HomeMy WebLinkAboutPIP 97-07; Newton Business Center; Planned Industrial Permit (PIP) (19)RBRiggan and Associates
23 March 1998
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Ms. Anne Hysong
Planning Department
City of Carlsbad
2075 Las Palmas Drive \.?? Carlsbad CA 92009
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FAX: 760-438-0894
Reference: Newton Business Center Project (PIP 97-07/HDP 97- 1 8/CDP 97-35) - Environmental
Review (Mitigated Negative Declaration) - Biological Resources - Amendment of
Biological Survey Report (RBR Job Number 1652.36A)
Dear Ms. Hysong:
As you are aware, letters were received from both the Department of Fish and Game and the Fish
and Wildlife Service in response to the public review period for the Newton Business Center
Mitigated Negative Declaration. This firm has, following receipt of these letters, been involved with
the applicant IDI, Inc., in a series of discussions with the staff of both wildlife agencies. This letter
summarizes the results of those discussions and the following points should be considered as an
addendum to the Biological Survey Report of 25 May 1997.
1.
2.
3.
California Gnatcatcher. As a point of clarification, a federal protocol survey for the Coastal
California Gnatcatcher was conducted by RBRiggan and Associates. This survey was
negative and both wildlife agencies concur with the survey and the findings. No amendment
of the original report is required with respect to the Gnatcatcher.
Chorizanthe orcuttiana. A directed search for this endangered plant species was conducted
as a part of the original survey. Two additional field visits to the site have been made this
year (due in part to the record rainfall) in an attempt to locate individuals of this species, but
with negative results. We have verbally reported the results of these additional surveys to the
two wildlife agencies. No amendment of the original report is required with respect to
Chorizanthe orcuttiana.
Brodiaeafilifolia. As is indicated in the Survey Report, an existing reserve for Brodiaea
JiEifoZia is found in the extreme southeastern corner of the project site. During the 1997
survey, probably as a function of the limited rainfall last year, no Brodiaea were noted within
or adjacent to this preserve. The lack of individuals within the preserve fence was a point of
concern, one that was discussed with Fish and Game's regional botanist, Mr. James Dice.
With the exceptional rainfall this last winter and early spring, however, BrodiaeaJilifolia has
proven to be numerous within the preserve. Several thousand plants can be seen within the
fenced area and a few hundred individuals are found in clumps just outside the fence.
11 228 Zapata Avenue, San Diego, CA 92126 Riverside office: (909)351-0809 San Dego Office: (619)233-5454
professional environmental services
Ms. Anne Hysong
23 March 1998
page two
In addition, approximately seven individuals are located under the foot print of the proposed
structure. As a result of these findings we have proposed, and IDI, Inc. has concurred with,
the following mitigation measures. These measures are additional to those specified in the
original Biological Survey Report and have the concurrence of the wildlife agencies:
A. Prior to grading of the site, Industrial Development International, Inc., will obtain
from the California Department of Fish and Game either a Section 208 1 Agreement
or other suitable authority to transplant (or eliminate) the seven individuals of
BrodiaeaJiEijolia found within the development area of the project.
B. Prior to grading of the site, Industrial Development International, Inc., will relocate
and expand the fence surrounding the BrodiaeajEfoEia preserve to include all of the
plants outside the existing boundary. This fenced area will extend to roughly the toe
of the proposed fill slope.
C. Industrial Development International, Inc. Will deed the expanded BrodiaeaJiZijoZia
preserve to The Environmental Trust along with an appropriate endowment. The
Environmental Trust will be responsible for the in perpetuity maintenance of the
preserve.
4. Southern Maritime Chaparral. Despite the confusion surrounding the definition and
classification of Southern Maritime Chaparral, IDI, Inc. has agreed to effectively re-classify
the “Southern Mixed Chaparral” found within the bounds of (or immediately adjacent to) the
project site as Southern Maritime Chaparral. Of this chaparral, 4.98-acres will be lost due to
construction and 1.83-acres will be retained in natural open space. IDI, Inc., has agreed to
a 1.5: 1 off-site mitigation for the loss of this Southern Maritime Chaparral habitat, less a
credit for the preservation of the Brodiaea JiEijoZia preserve [the latter species being
considered a “narrow endemic’’ in the parlance of the MHCP]. IDI, Inc. is presently working
with Environmental Land Solutions to identify and acquire the appropriate mitigation credits.
At the request of the Carlsbad Planning Department, we have reviewed the Newton Business Center
slope map to assess those portions of the property within the footprint of the proposed grading, that
have slopes equal to or greater than 25%, and which are occupied by native vegetation. In
completing this analysis we have relied on the slope analysis map prepared by Hunter Landscape.
Hunter’s analysis is based on a topographic map with 2-foot contour intervals and includes virtually
all slopes of 25% or greater angle, regardless of the slope’s height. Their analysis is, therefore, quite
conservative - it includes, for example, many “slopes” only two feet in height.
Overlaying our vegetation map on the Hunter slope analysis (while taking into account the
differences in scales) we have found that 0.33-acres of Southern Maritime Chaparral lies within the
Ms. Anne Hysong
23 March 1998
page three
grading footprint and on slopes of 25% or greater. Additionally, 0.04-acres of 25% or greater slopes
within the grading footprint are occupied by disturbed Coastal Sage Scrub.
There are a total of 3.9-acres of lands with slopes equal to or greater than 25% within the bounds of
the subject property. Of this area, 0.37-acres (or 9.5% of the steeply sloped lands) with native
vegetation will be disturbed by the proposed grading.
If we can provide any additional information or elaborate on any of the above, pleased do not
hesitate to contact the undersigned directly.
Sincerely,
Royce B. Riggan, Jr., AICP
Principal
[Federal Permit PRT-7801951
RBR:ct
cc: Alan J. Sharp - IDI, Inc.
Jon Kelly - IDI, Inc.
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