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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPIP 97-07; Newton Business Center; Planned Industrial Permit (PIP) (19)RBRiggan and Associates 23 March 1998 , . .., -_. '\ ,, l,. '\ Ms. Anne Hysong Planning Department City of Carlsbad 2075 Las Palmas Drive \.?? Carlsbad CA 92009 " '.\ .i ',, i: \ L : I '' . ,- ..-( -? I ' \;>, i LC' , , (', !, c, \. ' ~ 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. [:\1652-let.007]