HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 96-03; Pacific View Estates; Tentative Map (CT) (6)f
San Diego Natural History Museum
Balboa Park • San Diego Society of Natural History • Established 1874
26 December 1995
Mr. Don L. Jack
Pacific View Estates
P.O. Box 2198
Carlsbad, CA 92018
RE: Paleontological Resources, 8.5 acres located in Carlsbad, CA (APN 167-250-16)
Dear Don:
This letter report summarizes the results of my paleontological resource
assessment of the above referenced project. Assessment is based upon a review of the
geotechnical report of AdTech Engineering, Inc. (1995), a review of existing published
and unpublished geological literature (Wilson 1972; Weber 1982), and a review of
museum paleontological records (San Diego Natural History Museum). These data were
field checked (27 December 1995) by a walkover of the site by museum staff.
The site is underlain by two geological rock units including from oldest to
youngest white to brown coarse-grained silty sandstones of member C of the Santiago
Formation (middle Eocene, approximately 40-42 million years old) and light reddish
brown coarse-grained sandstones of the Lindavista Formation (late Pleistocene,
approximately 200,000-700,000 years old). The contact between these two rock units
was not observed but probably occurs between elevation 260' and 265' as evidenced by
roadcut exposures on the north side of Carlsbad Village Drive just east of the water tank.
Unfortunately, the geotechnical boring logs (AdTech Engineering, Inc. 1995) are not
descriptive enough to allow confirmation of the location of this contact in the subsurface.
Concerning paleontological resources, no fossil remains were observed during the
field walkover of the project site and no previous collecting localities were noted in
museum records for this area. However, member C of the Santiago Formation has
produced important remains of Eocene fossils from construction related excavations in
the Carlsbad-Oceanside area (Demere and Walsh 1993). These fossils consist of skeletal
remains of land mammals including opossum, hedgehog, carnivore, primate, rodent,
rhinoceros, brontothere (large extinct rhinolike browser), tapir, and protoreodont (small
extinct deerlike browser). These fossil remains are very significant and represent one of
the richest sources of Eocene land mammals in California. The paleontological resource
potential of the Lindavista Formation is more limited, as fossil remains (mostly poorly-
preserved shells and casts of marine molluscs) have only been recovered from a few
locations within the county.
Post Office Box 1390 • San Diego, California 92112 • Telephone: 619-232-3821 • Fax:619-232-0248
Printed on recycled paper
Based on the proven paleontological resource value of the Santiago Formation, it
is suggested that development of the project site has the potential to create significant
impacts to paleontological resources. These potential impacts will occur when mass
excavation activities cut into the sandstones of the Santiago Formation, primarily during
cutting of Lots 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, and 22. The limited paleontological resource value of
the Lindavista Formation on the project site suggests that grading of this rock unit will
not result in significant impacts. Grading of this rock unit will apparently occur during
cutting of Lots 12, 13, 23, and 24.
Mitigation of the impacts discussed above can be ensured by implementing the
following measures:
[1] Prior to initiation of construction activities the project developer shall retain a
qualified paleontologist to carry out the mitigation program outlined here. (A qualified
paleontologist is defined as an individual with a MS or Ph.D. in paleontology or geology
who is familiar with paleontological procedures and techniques.)
[2] A qualified paleontologist shall be at the pre-construction meeting to consult
with the grading and excavation contractors.
[3] A paleontological monitor shall be onsite at all times during the original
cutting of previously undisturbed deposits of high sensitivity formations (Santiago
Formation) to inspect exposures for contained fossils. The paleontological monitor shall
be onsite on a part-time basis during the original cutting of previously undisturbed
deposits of moderate sensitivity formations (Lindavista Formation). In the event that
fossils are discovered in moderate sensitivity formations it may be necessary to increase
the per/day field monitoring time. Conversely, if fossils are not being found in these rock
units the monitoring shall be reduced. (A paleontological monitor is defined as an
individual who has experience in the collection and salvage of fossil materials. The
paleontological monitor shall work under the direction of a qualified paleontologist.)
[4] When fossils are discovered, the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor)
shall recover them. In most cases this fossil salvage can be completed in a short period
of time. However, some fossil specimens (such as a complete large mammal skeleton)
may require an extended salvage period. In these instances the paleontologist (or
paleontological monitor) shall be allowed to temporarily direct, divert, or halt grading to
allow recovery of fossil remains in a timely manner. Because of the potential for the
recovering of small fossil remains, such as isolated mammal teeth, it may be necessary to
set up a screen-washing operation on the site.
[5] Fossil remains collected during the monitoring and salvage portion of the
mitigation program shall be cleaned, repaired, sorted, and cataloged.
[6] Prepared fossils, along with copies of all pertinent field notes, photos, and
maps, shall be deposited (as a donation) in a scientific institution with permanent
paleontological collections such as the San Diego Natural History Museum. Donation of
the fossils shall be accompanied by financial support for initial specimen storage.
[7] A final summary report shall be completed that outlines the results of the
mitigation program. This report shall include discussions of the methods used,
stratigraphic section(s) exposed, fossils collected, and significance of recovered fossils.
In summary, the project site possesses a potential for producing significant
paleontological resources. Development of the project site will result in impacts to these
resources. The measures proposed above will ensure proper mitigation of these impacts.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions concerning my findings.
Sincerely yours,
Thomas A. Demere, Ph.D.
Department of Paleontological Services
REFERENCES CITED
AdTech Engineering, Inc. 1995. Report of geologic and geotechnical investigation for
development of D. Ryan Property at Carlsbad, California. Report prepared for
Pacific View LTD.
Demere, T.A. and S.L. Walsh. 1993. Paleontological Resources, County of San Diego.
Report prepared for the Department of Public Works, County of San Diego, 68 p.
Weber, F.H., Jr. 1982. Recent slope failures, ancient landslides, and related geology of
the north-central coastal area, San Diego County, California. California Division
of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 82-12,77 p.
Wilson, K.L. 1972. Eocene and related geology of a portion of the San Luis Rey and
Encinitas quadrangles, San Diego County, California. Unpublished M.A. thesis,
University of California, Riverside, 135 p.
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Ecological Services
Carlsbad Field Office
? 2730 Loker Avenue West
Carlsbad. California 92008
November 24, 1995
Don L. Jack
Farwest American Enterprises
1727 Oceanside Blvd., Suite A
Oceanside, California 92054
Re: Pacific View Ltd. Project: #CT-95-7 Carlsbad Application for
Tentative Tract Map
Dear Mr. Jack:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the
information sent to us, dated October 25, 1995, regarding the above
referenced Pacific View Limited project (Project). Ellen Berryman of my
staff met with you on November 24, 1995, regarding the Project. As you
requested, we are providing this letter to clarify our assessment of
further actions that should be taken to avoid, minimize and mitigate
project-related impacts to sensitive species.
It is the Service's understanding, based on the information provided,
that the 8.52-acre subject site is surrounded by development and is not
located within any preserve planning area identified by the City of
Carlsbad. Disturbed habitat consisting of eucalyptus trees, landscape
and ornamental vegetation, and areas devoid of vegetation, cover 4.37
acres of the site. Southern mixed chaparral occurs on 2.20 acres of the
site, and 1.95 acres consist of coastal sage scrub.
As indicated in the report dated February 7, 1995, by Anita Hayworth
describing the results of a biological reconnaisance survey of the
subject site, the site has potential to support the federally threatened
California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) within the coastal sage
scrub and sensitive plant species within the chaparral. Several species
that may occur in this area are proposed for federal listing as
threatened or endangered: Encinitas baccharis (Baccharis vanessae), Del
Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos gladulosa ssp. crassir"o_ZJa) , Del Mar sand
aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia ssp. linifolia), and Orcutt's
spineflower (Chorizanthe orcuttiana). The Service recommends that
focused surveys be conducted to determine the presence or absence of the
California gnatcatcher and any sensitive plant species which may occur
on the property. We also recommend that the site be assessed for the
potential presence of the Pacific Pocket Mouse (Perognathus longimembris
pacificus) , a federally endangered species.
Due to the isolated nature of the subject site and its location outside
of any local preserve planning area, the Service believes that project-
related impacts to coastal sage scrub would be appropriately mitigated
offsite. Assuming that the Pacific pocket mouse is not present on the
subject site, the Carlsbad Highlands mitigation bank would be an
Mr. Jack 2
appropriate site for mitigating project-related coastal sage scrub
impacts. The Carlsbad Highlands site might also be appropriate for
mitigating Jc*haparral impacts, depending upon the species that are found
during the focused surveys.
Thank-you for the opportunity to review the subject project. We hope to
provide further input after seeing the results of subsequent surveys.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Ms. Berryman at
the Carlsbad Field Office (619/431-9440).
Sincerely^
/
>Gail C. Kobetich
Field Office Supervisor
cc: Bill Tippets, CDFG
Don Rideout, City of Carlsbad
#l-6-HC-96-36
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE B&sOi^S't
Ecological Services
Carlsbad Field Office
2730 Loker Avenue West MAR 2 5
Carlsbad, California 92008 (TV" ? <•-••• '"-• ,,
February 2&J.. 19V9&
Don L. Jack
Farwest American Enterprises
1727 Oceanside Blvd., Suite A
Oceanside, California 92054
Re: Pacific View Ltd. Project, Sensitive Species Surveys
Dear Mr. Jack:
This letter responds to your request that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) provide written comments regarding mitigation and
processing requirements for the above referenced project (Project).
In a previous letter from the Service, dated November 24, 1995, we
responded to your October 25, 1995 letter by stating that project-
related impacts to coastal sage scrub would be appropriately mitigated
offsite provided that sensitive species are not found on the project
site. We recommended that focused surveys be conducted to determine
the presence or absence of the California gnatcatcher and any
sensitive plant species which may occur on the property. We
subsequently received a report dated January 11, 1996, regarding
sensitive species surveys conducted on the subject property by Dudek
and Associates. The Service is satisfied with this report and, based
on the information provided, concurs that the species evaluated are
unlikely to occur on-site.
Due to the isolated nature of the subject site, its location outside
of any local preserve planning area, and the absence of sensitive
species, the Service believes that project-related impacts to coastal
sage scrub would be appropriately mitigated offsite, in an area of
high long-term conservation value within the City of Carlsbad or other
coastal area, at a 1:1 ratio for 1.95 acres of coastal sage scrub.
The Service also concurs that the project is appropriate for
processing under the interim habitat loss provisions of the Natural
Community Conservation Planning Program for coastal sage scrub.
_ ;CE1VEDFEB 3 1935
Anita M. Haywl
Biological Consultant
February 7, 1995
Hunsaker & Associates
10179 Huennekens Street
San Diego, CA 92121
RE: Carlsbad Village Drive Property Biological Reconnaisance Suivey
APN 167-250-16-00
As directed by Far West Enterprises, I conducted a biological reconnaisance survey for the
property located on Carlsbad Village Drive between Monroe Street and El Camino Real. The
property is 8.52 acres with all but a small amount located on the north side of Carlsbad
Village Drive. The reconnaisance survey was conducted on January 28, 1995. All areas of
the property were visited on foot. The habitat types were mapped on a 100 scale topographic
map and major plant species were identified. Not all plant species were identified during the
survey and no surveys were conducted for rare, threatened or endangered species. However,
the potential for sensitive species was noted during the survey.
Three habitat types are present on the property: coastal sage scrub (CSS), southern mixed
chaparral, and disturbed habitat (Figure 1).
The CSS habitat is located in two areas: an area (1.56 acres) is located at the southwestern
end of the property, and a small piece (0.39 acres) is located in the northern portion adjacent
to the chaparral habitat. The dominant plant species include California sagebrush (Artemisia
californicd), flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum}, and deerweed (Lotus scoparius). A
total of 1.95 acres of CSS habitat is located on the property.
The southern mixed chaparral is located on the eastern side of the property. The dominant
plant species include lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifoJia) and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolid).
Other plant species noted include deerweed, California sagebrush, black sage (Salvia
melliferd), coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis var. consanguinea), broom baccharis (Baccharis
sarothroides), white sage (Salvia apiand), and two willow trees (Salix sp.). Some non-native
species are also present in this habitat, including pampas grass (Cortaderia sp.) and eucalyptus
trees (Eucalyptus sp.). A total of 2.20 acres of southern mixed chaparral habitat is located on
the property.
10542 Montego Drive / San Diego CA 92124 / (619) 694-0084
The disturbed habitat includes areas devoid of vegetation, solid stands of eucalyptus trees (no
native vegetation understory), and landscape and ornamental vegetation. This habitat type is
scattered in various locations on the property. A strip of landscape and ornamental vegetation
is located along the sidewalk by Carlsbad Village Drive. The small piece of the property
south of Carlsbad Village Drive is entirely landscape plants including iceplant groundcoyer,
acacia and eucalyptus. And small stands of eucalyptus trees are located in several areas.' A
total of 4.37 acres of disturbed habitat is located on- the property. <
Sensitive resources include the CSS habitat. Although a very small amount is present on the
property and the habitat is isolated from other habitat areas, this habitat type has seriously
declined in southern California and futher impacts to it are regulated by the resource agencies
(U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Game). In addition,
this habitat is potentially occupied by the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californicd).
Although it seems unlikely that the gnatcatcher is present due to the small size of the habitat
patch and the isolated nature of the property, a survey for the species is recommended. The
survey should be conducted by a qualified ornithologist with a permit for conducting such
surveys. The survey should follow the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey protocols.
Impacts to the 1.95 a'cres of CSS will require mitigation as determined by the resource
agencies and the City of Carlsbad. Mitigation may be accomplished most effectively through
use of the Natural Communities Conservation Plan 4d Rule. This property is well-suited for
mitigation through the 4d rule because the habitat is isolated and of very small size. Suitable
mitigation may include: purchase of equal or better habitat off-site at a location suitable to the
resource agencies, or possibly, payment in fee to the City of Carlsbad Habitat Acquisition
Fund.
The southern mixed chaparral may also contain sensitive plant species. Although sensitive
plant species were not observed during this reconnaisance survey, it is recommended that
additional surveys be conducted to identify the presence of sensitive plant species. Currently,
impacts to southern mixed chaparral do not require mitigation. However, if sensitive plant
species are determined to be present, mitigation may be required depending on the level of
sensitivity of the species.
Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information regarding this project.
Sincerely,
Anita M. Hay worth
Ower/biologist
c. Mr. Don Jack, Far West Enterprises
10542 Montego Drive / San Diego CA 92124 / (619) 694-0084
Figure 1. Habitat Types on the Carisbad Village Drive Property.
SCALE IN FEET CSS Coastal sage scrub
CHP Southern mixed chaparral
D Disturbed, includes eucalyptus stands, landscape and ornamental plantings, and
areas devoid of vegetation
- l.T>