (5-ft. elevation) ofthe
topography of the impacted area. Another smaller drainage exits from under El Camino Real at
the south end of Area 1. This southerly drainage has apparently been regularly maintained and
contains no native vegetation. The southerly half of the proposed construction project (identified
as Area 2) contains an approximate 225-foot section of steep cut slope which was excavated for
the roadway widening many years ago. Water erosion is clearly evidenced along the entirety of
the face of this slope. The high point (110-ft. elevation) ofthe proposed construction area occurs
along the upper edge of this steep excavated slope adjacent to the roadway. A recently
constructed manufactured slope has been constructed along the southern half of Area 2. No
significant grading of this manufactured slope will take place in conjunction with the proposed
project.
El Camino Real Southbound Widening
Biology Resources Technical Report
May5,2011 Page 5
300 600FT
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STUDY AREA 1
STUDY AREA2
I STUDY AREA 1 I
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I EB 400FT
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NORTH NORTH ________ _
3.0 METHODS
The biological investigation performed for this project included a general biological survey of the
study area for both plants and animals.
3.1 Background Literature
Existing literature pertaining to the project area was reviewed prior to the initiation of the field
survey. This literature review included; (1) a determination of the potential soils types onsite; (2)
an investigation of sensitive species with a potential to occur onsite, based on an analysis of the
physical and biological characteristics of the area, and (3) review ofCalifoOrnai Natural Diversity
Database (CCNDDB) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (USFWS) Geographical Information
System (GIS) records for the project vicinity, and ( 4) a review of the Biological Resources Report
for the Robertson Ranch Project, Oct. 5, 2004, by Merkel & Associates.
3.2 Field Survey Methods
Fieldwork was conducted on February 18, 2011, using an engineered base map with 1-foot
contour intervals and shrub massing, overlaid on a 2009 aerial photograph of the area. The entire
length of the project area was traversed on foot. Off-site areas were also inspected within about
50 feet of the property. Identified vegetation resources were surveyed visually and documented
for use in this assessment report for the project. The vegetation types were classified according to
the Holland (1986) and Oberbauer (2005) classification systems. Significant and sensitive
resources were identified and recorded on the field map. A list of detectable flora and fauna
species was recorded in a field notebook. Plant and animal identifications were determined
through direct observation.
4.0 QUANTIFICATION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
4.1 Vegetation Communities
The area proposed for impact has been virtually entirely disturbed in the past. The primary area
of impacts will be impacts to non-vegetated urban hardscape and land uses. Vegetation which
will be impacted through implementation of the project consists primarily of Disturbed non-
native weedy vegetation, and Developed ornamental landscaping plant species. To a lesser
extent, Southern willow scrub and Mulefat scrub vegetation will be impacted in the northernmost
drainage. (See Figure 4; Vegetation Resources Map.). No coastal sage scrub or other native
upland habitats were found on or near the project impact area. No individual sensitive or narrow
endemic plant species were observed or are anticipated to occur on this property. Existing on-site
plant associations include Intensive Agriculture/Nursery, Urban/Developed, Eucalyptus, Gravel
Road, Mulefat Scrub, Ornamental, Ruderal, and Annual Grassland, Ornamental, Disturbed, and
Developed lands. Some amount of these entire habitat types are impacted either by permanent or
temporary [construction] impacts associated with the project. An area summary of habitats
affected by proposed development is provided in Table 1-Vegetation Resources-Impacts. The
areas are broken down into temporary, permanent and total impacted areas.
El Camino Real Southbound Widening
Biology Resources Technical Report
May5,2011 Page 7
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Fig ure 4
Vegetation Resources Map
El Camino Real Improvements Project
Carlsbad, California
May 17,2011
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POUCY J.ND PROCESSINO ENVIRONWENTA!. llmGATION
15~0 FARADAY AVENUE, SUITE 100, CARLSBAD, CA e2000
{780) 031-0780 FAX (?80) 931-674 ..
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Legend
E -"3 Impacted area boundary line
Vegetation Resources/Impacts
Sym. Description
-Developed
-Mule-fat Scrub
Disturbed
Southern Willow Scrub
TOTAL:
Total
Impacted
Area (ac.)
1.15
0.04
1.14
0.10
2.43 ac
4.1.1 Sensitive Habitats
The plant survey conducted concludes that sensitive habitats identified within the Study Area are
identified as follows:
4.1.1.1 Southern Willow Scrub (0.10 acre)
Southern willow scrub is found along a drainage connecting the impact area to downstream
offsite Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) is the dominant riparian
species in this area. Downstream from the site, salt marsh fleabane (Pluchea odorata) and
Giant wild rye (Leymus condensatus) also occur, however the impacts (total 0.10 acres) will
only occur to a number of small Arroyo willow trees.
4.1.1.2 Mule fat Scrub (0. 04 acre)
A narrow area of mulefat scrub dominated by mulefat plants (Baccharis salicifolia) occurs
adjacent to the southern willow scrub and a portion will be impacted by the project. Mulefat
scrub is typically found along washes and near streams where seasonal flooding occurs or the
substrate is saturated for relatiYely brief periods. A total of 0.04 acres of Mulefat Scrub
vegetation will be impacted by the project.
4.1.2 Non-Sensitive Habitats
Non-sensitive habitats identified within the Study Area are as follows:
4.1.2.1 Disturbed (1.14 acre)
Areas are designated Disturbed when a majority of the soil surface supports no vegetation or
when the surface supports only weedy, non-irrigated, ruderal non-native vegetation. Most of
these areas within the project impact area appear to have been "maintained" to this condition.
Ruderal areas of the property are associated with the right-of-way foot path adjacent to the
existing El Camino Real improvements and the steeply-sloping cut excavation for El Camino
Real which is slowly eroding. Species associated with disturbed sites are predominantly
annual grassland species, including brome grasses (Brame SJ2..), Australian saltbush (Atriplex
semibaccata), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Perennial mustard (Hirschkldia incana),
and Russian thistle (Salsa/a tragus). A total of 1.14 acres of Ruderal vegetation will be
impacted by the project.
4.1.2.2 Developed (0.50 acre)
Areas are designated Developed when the soil surface is covered by an impermeable material
such as concrete, paved roads or driveways, graded heavy gravel drive aisles, irrigated and/or
· c landscapes, parking lots or buildings, or are bare as a result of other human activity. A
total o cres of Urban/Developed area will be impacted by the project. The majority of
this impact area will involve widening of the roadway into the existing "Country Store"
parking lot. Two gravel road access to adjacent land uses will also be impacted by the
project, including a gravel road that accesses an adjacent semi-improved trailer park, and a
second gravel road which provides maintenance access to nearby SDG&E electrical towers.
El Camino Real Southbound Widening
Biology Resources Technical Report
May5,2011 Page 9
4.1.2.3 Ornamental (0.41 acre)
The area designated ornamental occurs primarily in association with the urbanized portions of
the impact area. Ornamental species occupying the site are represented by tree species such
as Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus ill.-) and Pepper tree (Schinus ill.-), and shrub species such as
Fraser's photinia (Photinia ,! fraseri), and Cape plumbago, (Plumbago auriculata). The
ornamental landscape in the impact area totals 0.41 acres, and is dominated by water
conserving, low maintenance species.
4.1.2.4 Intensive Agriculture (Nursery) (0.24 acre)
The project will impact 0.24 acres of Intensive Agriculture (Nursery). This is a primarily
palm tree retail nursery. Most of the vegetation in this nursery is either planted in containers,
or is shallowly rooted for later transplant/sale.
4.2 Animals
4.2.1 Invertebrates
Butterfly species that were observed within the Study Area were the Anise Swallowtail (Papilio
zelicaon), and the Mourning Cloak (Nympha/is antiopa).
4.2.2 Amphibians
A Western Toad (Bufo boreas) was the only amphibian detected in the Study Area. This
individual was observed in the tributary drainage located south of Kelly Drive, immediately south
of the project impact area.
4.2.3 Reptiles
Two Western Fence Lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) were observed within the Disturbed
vegetation situated just south of the existing retail shops parking lot.
4.2.4 Birds
Bird species observed within and around the Study Area are the Mourning Dove (Zenaida
macroura), Bewicks Wren (Thryomanes bewickii, the Wrentit (Chamaea jasciata), the Western
Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), the Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) and the Song Sparrow
(Melospiza melodia).
4.2.5 Mammals
California Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) and Botta's pocket gopher (Thomomys
bottae) burrows are common in the excavated, eroded slopes of El Camino Real. Evidence of
domestic dogs (scat) was found along the side of the roadway and near the commercial area
parking lot. No other evidence of mammals or mammal activity in the area was observed during
the survey.
El Camino Real Southbound Widening
Biology Resources Technical Report
May5,2011 Page 10
4.3 Sensitive Species
The Study Area was investigated for sensitive species or species of special status. The following
are the conclusions of the survey.
4.3 .I Sensitive Plants
No sensitive or narrow endemic plant species were identified occupying the site during field
reconnaissance. No clay soil inclusions were observed on the soil surface during the site visit.
Given the highly urbanized and disturbed state of the proposed project impact area, it is very
unlikely that sensitive species would be likely to occur in the project area. Given that the site and
the area around the study area is highly urbanized, no buffer is proposed to shield natural
vegetation resources.
4.3 .2 Sensitive Animals
No sensitive animals were observed within or around the Study Area.
4.4 Jurisdictional wetlands
A jurisdictional delineation applicable to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, California
Department of Fish and Game, and California Coastal Commission for the project has been
prepared by others and is not included in this report.
4.5 Wildlife movement corridors
The City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP) is a Natural Communities Conversation
Planning (NCCP) subarea plan, addressing potential impacts to native species and habitats while
providing mitigation options that satisfy the federal and state Endangered Species Acts (ESA's).
The primary objective of the HMP is to identify and maintain a preserve system that allows for
the sustained existence of animals and plants at both the local and regional levels. The HMP
preserve is a network of large blocks with interconnecting linkages. The subject property is not
located within any Carlsbad HMP designated Focus Planning Areas (FPA's), Linkages, or Special
Resource Areas.
Construction of the proposed project is not expected to directly or indirectly impact local wildlife
movement or migratory fish or wildlife movement because; (I) a barrier to wildlife movement (El
Camino Real) already exists along the entire length of the project, and (2) to the degree possible,
wildlife movement is planned to be accommodated southerly of the proposed project at HMP
Link B, connecting the Robertson Ranch habitat corridor with the Agua Hedionda upper lagoon
open spaces.
5.0 EVALUATION OF PROJECT IMPACTS
5.1 Thresholds of Significance
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines 815065 identifies a significant
environmental impact as follows: "A project may have a significant effect on the environment' if:
El Camino Real Southbound Widening
Biology Resources Technical Report
May5,2011 Page 11
• "The project has the potential to substantially degrade the quality of the environment,
substantially reduce the habitat of a fish and wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife
population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community, reduce the number or restrict the range of an endangered, rare or threatened
species, or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or
prehistory. "
• "The project has the potential to achieve short-term environmental goals to the
disadvantage of long-term environmental goals. "
• "The project has possible environmental effects which are individually limited but
cumulatively considerable. "
Biological resources generally considered significant include: vegetation commumt1es that
support sensitive flora or fauna species; unique vegetation communities that are limited in
distribution and have a critical ecological role; and habitats supporting species considered rare,
threatened, or endangered by the agencies that enforce the Federal and California Endangered
Species Act.
It is important to note that the significance of a given activity is variable according to the
environmental setting.
For the purposes of this technical report, a significant biological resources impact has been
assessed if implementation of the proposed project would result in:
• Inconsistency with the adopted Carlsbad HMP;
• Impacts to Habitat Groups A-F;
• Any impacts to federally or state listed species, including impacts to occupied habitats; or
• Loss of a "significant population" of a sensitive species; where the loss would
substantially reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery or restrict the range of the
species.
Impacts to non-sensitive habitats are generally not considered significant. If, however, the
densities of sensitive species within the habitat were sufficiently high or the habitat functioned as
an important wildlife movement corridor, habitat linkage, or crucial foraging habitat, impacts
could be considered significant.
5.2 Project Impacts to Vegetation Resources
The proposed project would result in permanent and temporary impacts to the sensitive Mulefat
scrub and Southern willow scrub vegetation communities on-site. Table 1 documents these
impacts.
El Camino Real Southbound Widening
Biology Resources Technical Report
May 5, 2011 Page 12
TABLE 1-VEGETATION RESOURCES-IMPACTS
Plant Association Temporary Impact Permanent Total Impacted
(A c.) Impact (Ac.) Area (Ac.)
Riparian/Wetland Habitats
Mulefat scrub 0.03 0.01 0.04
Southern willow scrub 0.04 0.06 0.10
Non-Sensitive Habitats
Disturbed 0.12 1.02 1.14
Developed 0.39 0.76 1.15
TOTAL 0.58 1.85 2.43
The only impacted habitats observed occupying the impact area that is native to the area are
Mulefat Scrub and Southern willow scrub. Both of these vegetation communities are associated
with the drainage bed located in the northern section of the project area. These two vegetation
communities are considered riparian habitats, and thus are considered sensitive habitat species.
5.2.1 Mulefat Scrub (0.04 acre)
A narrow area of mulefat scrub dominated by mulefat plants (Baccharis salicifolia) occurs
adjacent to the southern willow scrub and a portion will be impacted by the project. Mulefat
scrub is typically found along washes and near streams where seasonal flooding occurs or the
substrate is saturated for relatively brief periods. A total of 0.04 acres of Mulefat Scrub vegetation
will be impacted by the project.
5.2.2 Southern Willow Scrub (0.10 acre)
Southern willow scrub is found along a drainage connecting the impact area to downstream
offsite Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis) is the dominant riparian species
in this area. Downstream from the site, salt marsh fleabane (Pluchea odorata) and Giant wild rye
(Leymus condensatus) also occur, however the impacts (total 0.10 acres) will only occur to a
number of small Arroyo willow trees.
5.3 Impacts to Sensitive Species
5.3.1 Impacts to Sensitive Plants
No sensitive plants or species with special status were observed within the Study Area. Thus, no
impacts to sensitive plants will result from implementation of the project.
5.3 .2 Impacts to Sensitive Animals
No evidence of sensitive animals was observed within the Study Area. Thus, it is concluded that
no impacts to sensitive animals will result from implementation of the project.
El Camino Real Southbound Widening
Biology Resources Technical Report
May5,2011 Page 13
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Impacts Analysis
El Camino Real Improvements Project
II
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Carlsbad, California
May 17,2011
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POUCY Aml PROCESSING E!IVIRONllENT.U. W:mCATION
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Legend
F -'3 Impacted area boundary line
Vegetation Resources/Impacts
Sym. Description
-Developed
-Mule-fat Scrub
1-......::.:.=........J Disturbed
Southern Willow Scrub
TOTAL:
Temporary
Impacted
Area (ac.)
~
0.39
0.03
0.12
0.04
0.58 ac
Permanent Total
Impacted Impacted
Area (ac.) Area (ac.)
0.76 1.15
0.01 0.04
1.02 1.14
0.06 0.10
1.85 ac 2.43 ac
5.4 Significance of Impacts
The proposed project will result in significant biological impacts, as indicated below:
5.4.1 Direct Impacts
Impacts totaling 0.14 acres would be incurred to riparian habitat (Mulefat scrub and Southern
Willow scrub) in the drainage south of the Kelly Drive intersection as a result of the proposed
expansion of El Camino Real, and more-specifically, lengthening of the box culvert under El
Camino Real in order to accommodate the necessary added lane width. These impacts are
significant and would required that project mitigation measures as listed within Project-Specific
Mitigation Measures section of this report must be implemented to reduce impacts to a level
below significance and achieve a no net loss of riparian wetland functions and values.
5.4.2 Indirect Impacts
Inasmuch as the project area is highly urbanized and disturbed, the project construction could
result in indirect impacts to wildlife, most notably from the effects of artificial lighting within
wildlife habitat, and increased erosion or sedimentation. These impacts would be significant and
would require that project mitigation measures as listed within the Indirect Impacts Mitigation
Section of this report must be implemented.
5.5 Impacts to Wildlife Movement Corridors
Existing El Camino Real presently functions as a barrier to wildlife movement. The widening of
the southbound side of this roadway will increase the width of this barrier. However, El Camino
Real is an approved City Circulation Element roadway and cannot be routed or redesigned to
alleviate this barrier. Thus, the proposed widening will not significantly contribute to impacts to
wildlife movement corridors.
5.6 Cumulative Impacts
The MHCP was designed to compensate for the loss of biological resources throughout the
program's region; therefore, projects that conform to the MHCP, as specified in the HMP, would
not result in a cumulatively considerable impact for those biological resources adequately covered
by the program. The aforementioned direct and indirect impacts resulting from the proposed
project should not be cumulatively considerable if project mitigation measures are implemented
to ensure conformance to the MHCP and the HMP.
6.0 HMP REQUIRED PROJECT MITIGATION RATIOS
The HMP establishes the mitigation measures necessary to mitigate for project related impacts to
biological resources. The adopted vehicle for establishing mitigation requirements is through
applying of mitigation ratios to areas of impact (measured in acres). HMP Table 11, Mitigation
Ratios for Impacts to HMP Habitats identifies approved mitigation ratios and methods for impacts
to project associated habitats. This table allows that the proposed impacts to Riparian Scru
vegetation (Southern willow scrub and Mulefat scrub) be replaced at a minimum atio.
Further, non-sensitive lands, including Agricultural lands, Urban/Developed and Ruderal
El Camino Real Southbound Widening
Biology Resources Technical Report
May5,2011 Page 15
vegetation be mitigated in the form of payment of a mitigation fee based on a City approved fee
schedule.
The following tables identify and calculate the mitigation required m order to reduce the
biological impacts to a level of insignificance.
Table 2-HMP MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS
Vegetation Community HMP HMP Table II, Mitigation Ratios fgr Impacts to HMP
Miti~ation Habitats
Southern willow scrub 3:1 Group A: Pursuant to HMP Conservation Standards 7-
6 and 7-7 (p. D-114 and D-115) mitigation for loss of
Southern willow scrub (Riparian) shall be provided at a
3:1 ratio.
Mulefat scrub 3:1 Group A: Pursuant to HMP Conservation Standards 7-
6 and 7-7 (p. D-114 and D-115) mitigation for loss of
Mulefat scrub (Riparian) shall be provided at a 3: 1
ratio.
Disturbed Fee Group F. Developer shall pay a per acre in-lieu
mitigation fee in an amount to be determined by the
City Council.
Developed Fee Group F. Developer shall pay a per acre in-lieu
mitigation fee in an amount to be determined by the
City Council.
Mitigation for impacts to HMP Group F categories shall be mitigation through payment of In-
Lieu Fees as follows:
Table 3 -In lieu Fees
Vegetation Community HMP Total HMP Total Mitigation Proposed
Table Project Ratio Mitigatio
Category Impacts n
(A c.) Required
(A c.)
SENSITIVE o,~o
Southern Willow Scrub A ~ 3:1 iJtlt!J9 -~ ac. creation on
0 1 \o 0("3'0 Robertson Ranch
Habitat Corridor
Mulefat Scrub A 0.04 3:1 0.12 0.12 ac. creation on
Robertson Ranch
Habitat Corridor
NON -SENSITIVE
Disturbed F 0.39 1:1 ~ HMPFee
Developed F 0.12 1:1 ~ HMPFee
TOTAL 0.58
7.0 MITIGATION MEASURES
The following mitigation measures are necessary in order to reduce the biological impacts from
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the project to a level of insignificance: 1, ~
~e project developer shall mitigate for the loss ofGacre of Southe~rnlow scrub and \;-~· 0.04 ~ere ofMulefat scrub vegetation by the creation/Qration of at leas .21 ere creation of
"\ siJ!liiar riparian habitat within the Habitat Corridor (Planning Area 23C) o ertson Ranch.
he restoration program shall include a five-year maintenance and monitoring program, with a
requirement to meet City/Wildlife Agencies-approved success criteria.
2. The applicant shall submit final habitat creation/restoration plans for the riparian
mitigation to the City and/or Resource Agencies for review at least 30 days prior to initiating
project impacts. These plans must be consistent with MHCP Vol II, Appendix C; and Vol. III;
HMP pp. F-8 to F-11; and OSMP Sec.3.1.5.
3. The project developer shall ensure that the following actions have been taken with regard
to the riparian vegetation creation/restoration are in conformance with the HMP:
Record a Conservation Easement over the creation/restoration area,
Select a qualified conservation entity to manage the conserved land;
Prepare a Property Analysis Record (PAR) to estimate costs of in perpetuity management
and monitoring;
Provide a non-wasting endowment based on the PAR to sufficiently cover the coasts of
in-perpetuity management and monitoring the creation/restoration area; and
Prepare a management plan for the creation/restoration area, which will be approved by
the City and Wildlife Agencies.
4. Mitigation for permanent and temporary impacts to upland vegetation communities
(HMP Habitat Group F) will be mitigated by payment of Group F In-lieu Mitigation Fees in
an amount indicated in Table 3 above with a fee as determined by the Carlsbad City Council.
5. Construction noise created during the breeding season that could affect the breeding
of bird species associated with the adjacent riparian habitat shall be avoided. This restriction
can be waived by the City, with concurrence from the Wildlife Agencies, upon completion of
a breeding/nesting bird survey of the area in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
A biological monitor of the construction operation is required. If nests are present, no loud
construction (exceeding 60 dBA hourly average, adjusted for ambient noise levels, at the
nesting site) may take place within 500 feet of active nesting sites during the nesting/breeding
season (January 15 through September 15).
6. A qualified biologist shall conduct a training session for all project personnel prior to
proposed activities. At a minimum, the training shall include a description of the target species of
concern and its habitats, the general provisions of the Endangered Species Act (Act) and the
HMP, the need to adhere to the provisions of the Act and the HMP, the penalties associated with
violating the provisions of the Act, the general measures that are being implemented to conserve
the target species of concern as they relate to the project, access routes, and project site
boundaries within which the project activities must be accomplished.
7. The footprint of disturbance shall be minimized to the maximum extent feasible and shall
be specified in the construction plans. Construction limits will be delineated with orange fencing,
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which will be maintained until the completion of all construction activities. All employees shall
be instructed that their activities, vehicles, equipment and construction materials are restricted to
the proposed footprint, designated staging areas, and routes of travel.
8. Within the area of the construction adjacent to the riparian habitat, the upstream and
downstream limits of project disturbance plus lateral limits of disturbance on either side of the
stream shall be clearly defined, marked in the field, and reviewed by the project biologist prior to
initiation of work. Projects should be designed to avoid the placement and personnel within the
stream channel.
9. A water pollution and erosion control plan shall be developed that describes sediment and
hazardous materials control, dewatering or diversion structures, fueling and equipments
management practices, and other factors deemed necessary by reviewing agencies. Erosion
control measures shall be monitored on a regularly scheduled basis, particularly during times of
heavy rainfall. Corrective measures will be implemented in the event erosion control strategies
are inadequate. Sediment/erosion control measures will be continued at the project site until such
time as the revegetation efforts are successful at soil stabilization.
10. Locate staging areas in disturbed habitat.
11. Construction employees will limit their activities, vehicles, equipment and construction
materials to the fenced project footprint.
12. Equipment storage, fueling and staging areas shall be located on disturbed upland sites
with minimal risk of direct drainage into riparian areas or other sensitive habitats, and at least 1 00
feet the drainage south of Kelly Drive. These designated areas shall be located in such a manner
as to prevent any runoff from entering sensitive habitat. All necessary precautions shall be taken
to prevent the release of cement or other toxic substances into surface waters. All project related
spills of hazardous materials shall be reported to the City and shall be cleaned up immediately
and contaminated soils removed to approved disposal areas.
13. When stream flows must be diverted, the diversions shall be conducted using sandbags or
other methods requiring minimal instream impacts. Silt fencing or other sediment trapping
materials shall be installed at the downstream end of construction activity to minimize the
transport of sediments off-site. Settling ponds where sediment is collected shall be cleaned out in
a manner that prevents the sediment from re-entering the stream. Care shall be exercised when
removing silt fences, as feasible, to prevent debris or sediment from returning to the stream.
14. Lighting in or adjacent to the riparian habitat will not be used, except where essential for
roadway, facility use, and safety. If nighttime construction lights are necessary, all lighting
adjacent to the riparian habitat will be shielded and/or directed away from habitat.
8.0. CONCLUSION
With the provision of and compliance with the above-referenced mitigation measures, it is
concluded that the project will mitigate the biological impacts resulting from the proposed project
to a level of insignificance.
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9.0 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Beauchamp, R. M. 1986. A Flora of San Diego County, California. Sweetwater Press, National
City, California.
City of Carlsbad, Final Environmental Impact Report Robertson Ranch Master Plan, April 2006.
City of Carlsbad, Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad,
Final Approval November, 2004.
City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program, Adopted November 1987, Mello I Segment.
Hickman, J. C. 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California, University of California
Press, Berkeley, California. 1400 pp. + 1 p. errata
Holland, Robert F. 1986. "Preliminary Vegetative Plant Communities of California."
Department ofFish and game, Natural Heritage Section.
Merkel & Associates, Biological Resources Report for the Robertson Ranch Project, Oct. 5, 2004.
Munz, P. 1974. A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley,
California. 1086 pp.
Reiser Craig H. 1994. Rare Plants of San Diego County, Aqua fir Press. Imperial Beach, CA.
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