HomeMy WebLinkAbout3557; Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project; Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project; 2009-05-01ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND
JURISDICTIONAL DELINEATION REPORT
CARLSBAD, SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Prepared for:
City of Carlsbad Public Works - Engineering
Contact: John Cahill
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, Califomia 92008
Prepared by:
EDAW, Inc.
1420 Kettner Boulevard, Suite 500
San Diego, CA 92101
(619)233-1454
May 2009
EDAW I AECOM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 1
2.0 INTRODUCTION 3
2.1 Purpose of Assessment 3
2.2 Project Description and Location 7
3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS , 8
3.1 General Setting 8
3.2 Topography 12
3.3 Soils 12
4.0 METHODS 13
4.1 Study Area ; , 13
4.2 Presurvey Investigations 13
4.3 Biological Reconnaissance Field Survey... 14
4.4 Jurisdictional Delineation of Federal Waters 15
4.5 Jurisdictional Delineation of Waters of the State 17
4.5.1 Califomia Department of Fish and Game 17
4.5.2 Califomia Coastal Commission 18
4.5.3 Regional Water Quality Control Board 19
5.0 RESULTS 20
5.1 Biological Resources 20
5.1.1 Vegetation Communities 20
5.1.2 Wildlife : : ......24
5.1.3 Special-Status Biological Resources 24
5.1.4 Special-Status Plant Species 25
5.1.5 Special-Status Wildlife Species 26
5.1.6 Sensitive Natural Communities : 30
5.1.7 Wildlife Movement Corridors and Habitat Fragmentation 31
5.2 Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. and State of Califomia 32
5.2.1 Summary of Jurisdictional Findings 33
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5.2.2 Waters ofthe U.S 33
5.2.3 Califomia Department of Fish and Game Jurisdictional Areas 36
5.2.4 Califomia Coastal Commission Jurisdictional Areas 37
6.0 EVALUATION OF PROJECT IMPACTS 37
6.1 Impacts to Biological Resources.. 37
6.1.1 Temporary Constmction Impacts 39
6.2 Impacts to Jurisdictional Waters 41
7.0 AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES 42
7.1 Biological Resources Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation
Recommendations .42
7.2 Jurisdictional Waters Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation
Recommendations 43
8.0 REFERENCES 45
APPENDICES
A 2009 Photo Log
B Wetland Determination Data Forms
C List of Plant Species Observed
D List of Wildlife Species Observed
E Special-Status Plant and Wildlife Species Known to Occur within 2 Miles
of the Smdy Area
F Applicable Federal and State Regulations
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1 Regional Map ; 4
2 Proj ect Vicinity 5
3 Project Study Area and Footprint 6
4 Land Management Status 9
5 Photopoint Locations 10
6 Vegetation Communities - 2009 21
7 Jurisdictional Delineation and Field Data Points 34
8 Potential Impacts to Jurisdictional Features and Vegetation Communities 38
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 Survey Dates and Personnel Conducting Surveys 14
2 Summary of Wetland Indicator Stams • 16
3 Vegetation Communities and Acreages within the Study Area 22
4 Special-Status Wildlife Species Known to Occur within or in the Immediate
Vicinity of the Study Area 26
5 USAGE, DFG, and CCC Jurisdictional Wetland Areas within the Study Area 35
6 Potential Impacts to Vegetation Communities within the Study Area 39
7 Potential Impacts to Jurisdictional Wetlands and Other Waters 41
8 Mitigation Ratios 43
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LO SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The City of Carlsbad (City) has identified the need to remove and replace the southbound
Encinas Creek Bridge based upon recommendations from the Califomia Department of
Transportation (Caltrans). A reconnaissance-level biological assessment survey and formal
jurisdictional delineation was conducted for the Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
(project). This document presents the results of both surveys and identified potential
opportunities iand constraints for the proposed bridge replacement activities.
The project is located where southbound Carlsbad Boulevard crosses Encinas Creek in Carlsbad,
Califomia (Figures 1, 2, and 3). The study area is approximately 6 acres and is bounded on the
west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the northbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard
(Figure 3). The study area is located within the coastal zone and within Local Facility
Management Zone 22 ofthe City of Carlsbad's (City's) Habitat Management Plan (HMP) but is
not considered an Existing or Proposed Hardline Conservation Area or Proposed Standards Area
as defined by the HMP (Figure 4).
The habitat/vegetation communities within the study area are depicted in Figure 6 and include:
• beach; • dismrbed diegan coastal sage scmb;
• open water (creek and Pacific Ocean); • disturbed habitat; and
• southem coastal salt marsh; • developed habitat
• coastal and valley freshwater marsh;
Of these habitat types, the open water, southem coastal salt marsh, and coastal and valley
freshwater marsh habitats are all considered sensitive habitats regulated by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (USAGE); Califomia Department of Fish and Game (DFG), and Califomia Coastal
Commission (CCC). In addition, these habitats are also considered sensitive by the City.
Replacement of the bridge will permanently affect 0.036 acre of developed land and 0.016 acre
of disturbed habitat. Temporary impacts are expected to affect disturbed habitat (0.255 acre),
open water (0.016 acre, Encinas Creek only), beach (0.067 acre), and coastal and valley
freshwater marsh habitats (0.004) (Figure 8). Avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures
have been proposed to further reduce impacts associated with constmction of the proposed
project and include:
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BIO-1 Revegetation of temporary impact areas
BIO-2 Riprap placement limited to areas where riprap already exists
BIO-3 Contractor(s) education on the biological constraints of the project
BIO-4 Mitigation for temporary impacts to jurisdictional waters (including wetlands) •
HYDRO-1 Develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
HYDRO-2 Monitoring requirements for the constmction area during all storm events
Mitigation Measures BIO-1 and BIO-2 are recommended to limit impacts to biological resources
while BIO-3 and BIO-4, and HYDRO-1 and HYDRO-2 limit impacts to jurisdictional waters.
Detailed descriptions of these Mitigation Measures can be found in Section 7 of this document.
Based on a literamre review, reconnaissance-level surveys, and a familiarity with the flora and
fauna within the southem Califomia coastal zone, no special-status plant species are considered
to have potential to occur on-site and four wildlife species are considered to have at least some
potential to occur within the study area. The four wildlife species are the light-footed clapper
rail, westem snowy plover, Califomia least tem, and least Bell's vireo. Focused botanical and
wildlife surveys were not conducted as part of this reconnaissance-level site evaluation.
However, based on the literature review, the reconnaissance-level surveys conducted to date, the
disturbed nature of the smdy area, and the low quality of any potential suitable habitat, all four
species are considered to have a low potential to occur and impacts are not anticipated.
The smdy area supports one drainage, Encinas Creek, which was determined to be jurisdictional
waters of the U.S. and waters of the state. In addition, Encinas Creek supports jurisdictional
wetlands that are confined to the width of the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) and the
southem terrace within the study area. Approximately 0.10 acre of jurisdictional waters ofthe
U.S., in addition to 1.64 acres of waters of the U.S. and navigable waters (open ocean), occurs in
the study area. In addition, 0.43 acre of jurisdictional wetlands occurs in the smdy area including
southem coastal salt marsh, and coastal and valley freshwater marsh. Both the 1.74 acres of
waters ofthe U.S. and the .0.43 acre of jurisdictional wetlands are also "waters ofthe state" and
CCC jurisdictional wetlands.
Of the jurisdictional waters within the smdy area, no permanent impacts are anticipated. Up to
0.038 acre of temporary impacts to jurisdictional waters (in the form of wetlands [0.004 acre] and
nonwetland waters [0.034 acre]) will occur as a result of the proposed project. Overall impacts
will be temporary, affect a small area, and should be mitigable on-site through revegetation. To
further avoid and minimize the potential temporary impacts, Mitigation Measures BIO-3 and
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BIO-4, and HYDRO-1 and HYDRO-2 (described in detail in Section 7), have been
recommended.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Purpose of Assessment
A reconnaissance-level biological assessment and a formal jurisdictional delineation were
conducted for the project located where southbound Carlsbad Boulevard crosses Encinas Creek
in Carlsbad, Califomia (Figures 1 and 2). This report presents the findings for both the biological
resource reconnaissance-level survey and formal jurisdictional delineation within the Encinas
Creek Bridge Replacement Project study area (study area) (Figure 3). The study area is bounded
on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the northbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard
and extends approximately 250 feet to the north and approximately 300 feet to the south of the
existing bridge (Figure 3). • .
The purpose of performing a reconnaissance-level biological survey is to (1) compile a list of
plant and wildlife species that occur within the study area, (2) identify plant communities and
distribution, and (3) identify potential opportunities and constraints for the proposed bridge
replacement activities.
The purpose of performing a formal jurisdictional delineation is to identify the absence or
presence (with their location, boundaries, and acreages) of jurisdictional waters ofthe U.S. and
state (including wetlands) occurring within the study area that may be potentially impacted by
the proposed project. Once presence or absence of jurisdictional waters is determined, the results
will be verified by the appropriate federal and state agencies for which these waters are under
regulatory administration. This includes USAGE, Regional, Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB), and DFG. Appendix F includes a detailed description of applicable state and federal
regulations regarding waters within the study area.
If it is determined that there will be permanent and/or temporary impacts to jurisdictional waters
related to the proposed project, this report provides a component of information necessary for the
City to apply for agency permits and achieve compliance with all applicable regulations that are
described in detail in Section 6.0.
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ORANGEI^
COUNTY
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
MEXicO
3.75 7.5
r = 7.5 Miles
15 Miles Figure 1
Regional Map
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Source; ESRI StreetMap 2007 / EDAW 2009
2,000 1,000 0 e Scale: 1 ; 24,000; 1 inch = 2000 feet
Figure 2
Project Vicinity
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Old Bridge \
Footprint \A
Temporary \
Construction '
Q Impact Area
Study Area Boundary
Source: Aerial - San Diego Co. 2008 / Project Data -- City of Carlsbad 2009 / EDAW 2009
80 40 0 80 Feet
e Scale: 1:960; 1 inch = 80 feet
Figure 3
Project Study Area and Footprint
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2.2 Project Description and Location
The City proposes to remove and replace the existing Encinas Creek Bridge located at
southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, approximately 0.5 mile south of Palomar Airport Road in
Carlsbad, Califomia (Figures 1 and 2). The bridge is located between Island Way and Solamar
Drive along the southbound portion of Carlsbad Boulevard. The City has identified the need to
remove and replace the bridge based upon recommendations from the Califomia Department of
Transportation. The original bridge stmcture was built in 1913, widened in 1924, and then
widened again in 1928. The existing bridge holds two lanes of traffic; these lanes were originally
a northbound and a southbound lane, but as of 1951 both lanes serve southbound traffic. The
overall existing bridge width from edge of deck to edge of deck is approximately 69 feet and 4
inches, although the stmcture extends to approximately 90 feet and 3 inches when including the
wingwalls. The existing bridge length measured from paving notch to paving notch along the
roadway centerline is approximately 23 feet. The bridge is now considered oversized due to the
unidirectional flow of traffic. As such, the overall footprint of the new bridge will be smaller
than the existing bridge (Figure 3). The overall bridge alignment and number of lanes will
remain the same, although the vertical alignment of the new bridge may be increased by 2 feet to
accommodate 100-year storm flows.
The City proposes to install a precast concrete bridge structure in place of the existing culvert-
style concrete bridge. The proposed new strucmre will have a width of 43 feet 2 inches from
edge of deck to edge of deck, thereby reducing the overall width of the bridge by 26 feet 2 inches
(6 feet 11 inches to the west and 19 feet 3 inches to the east). The new structure will have a
length of 38 feet 4 inches to accommodate the 100-year storm event. In addition, to minimize the
construction impacts on the west side, the wingwalls will be placed parallel to the roadway. The
proposed bridge will be constructed off-site and assembled on-site, to reduce construction
duration and minimize traffic interruption.
Riprap will be used to protect the road and bridge from wave action. Existing riprap will be
reconfigured and supplemented with an additional 1,307 cubic yards of 2-ton riprap and 697
cubic yards of one-quarter-ton rock on the west side of the bridge and roadway. Riprap will be
added for approximately 118 feet to the north of the bridge and approximately 149 feet south of
the bridge to stabilize the currently eroding roadway embankment. New riprap will not extend
beyond the limits of the existing riprap. New riprap will be similar in color and shape to the
existing riprap.
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Constmction of the bridge is expected to take up to 4 months and will begin sometime after
Labor Day, beginning no earlier than Tuesday, September 8, 2009. The City Engineer has
approved a Detour Plan, which will detour all southbound traffic at Palomar Airport Road to
Avenida Encinas, Poinsettia Lane, and then back to Carlsbad Boulevard southbound. This detour
route will allow southbound Carlsbad Boulevard (north of the bridge) to be used for constmction
staging, including parking for contractor equipment and vehicles. Excavation and backfill
equipment will be stationed on the roadway above the bridge and will remove all concrete
stmcmres (abutments, footings, slabs, and walls) from above. Therefore, minimal to no vehicle
traffic is anticipated on the beach during construction. No equipment or vehicles will remain on
the beach ovemight. Beach activity will be limited to installation of sheet piling and replacement
and supplement of riprap.
The smdy area is bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the east by the northbound
lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard. The study area extends approximately 250 feet to the north and
approximately 300 feet to the south of the existing bridge. The study area is greater than the
projected project footprint as depicted in Figure 3 in an effort to best capture the existing
biological conditions in the immediate vicinity of the bridge. The study area is located in a
developed area of coastal zone, as depicted in Figure 4, and lies within the Encinitas U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle. In addition, the study area lies
within Local Facility Management Zone 22, as described in the City's 1999 Habitat Management
Plan (HMP), but is not considered an Existing or Proposed Hardline Conservation Area or
Proposed Standards Area as defined by the HMP (Figure 4).
3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS
3.1 General Setting
Based on the field assessment, it appears that significant portions of the study area (including the
bridge crossing, associated roadway, and the area between southbound and northbound Carlsbad
Boulevard) have been disturbed to varying degrees over the past few decades. In addition, the
area surrounding the study area is also disturbed, consisting of residential and commercial
development. This disturbance on-site and in the surrounding area is primarily a result of the
development of the surrounding road and the ongoing recreational, residential, and commercial
uses in the area. Photopoints 1 through 25 were taken throughout the study area. Figure 5 shows
the photopoint locations, including those associated wdth a delineation data point. The
photographs can be found in Appendix A. Only those photopoints that represent a particular
feature discussed within this report are referenced from this point on.
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Land Management Status
Habitat Management Plan
Existing Hardline Preserve
1^^^ Proposed Hardline Preserve
^^^^ Proposed Standards Areas
Source: City of Carlsbad 2006
Coastal Zone
Jurisdictional Area
Source: SANDAG 2002 '1
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Encinitas
Source: ESRI StreetMap 2007 / EDAW 2009
2,000 1,000 0 e Scale: 1 : 24,000; 1 inch = 2000 feet
Figure 4
Land Management Status
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LEGEND
Photopoints
Location and Direction of View
[with Identification Number ]
($1^ Data point as subject
ottier subject
] Study Area
Source: Aerial - San Diego Co. 2008 / EDAW 2009
80 40 0
e
80 Feet
Scale: 1:960; 1 inch = 80 feet
Figure 5
Photopoint Locations
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Within the study area, Carlsbad Boulevard is a divided road with southbound lanes separated
from the northbound lanes by approximately 200 feet of disturbed native and nonnative habitats
(Appendix A, Photo 1). The smdy area is bisected from east to west by Encinas Creek, a
perennial stream averaging 15 feet wide within the smdy area (Appendix A, Photo 8). Encinas
Creek crosses under the bridge prior to intersecting the Pacific Ocean (Appendix A, Photo 24).
The study area is divided from north to south by the southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard,
which is elevated above a trapezoidal profile constructed of soil and reinforced with riprap on fhe
west side (Appendix A, Photos 22 and 23). The west side of the study area extends to the Pacific
Ocean and is predominantly sandy beach bordered to the east by a disturbed bluff that supports
the existing road and has been armored with riprap to withstand extreme high tides (Appendix A,
Photo 22). The east side of the study area is bound by both the southbound and northbound lanes
of Carlsbad Boulevard. This area is dominated by normative vegetation (primarily hottentot fig
[Carpobrotus edulis]) with areas of native vegetation concentrated adjacent to the southem
boundary of Encinas Creek (Appendix A, Photos 1 and 2). Native vegetation in this area consists
primarily of remnant salt marsh species such as Virginia glasswort (Sarcoconia pacifica) and salt
grass {Distichlis spicata) (Appendix A, Photos 5 and 6). The Habitat Management Plan for
Natural Communities in the City of Carlsbad identifies this area as being disturbed (City of
Carlsbad 1999).
Watershed
The study area occurs within the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit (HU), which is approximately 210
square miles. This HU extends from the headwaters above Lake Wohlford in the east to the
Pacific Ocean in the west, and from Vista and Oceanside in the north to Solana Beach,
Escondido, and the community of Rancho Santa Fe in the south. The HU is further divided into
six Hydrologic Area (HAs) with the study area occurring in the Canyon de las Encinas HA.
The Canyon de las Encinas HA is 3,434 acres in size, making it the second smallest watershed
within the Carlsbad HU. The watershed extends inland from the coast 2.37 miles and the high
elevation within the drainage is approximately 430 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). The
watershed begins as a small drainage behind an industrial area where it is immediately
channelized. The creek continues down through industrial and office parks associated with
Palomar Airport until it reaches the lower valley area. It then makes its way to the Pacific Ocean
after crossing Interstate 5 and Coast Highway 101 under Encinas Creek Bridge and southbound
Carlsbad Boulevard. Encinas Creek has no tributaries, making it a simple first order stream. The
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channelizing at the lower end ofthe creek suggests that significant storm flows occur within this
small watershed.
3.2 Topography
The proposed project is located at Encinas Creek along the southern edge of the historic Agua
Hedionda Spanish land grant as shown on the USGS Encinitas Quadrangle 7.5-minute series
topographic map.
Most of the study area is relatively flat with the northbound and southbound sections of Carlsbad
Boulevard elevated on top of manufactured fills. The fill to the west of southbound Carlsbad
Boulevard is reinforced with large rocks for protection against heavy surf. The study area
includes the portion of the creek that flows from a double box culvert undemeath northbound
Carlsbad Boulevard, crossing under the Encinas Creek Bridge, and flows across the sandy beach
and drains into the Pacific Ocean. The creek has a natural channel bottom and banks, other than
the portion under the bridge that is cement lined and is now covered with sand and cobble. The
creek is perennial and supports herbaceous hydrophytic vegetation, dominated by native species.
The creek is approximately 4 to 8 feet below the adjacent flat areas and is approximately 10 feet
AMSL. Due to the elevation of Encinas Creek in relation to the adjacent beach, it is assumed that
the channel is primarily freshwater but is probably still subject to tidal influence at extreme high
tides.
Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard and its associated bridge are approximately 18 feet AMSL as
shovm on the contour lines provided by the City. There is a gentle swale that extends south from
the creek where it terminates approximately 20 to 30 feet from the channel. There is a sandy
berm that rises in elevation by approximately 20 to 30 feet to the north and abuts the northbound
lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard.
3.3 Soils
Soil series and their respective phases occurring within the study area were mapped and soils
listed on the National List of Hydric Soils (NRCS 2009) were identified. There are two soil
series that fall within the study area: Tidal Flats and Marina series. Tidal flats underlay Encinas
Creek and a majority of the study area. The Tidal Flats soil series is listed on the National Hydric
Soils List (NRCS 2009) and the Local Hydric Soil List (SCS 1992). Hydric soils are defined as
"a soil that formed imder conditions of saturation, flooding or ponding long enough during the
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growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part" (NRCS 2009).^ A brief
description of each soil series is presented below.
Tidal Flats Series - The Tidal Flats soil series underlays a majority of the smdy area. The
material is predominantly sandy and well drained. It is assumed that much of the low elevation
area adjacent to Encinas Creek was historically subject to ocean tides. As mentioned above, the
Tidal Flats series is Hsted by the SCS (1992) Field Office Official List of Hydric Soil Map Units
for the San Diego Area as hydric soils.
Marina Series - The Marina series occurs in minor amounts in the northem portion of the study
area. This soil series is composed of loamy coarse sand, with a 2 to 9 percent slope. This series is
not listed by the SCS (1992) Field Office Official List of Hydric Soil Map Units for the San
Diego Area as a hydric soil or as having minor hydria inclusions.
4.0 METHODS
4.1 Study Area
As described previously, the study area is bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the
east by the northbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard (Figure 3). The study area extends
approximately 250 feet to the north and approximately 300 feet to the south of the existing
bridge. The study area is greater than the projected project footprint including the temporary
impact zone, as depicted in Figure 3. This larger study area was chosen to allow for flexibility in
project design and to provide the City with detailed information on the area immediately
surrounding the bridge. This information may be used in the future when identifying areas for
restoration and enhancement. The study area boundary is used for the purpose of vegetation
mapping and the extent of the jurisdictional delineation; however, sensitive plants and wildlife
that are known to occur within 2 miles of the project were further evaluated for their potential to
occur.
4.2 Presurvey Investigations
Prior to conducting the field survey, a review of existing data from the DFG's Califomia Natural
Diversity Database (CNDDB) RareFind 3 version 3.1.0 was conducted for the USGS 7.5-minute
Encinitas quadrangles, and the adjacent coastal quadrangle was performed to determine if there
' FR 59(133): 35680-35681 (July 13, 1994).
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have been any occurrences of biological sensitive resources previously reported within or
adjacent to the study area (DFG 2009e).
The City's 1999 HMP, which serves as the City's subarea plan under the Multiple Habitat
Conservation Program (MHCP), was reviewed. The HMP proposes to identify how government
agencies, in cooperation with federal and state wildlife agencies, can regionally preserve the
diversity of species and habitat while allowing for development. Specifically, the HMP provides
guidelines to address impacts to vegetation communities, and plants and wildlife species in the
City.
4.3 Biological Reconnaissance Field Survey
A reconnaissance-level site assessment and formal jurisdiction delineation of the smdy area was
conducted by EDAW biologists Jason Phillips and Lindsay Teunis on January 8, 2009. The
survey began at approximately 10:00 a.m. with clear skies throughout the day until the end, when
it became partly overcast and breezy. The temperature was approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit
with an onshore breeze of less than 5 miles per hour. An initial survey was conducted in 2005
during the project design phase (see Table 1). The results of both the 2009 and 2005 surveys are
summarized herein.
Table 1
Survey Dates and Personnel Conducting Surveys
Dates Personnel Activity
January 8, 2009 Lindsay Teunis and Jason
Phillips
General biological recoimaissance of study area and
field survey and sampling to perform a formal
jurisdictional delineation.
October 26,2005 John Messina and John Ko General biological reconnaissance of study area and
preliminary jurisdictional delineation.
The 2009 survey was conducted by traversing through the site and recording plants and wildlife
observed. Vegetation communities were mapped on a recent color aerial photograph at a scale of
1 inch = 100 feet. The entire study area was surveyed on foot and all distinct habitat types were
visited and identified. All plant and wildlife species observed or detected by sign were recorded.
Due to the project schedule, the survey was conducted at the time of year when spring ephemeral
plant species and migratory animal species would not have been observable. In addition, this
survey was intended as an initial evaluation of on-site habitat types and an assessment of the
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potential for occurrence of special-status plant and wildlife species. As such, focused wildlife
surveys or botanical surveys were not conducted as part of this reconnaissance-level site
evaluation.
4.4 Jurisdictional Delineation of Federal Waters
Within the study area, jurisdictional waters of the U.S were delineated pursuant to the criteria
outlined in and in accordance with the USAGE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual (Manual)
(Environmental Laboratory 1987) and the September 2008 Regional Supplement to the USACE
of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (Version 2.0) (2008 Supplement)
(Environmental Laboratory 2008). The jurisdictional delineation was conducted in accordance
with Part IV (Methods), Section D (Routine Determinations), Subsection 2 (On-site Inspection
Necessary) of the Manual's "Routine Determinations for Areas Equal to or Less Than Five Acres
in Size."
The study area included the potential for jurisdictional waters and required field assessments for
the presence of two types of federally regulated waters:
(1) Jurisdictional Wetlands - requiring a formal wetland delineation based upon the
three-criteria method outlined in the Manual and the 2008 Supplement (the
simultaneous presence of wetland hydrology, hydric soil, and hydric vegetation)
to define the jurisdictional extent of wetlands; and
(2) Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM): requiring formal surveys for field
indicators of drainage features and un vegetated waters to define the jurisdictional
lateral extent by utilizing OHWM.^ This site has the potential for presence of at
least two types of federally regulated waters.
With the exception of some atypical situations, the USACE guidelines require the presence of a
positive wetland indicator for three parameters (i.e., hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soil, and
wetland hydrology) (Manual and 2008 Supplement). As such, the routine jurisdictional
determination method requires an examination for the presence of wetland indicators for
hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. To determine the wetland-
nonwetland boundary, data points were located along Encinas Creek and throughout the study
As defmed in 33 CFR 328.3(e).
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area in the different vegetation communities, including obvious wetland and nonwetland areas
and where distinct topographical changes were encountered.
All data points were surveyed to determine the percent dominance of hydrophytic vegetation.
The wetland indicator status was assigned to each dominant species using the Region 0
(Califomia) List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands, as shown in Table 2. An area was
determined to support hydrophytic vegetation if greater than 50 percent of the dominant species
were listed as obligate (OBL), facultative wetland (FACW), or facultative (FAG) species on the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS's) National List of Plant Species that Occur in
Wetlands: 1988 California (Region) (Reed 1988). For plants that were not present on Reed's list,
the 1996 National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands (USFWS 1996a) was used.
Vegetation was assessed using the "50/20 Rule" to determine dominant species.^ By definition,
dominant species are the most abundant plant species (when ranked in descending order of
abundance and cumulatively totaled) that immediately exceed 50 percent of the total dominance
measure (e.g., basal area or aerial coverage) for the stratum, plus any additional species that
individually comprise 20 percent or more of the total dominance measure for the stratum (finer
1999).
Table 2
Summary of Wetland Indicator Status
Category Probability
Obligate Wetland (OBL) Almost always occur in wetlands (estimated probability of >99%)
Facultative Wetland (FACW) Usually occur in wetlands (estimated probability of 67 to 99%)
Facultative (FAC)
Equally likely to occur in wetlands/nonwetland (estimated probability of 34 to
66%)
Facultative Upland (FACU) Usually occur in nonwetland (estimated probability 67 to 99%)
Obligate Upland (UPL) Almost always occur in nonwetlands (estimated probability >99%)
Non-Indicator (NI) No indicator status has been assigned
Source; Reed 1988
Soil pits were taken at each of the field data points, and subsurface soil was analyzed visually for
redoximorphic features using Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States: A Guide for
The 50/20 Rule is a dominance ratio. When using the 50/20 Rule, greater than 50% of the plants must be
facultative, facultative wet, or obligate wet species. In addition, the cumulative total of all dominant plants must
be equal to or greater than 50% of the aerial coverage of the plot and any plant species that equals or exceeds 20%
ofthe total % aerial coverage of the plot is also considered a dominant plant. If no plant species equals or exceeds
20% ofthe cumulative total aerial coverage of the plot, then the dominant plants are the plants that, when ranked
in decreasing order of abundance and summed, immediately exceed 50% ofthe plot's aerial coverage when added
together (Federal Interagency Committee for Wetland Delineation 1989).
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Identifying and Delineating Hydric Soils (USDA 2006) and the application of a field diagnostic
test for determining the presence or absence of iron reduction and identifying aquic conditions
using a, a' Dipyridyl. In addition, information regarding the mapped soil series of the site was
gathered from the 5*0/7 Survey of the San Diego Area, California (Bovmian 1973). The mapped
soil series were then referenced on the Field Office Official List of Hydric Soil Map Units for the
San Diego Area, California (SCS 1992) to determine if any of these soils are identified as hydric
soil or contained hydric inclusions.
Soil pits were also used to determine the presence of wetland hydrology, such as soil saturation,
oxidized root channels, and hydric soil indicators. In addition, all data points were also surveyed
for the presence of wetland hydrologic field indicators, such as inundations, saturation, water
marks, drift lines, drainage pattems, and sediment deposits occurring within the vegetation
community.
Where possible, field data points and upland/jurisdictional water boundaries were surveyed using
Global Positioning System equipment with subfoot accuracy. In addition, field data points of
jurisdictional/nonjurisdictional boundaries within the study area were marked with day-glow
pink pin flags, respectively, which are intended to remain in place to aid in fiiture field
verification for the USACE.
A positive wetland determination was made for those observation points that exhibited positive
wetland field indicators for each of the three parameters: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils,
and wetland hydrology. A positive nonwetland (unvegetated) jurisdictional water of the U.S.
detemiination was made for areas that did not meet all three criteria but were within the lateral
extent of OHWM, as applied in practice for the purpose of this delineation. The Routine Wetland
Determination Data Forms for each data point are included as Appendix B to this report and a
photopoint of each location is depicted in Figure 5 and shown in Appendix A.
4.5 Jurisdictional Delineation of Waters of the State
4.5.1 California Department of Fish and Game
The limits of DFG jurisdiction were measured and include those waters listed in Califomia Fish
and Game Code (CFGC) Section 1600 et seq. Section 1601(a) is based on Titie 14 Califomia
Code of Regulations (CCR) 720, which designates waters of the state regulated by the DFG to be
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"...all rivers, streams, lakes, and streambeds in the State of Califomia, including all rivers,
streams and streambeds which may have intermittent flows of water."'*
The DFG regulates rivers, streams, and lakes, including the bed, bank, and associated riparian
vegetation. In practice, the DFG usually extends its jurisdictional limit to the top of a stream, the
bank of a lake, or outer edge of the riparian vegetation, whichever is wider. Drainage, wash
features, and/or riparian habitats do not always have identifiable hydric soils, or clear evidence of
wetiand hydrology as defined by the USACE. Therefore, DFG wetland boundaries often extend
beyond USACE wetiand boundaries, which sometimes include only portions, of the riparian
habitat adjacent to a river, stream, or lake.
Jurisdictional waters of the state have been delineated pursuant to the guidance outlined within
Procedural Guidance for the Review of Wetland Projects in California's Coastal Zone,
Chapter 1, Section IV (Wetland Identification and Delineation); Chapter 3, Section IIB
(Definition and Classification of Wetiands by Califomia State Agencies) (CCC 1994). Sections
30121 and 13577(b) of the Califomia Coastal Act (CCA) provide the definition for a
jurisdictional wetiand occurring within the coastal zone. Based upon these regulatory definitions,
the project site has the potential for presence of at least two types of jurisdictional wetlands
occurring within the coastal zone: riverine and palustrine wetlands.
4.5.2 California Coastal Commission
This project occurs within the Califomia coastal zone. Wetiands found in the "coastal zone" are
regulated under the CCA and the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, and are within the
appeals jurisdiction of the Califomia Coastal Commission (CCC) since the project is located
within an adopted Local Coastal Program (LCP). The CCC defines wetlands as habitats that only
need to meet one of the three USACE wetland criteria (presence of hydrophytic vegetation,
wetiand hydrology, or hydric soil). Under the CCA, wetlands are defined as:
...land within the coastal zone which may be covered periodically or permanently
with shallow water and include saltwater marshes, freshwater marshes, open or
closed brackish water marshes, swamps, mudflats, and fens. (Public Resources
Code [PRC] §30121)
4 The Califomia Code of Regulations (14 CCR 1.72) defmes a stream as: "[A] stream is a body of water that flows
at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life.
This includes watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian
vegetation."
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However, additional classification for wetlands occurring in Califomia is utilized by the CCC
under the CCR. Under these provisions wetlands are defined as:
... land where the water table is at, near, or above the land surface long enough to
promote the formation of hydric soils or to support the growth of hydrophytes, and
shall also include types of wetlands where vegetation is lacking and soil is poorly
developed or absent as a result of frequent drastic fluctuations of surface water
levels, wave action, water flow, turbidity or high concentration of salts or other
substances in the substrate. Such wetlands can be recognized by the presence of
surface water or saturated substrate at some time during each year and their location
within, or adjacent to vegetated wetland or deep water habitats. (14 CCR 13577)
In the coastal zone, the CCC, with the assistance of the DFG, is responsible for determining the
presence of wetlands subject to regulation under the CCA. The DFG only requires the presence
of one of the three wetland parameters (e.g., wetland hydrology, hydric soils, or hydrophytic
vegetation) for an area to qualify as a wetland within the coastal zone. The DFG essentially relies
on the USFWS wetland definition and classification system, which is based upon Classification
of Wetland and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et al. 1979). This
classification system is commonly referred to as the Cowardin method. Jurisdictional wetland
delineations within the coastal zone will be conducted based upon the one-parameter^ method
outlined in DFG/USFWS guidance documents and classification manual(s) to define their
presence and jurisdictional extent. The Cowardin method (Cowardin et al. 1979) requires care to
avoid falsely positive conclusions (e.g., concluding that an area with no fransitional relation to
the aquatic system is a wetland based on presence of vegetation equally apt to be found in
wetland or nonwetland circumstances).
4.5.3 Regional Water Quality Control Board
For jurisdictional water features occurring within the smdy area, RWQCB jurisdiction was
mapped identically as noted above for CCC, DFG, and USACE jurisdiction because all these
aquatic features within the smdy area are under RWQCB jurisdiction. Under the 1969 Porter-
Cologne Water Quality Act, the RWQCB regulates the discharge of waste to waters of the state.
The term "waters of the state" is defined as "any surface water or groundwater, including saline
waters, within the boundaries of the state."^ This definition of waters of the state is broader than
' The presence of at least one of three wetland parameters: wetland hydrology, hydric soil, or hydrophytic vegetation.
^ Cal. Code Section 13050(e).
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that for waters of the U.S. in that all waters are considered to be a water of the state regardless of
circumstances or condition. Under this definition, a culvert is considered to be a water of the
state, as are vemal pools (and other isolated waters), and discharges into these features are
regulated by the RWQCB.
5.0 RESULTS
The following presents the results of the reconnaissance-level biological assessment survey and
formal jurisdictional delineation.
5.1 Biological Resources
5.1.1 Vegetation Communities
Vegetation plant communities were mapped throughout the study area and classified using
Holland (1986) as modified by Oberbauer (1996). The habitat/vegetation communities within the
smdy boundary include beach (unvegetated habitat), open water, southem coastal salt marsh,
coastal and valley freshwater marsh, disturbed Diegan coastal sage scmb, and disturbed habitat.
In addition, developed areas occur within the study area, including the road and adjacent
shoulder. Each of the plant communities is described in detail below and depicted in Figure 6.
Table 3 lists the acreage of each of these communities within the study area. See Appendix C for
a list of individual plant species observed within the study area.
Beach (64400) and Open Water (64100)
Within the study area 0.90 acre of beach occurs west of Carlsbad Boulevard and is devoid of
vegetation because of intensive public use. The open water on-site (1.37 acres) is devoid of
vegetation due to permanent inundation; this includes the active channel and open ocean
(Photo 22).
Southem Coastal Salt Marsh (52120^
A total of 0.38 acre of southem coastal salt marsh within the study area is dominated by Virginia
glasswort, salt grass, alkali heath {Frankenia salina), and encroaching hottentot-fig. Other
species include Parish's glasswort {Arthrocnemum subterminale), pineapple weed
{Amblyopappus pusillus), grass poly {Lythrum hyssopifolium), annual beardgrass {Polypogon
monspeliensis), and sweetclover {Melilotus sp.). The plant community appears historically
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LEGEND
Vegetation Communities
CVFM -
Coastal & Valley Freshwater Marsh
DCSS - Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub
DH - Disturbed Habitat
DOMINANT SPECIES
Tenweeks stock
Hottentot fig
|: 4 Monterey cypress
] Riprap / other disturbed
SCSM - Southern Coastal Salt Marsh
DOMINANT SPECIES
['•4v4'| Saltgrass
^^S^ Virginia glasswort
Non-Vegetated Areas
Beach - Beach
DEV - Developed
OW - Open Water
Study Area
Boundary
Source: Aerial - San Diego Co. 2008 / Vegetation - EDAW 2009
80 40 0 80 Feet
e Scale: 1:960; 1 inch = 80 feet
Figure 6
Vegetation Communities - 2009
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dismrbed due to the presence of fill dirt and encroachment by hottentot-fig throughout the fill
slopes in addition to the northbound and southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard.
Table 3
Vegetation Communities and Acreages within the Study Area
Vegetation Community (Holland Classification as modified by Oberbauer) Acreage
Beach (64400) 0.90
Open Water (including ocean) (64100) 1.37
Southem Coastal Sah Marsh (52125)
Dominant Species
- salt grass 0.19
- Virginia glasswort 0.19
Total 0.38
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh (52410) 0.05
Disturbed Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub (32500) 0.10
Disturbed Habitat (11300)
Dominant Species/Land Cover Type
hottentot fig 0.94
- tenweeks stock 0.90
- Monterey cypress 0.18
riprap/other disturbed 0.38
Tolal 2.40
Developed (12000) 0.73
STUDY AREA TOTALS 5.93
Sources: Holland 1986 and Oberbauer 1996
Within the southem coastal salt marsh there were further distinctions made based on the
dominant species. These areas were mapped in the field and depicted in Figure 6. This includes
areas dominated by salt grass (closest to the channel) and Virginia glasswort (adjacent to the salt
grass) (Photos 5 and 6).
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh (52410)
The 0.05 acre of coastal and valley freshwater marsh within the study area is limited to the lower
banks ofthe open water channel associated with Encinas Creek. The freshwater marsh vegetation
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varies in width between 5 and 15 feet on either side of the open water (Photos 9 and 13). The
plant community is dominated by broad-leave cattail {Typha latifolia), sturdy buUmsh
{Schoenoplectus robustus), and Califomia bulmsh {Schoenoplectus californicus). Giant reed
{Arundo donax), salt marsh fleabane {Pluchea odorata), cocklebur {Xanthium strumarium), and
common celery {Apium graveolens) were also present, but in smaller numbers.
Disturbed Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb (32500)
The 0.10 acre of disturbed Diegan coastal sage scrab within the smdy area is limited to a small
patch of habitat located adjacent to the northem boundary of the channel (Photo 10). The northem
side of the study area is substantially higher in elevation than the southem portion and is unlikely
to be inundated by the active channel, even during extreme weather events. This plant
community is dominated by coyote bmsh {Baccharispilularis) and Menzie's goldenbush {Isocoma
menziesii) and is considered disturbed due to the aggressive encroachment of hottentot-fig.
Dismrbed Habitat (11300)
Disturbed habitat is the most prevalent plant community within the study area, totaling 2.40
acres. This plant community is dominated by hottentot-fig along the lower lying portions of the
smdy area and is also a dominant species along the slopes (Photos 1 and 4). Other species present
as minor components include crystalline iceplant {Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), sweet
alyssum {Lobularia maritima), tenweeks stock {Matthiola incana), Russian thistle {Salsola
tragus), Australian saltbush {Atriplex semibaccata), pampas grass {Cortaderia sp.) and sea
rocket {Cakile maritima). Several native species were scattered throughout the manufactured
slopes such as Califomia buckwheat {Eriogonum fasciculatum ss^. fasciculatum), coastal cholla
{Cylindropuntia prolifera), Califomia croton {Croton californicus), and ephedra {Ephedra sp.).
These native species were extremely sparse, consisting, of a few individuals each, and appeared
to have only recently seeded on the manufactured slopes, rather than represent remnant patches
of historical habitat, as the salt marsh species do.
A distinct patch of disturbed habitat occurs in the northem portion of the study area and is
dominated by nonnative Monterey cypress {Cupressus macrocarpa) with individual lemonade
berry {Rhus integrifolia) throughout the area (Photo 11). This area was most likely historically
southem coastal bluff scrab but is now dominated by the omamental cypress.
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Developed (12000^
Developed areas, totaling 0.73 acre, include areas of the road and shoulder that do not support
any biological resources.
5.1.2 Wildlife
Wildlife species within the study area are limited due to the lack of native habitat and the
disturbed nature of the site. As discussed earlier, the habitat areas on the east and west sides of
the bridge are distinctly different, with a sandy beach occurring to the west and the majority of
vegetated areas occurring east of the bridge. The sandy beach is suitable for foraging by shore
birds but is considered unsuitable for nesting due to the lack of vegetative cover and intense
recreational usage. The most common type of wildlife observed in the smdy area was birds. Bird
species observed west of the bridge during the 2009 survey included brown pelican {Pelecanus
occidentalis) and three gull species: Bonapart's gull {Chroicocephalus Philadelphia), westem
gull {Larus occidentalis), and Heerman's gull {Larus heermanni). Sanderlings {Calidris alba)
and semipalmated plover {Calidris pusilla) were observed along the beach in the 2005 survey.
Bird species observed east of the bridge included black phoebe {Sayornis nigricans), song
sparrow {Melospiza melodia), house finch {Carpodacus mexicanus), Anna's hummingbird
{Calypte anna), and common raven {Corvus corax). A northem harrier {Circus cyaneus) was
observed flying over the site during the 2005 reconnaissance survey. Many of the bird species
such as northem harrier, brown pelicans, and common raven were only observed flying overhead
and may not necessarily be utilizing the study area.
The only other wildlife observed was Califomia ground squirrel {Spermophilus beecheyi) as
evident by their burrows east of the bridge with many located at the toe of the manufactured
slope along the eastem boundary of the study area. See Appendix D for a complete list of
wildlife species observed within the study area and their relative location during the 2009 survey.
5.1.3 Special-Status Biological Resources
Prior to conducting fieldwork, the CNDDB (DFG 2009e) was reviewed for the most recent
distribution information for special-stams plant and wildlife species within the San Luis Rey and
Encinitas quadrangles. In addition, information on special-status animal species was compiled
through a review of the CNDDB (DFG 2009e), the DFG's State and Federally Listed
Endangered and Threatened Animals of California (DFG 2009c) and Special Animals (DFG
2009d), and the USFWS's Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule
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(USFWS 1996b, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2008) and Federal Endangered and Threatened Species List
for the region (USFWS 2009).
Special-status species are those that are:
• listed as endangered, threatened, or proposed for listing as endangered by the USFWS;
• listed as endangered, threatened, or rare by the DFG (2009a);
• considered special vascular plants, bryopytes, or lichens (DFG 2009b);
• on the Califomia Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants
ofCalifornia{CNFS 2001,2009);
• considered "special animals" (DFG 2009d); or
• HMP "covered species" or "narrow endemics" known from the City (City of Carlsbad
1999).
Over 60 species of plants and wildlife were recorded in the two quadrangles. This is not
surprising due to the diversity of habitats found throughout southem Califomia and their relative
proximity to each other. Relevant sources were reviewed, including CNPS and CNDDB database
searches and MHCP Covered species, for the purpose of evaluating the potential for special-
stams species to occur within the smdy area. However, only species documented within 2.0 miles
ofthe smdy area were evaluated further in addition to any species covered under the MHCP. See
Appendix E for an evaluation of special-status plant and wildlife species documented within 2.0
miles of smdy area. Those species with a potential to occur in the study area are discussed further
in Sections 5.1.4 and 5.1.5.
5.1.4 Special-Status Plant Species
A total of 23 special-status plant species were evaluated for their potential to occur on-site. See
Appendix E for the sensitivity status of each species along with their general habitat
requirements and a discussion of the probability of their occurrence within the study area. None
of the 23 evaluated special-status plants are expected to occur on-site; as such, no additional
discussion is provided.
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5.1.5 Special-Status Wildlife Species
In addition to special-status species defined in Section 5.1.3, the DFG fiirther classifies some
species under the following categories: "Fully Protected," "Protected birds" (CFGC Code
§3511), "Protected mammals" (CFGC §4700), "Protected amphibians" (CFGC §5050 and
Chapter 5, §41), "Protected reptiles" (CFGC §5050 and Chapter 5, §42), and "Protected fish"
(CFGC §5515). The designation "Protected" indicates that a species may not be taken or
possessed except under special permit from the DFG; "Fully Protected" indicates that a species
can be taken for scientific purposes by permit only (DFG 2009d).
Other species receive federal protection under the Bald Eagle Protection Act (e.g., bald eagle,
golden eagle), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and consideration by the state under the
Califomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15380(d). All birds, except European
starlings; English house sparrows; rock doves (pigeons); and nonmigratory game birds such as
quail, pheasant, and grouse are protected under the MBTA. However, nonmigratory game birds
are protected under CFGC Section 3503. CFGC Sections 3503, 3505, and 3800 prohibits the
take, destraction or possession of any bird, nest or egg of any bird except English house sparrows
and European starlings unless express authorization is obtained from the DFG.
A total of 19 special-stams wildlife species were evaluated for their potential to occur in the
smdy area (Appendix E). Those species with a potential to occur in the study area are included in
Table 4, which includes the sensitivity status of each species, their general habitat requirements,
and the probability of their occurrence within the study area. Further discussion was provided for
each species with a potential to occur in addition to potential migratory and nesting birds.
Table 4
Special-Status Wildlife Species Known to Occur within or in the
Immediate Vicinity of the Study Area
Common Name
Scientific Name Special-Status' Habitat Requirements Probability of Occurrence
Fish
Grunion
Leuresthes tenuis
DFG
Game Species
Use sandy beaches subject to
ocean surf and tides for evening
spawning events. Spawning
occurs between March and
September depending upon the
lunar and tidal cycles, with peak
spawning runs between late
March and early June.
There is a moderate potential for
grunion to use the sandy beach
west ofthe bridge during spawning
events.
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Common Name
Scientific Name Special-Status* Habitat Requirements Probability of Occurrence
Birds
light-footed
clapper rail
Rallus Iongirostris
levipes
FP
SE
FE
HMP Covered
Foimd in southem Califomia in
coastal salt marshes, especially
those dominated by cordgrass.
The Tijuana River estuary is an
especially important site.
Due to the disturbed nature of the
study area and the low quality of
the potential suitable habitat, there
is a low potential for this species to
occur.
westem snowy
plover
Charadrius
alexandrinus
nivosus
SSC .
FT
HMP Covered
Nests on beaches, dunes, and
salt flats in San Diego County,
with the highest concentrations
in two areas; Camp Pendleton
and Silver Strand. Outside the
breeding season this species is
more widespread but not
conunon along the covinty's
coast.
This species is not expected to nest
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, including
the intensive recreational uses
occurring within the narrow beach.
However, there is a low potential
for this species to forage during
migration through the study area.
Califomia least
tem
Sternula
antillarum browni
FP
SE
FE
HMP Covered
A groimd nesting bird that
requires undisturbed stretches of
beach and coastline. Adults are
highly philopatric to natal
colonies, and forage in bays and
estuaries near their colonies.
This species is not expected to nest
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, including
the intensive recreational uses
occurring within the narrow beach.
However, there is a low potential
for this species to forage during
migration through the study area.
least Bell's vireo
Vireo bellii
pusillus
SE
FE
HMP Covered
Riparian woodland with
understory of dense young
willows or mulefat and willow
canopy. Nests often placed along
intemal or extemal edges of
riparian thickets.
This species was documented in
2002 approximately 600 feet
upstream ofthe study area (east of
northbound Carlsbad Boulevard)
within a patch of southem willow
scmb. As no suitable nesting
habitat occurs within or
immediately adjacent to the study
area, there is a low potential that
this species will occur.
' Special Status Key
The following codes indicate whether a species has been included on a federal, state (Califomia), and/or is covered
by the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan as endangered, threatened, rare, candidate, etc. If a species does not
appear on any ofthe lists, the Special Status field is left blank.
DFG: (SSC) listed as Califomia Department of Game Species of Special Concem; (FP) listed as Fully
Protected; game species.
State listed wildlife: (SE) state hsted, endangered; (SR) state listed, rare; (ST) state listed, threatened.
Federal candidate and listed wildlife: (FE) federally listed, endangered; (FT) federally listed, threatened; (FC)
federally listed, candidate; (FPE) federally proposed, endangered; (FPT) federally proposed, threatened.
City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP): Covered = species that are covered under the Take
Authorization of the HMP; Narrow Endemic = species that have a very narrow distribution
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Fish
Of the three special-status fish species that were evaluated during the preparation of this report,
tidewater goby {Eucyclogobius newberryi), southem Califomia steelhead trout {Oncorhynchus
mykiss), and grunion {Leuresthes tenuis), only grunion was considered to have the potential to
occur. Discussion of tidewater goby and'steelhead is included in Appendix E. Grunion is not listed
as threatened or endangered but is a game species regulated by the DFG. The sandy beach
immediately west ofthe bridge is subject to ocean surf and tides. This area may provide habitat for
gmnion, which generally spawn between March and September depending upon the lunar and tidal
cycles, with peak spawning runs between late March and early June. If constraction occurs
between March and June, no constmction will occur at night and no vehicles or other constraction
materials will be stored on the beach over night. As such, impacts to gmnion are not expected to
occur.
Birds
Six special-stams bird species were considered during the preparation of this report because the
smdy area is coastal and falls within the historical range of these species. The following is a
discussion on special-stams bird species-that have the potential to occur in the smdy area or were
observed in the study area.
The light-footed clapper rail {Rallus longirostis levipes) is a year-round resident (nonmigratory).
It inhabits coastal salt and freshwater marshes containing cordgrass, cattails or tules, and rushes.
Due to the very marginal habitat found within the study area and the intense recreation uses, the
light-footed clapper rail is not expected to occur at the study area.
The Pacific coast population of westem snowy plover {Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) breeds
primarily above the high tide line on coastal beaches similar to those found within the study area.
This species was not observed during the survey and is not expected to nest or breed in the smdy
area, because the beach is narrow along this stretch of coast. Additionally, due to the high
recreational use of the beach there is no area of the beach left undismrbed for any significant
amount of time. Given the lack of suitable habitat for nesting, this species is not expected to nest
here. However, there is a very low potential for this species to migrate through the study area to
more optimal nesting sites. This species has historically been reported to occur both to the north
and to the south Of the study area.
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Califomia least tem {Sternula antillarum browni) is one of three least tem subspecies named in
North America. The Califomia least tem breeds on sandy beaches along the coast of Califomia
south to Mexico and winters in Mexico, Central America, and South America. The majority of
current Califomia least tem nesting colonies and the majority of the population are found in
southern Califomia, with smaller populations in the San Francisco Bay and in Baja Califomia.
This species nests in sandy areas typically along beaches but is not expected to nest or breed in
the study area due to the high, recreational use of the beach. However, there is a low potential for
this species to occur on-site if migrating through the area. This species has historically been
reported to occur south of the study area.
The least Bell's vireo {Vireo bellii pusillus) is a small songbird inhabiting riparian vegetation
along meandering rivers of southem Califomia. During breeding season, vireo require fairly
dense riparian shrubbery, preferably where fiowing water is present, but they also favor dry
watercourses in the desert, bordered by mesquite and arrowweed. Willow, wild rose, and other
dense vegetation are used for nesting. Although this species has been known to occur in the
vicinity ofthe study area (>600 feet upstream, east of northbound Carlsbad Boulevard), the study
area does not support riparian vegetation or offer suitable habitat for this species.
Migratory and Nesting Birds
Raptors such as red-shouldered hawks {Buteo lineatus) nest in mamre, large coniferous or
deciduous trees and use twigs or branches as nesting material. Smaller raptors such as American
kestrel {Falco sparverius) and westem screech-owl {Otus kennicottii) may nest in cavities in
anthropogenic stractures and trees. Common raptors such as American kestrels, great homed owl
{Bubo virginianus), common bam owl {Tyto alba), and red-tailed hawks are not expected to nest
on-site due to the lack of suitable nesting sites. However, there is some potential that they could
forage in the study area. The northem harrier was given further consideration due to the 2005
field observation; however, no suitable nesting habitat for any raptor occurs within the study
area. The nesting period for raptors generally occurs between December 15 and August 31.
There are many special-status passerine and nonpasserine landbirds that are known to occur in
the vicinity of the study area. Habitat, nesting, and foraging requirements for these species are
wide ranging; therefore, outlining generic habitat requirements for this grouping is difficult.
These species typically use most habitat types and are known to nest on the ground; in' shrabs
and trees; on buildings; under bridges; and within cavities, crevices, and man-made stractures.
Many of these species migrate long distances and all species, except starlings, English house
sparrows, and rock doves (pigeons), are protected under the federal MBTA and CFGC. The
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nesting period for passerines and nonpasserine land birds occurs between Febraary 1 and August
31. Nesting birds are not expected to occur within the Encinas Creek Bridge direct impact limits
because the bridge stracmre has a low elevation and is located on an active recreational beach.
Due to the limited nature of suitable nesting habitat on-site and directly adjacent to the site,
nesting migratory species are not expected to occur within the project impact footprint.
Therefore, impacts are considered less than significant.
5.1.6 Sensitive Natural Communities
Sensitive natural commimities are those that are considered rare in the region^ support special-
stams plant or wildlife species, or receive regulatory protection (i.e., Clean Water Act [CWA]
§404 and/or CFGC §§1600 et seq.) regulated by the CCC pursuant to the CCA and federal
Coastal Zone Management Act; or considered sensitive under the City's HMP (1999). In
addition, the CNDDB has designated a number of communities as rare; these communities are
given the highest inventory priority (Holland 1986; DFG 2003).
The project is subject to the City's HMP (1999). The study area is not designated by the HMP as
a Core, Linkage, or Special Resource Area. The study area falls within Local Facility
Management Zone 22 and the HMP vegetation map designates the study area as "disturbed"
vegetation. In addition, the study area is not considered an Existing or Proposed Hardline
Conservation Area or Proposed Standards Area as defined by the HMP.
Within the study area, the open water, southem coastal salt marsh, and coastal/valley freshwater
marsh habitats are considered sensitive habitats regulated by the USACE and DFG in addition to
the CCC appeal jurisdiction (Figure 6). These habitats are also considered sensitive by the City.
In addition to those habitats listed above, the disturbed habitat within 100 feet from the outer
edge of the wetlands is considered sensitive by the CCC (wetiand buffer). Lastiy, the CCC has
appeal jurisdiction of all areas 500 feet inland of any beach habitat, which would include the
entire smdy area.
Southem Coastal Salt Marsh
Southem coastal salt marsh develops along the intertidal shores of bays and estuaries. Estuaries
occur where a river meets the sea, and the water is somewhat brackish. Sah marsh plants are
adapted to a harsh, semiaquatic environment and saline soils,. Species diversity is often low in
this habitat and the common inhabitants (mostiy grasses and low perennial herbs) are often
characterized by stout stems, small leaves, and physiological adaptations for sah excretion and
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gas exchange. The tangle of marsh plant roots and stems helps to stabilize the muddy bottom, as
well as to trap debris and dissolved nutrients. Bacteria convert this detritus into food resources
for microscopic algae, invertebrate larvae, and larger wildlife. Salt marshes are about twice as
photosynthetically productive as com fields and provide critical nursery grounds for numerous
organisms. Prior to anthropogenic disturbances and deposition of fill material, it is likely that the
flat areas to the north and south of Encinas Creek functioned as part of a far-reaching southem
coastal salt marsh complex. However, southem coastal salt marsh is now limited to the low-lying
portions of southem terrace that are still subject to seasonal flooding during heavy rain events
and storm surges.
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh
Typically, this vegetation community is dominated by perennial, emeirgent monocots that can
reach 12 feet or taller in height, often forming completely closed canopies. Bulrash {Scirpus
spp.) and cattail {Typha spp.) commonly dominate this vegetation community. Associated plant
species develop in generally still waters (lacking significant current) and areas seasonally
flooded by freshwater (rather than brackish, alkaline, or variable). Prolonged saturation pemiits
accumulation of deep, peaty, or humic soils. Coastal and valley freshwater marsh occurs from
northem to southem Califomia. It is common in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys in river
oxbows and other areas on the floodplain and most extensive in the upper portion of the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. This vegetation community is occasional along the coast
and in coastal valleys near river mouths and around the margins of lakes and springs, and along
the Colorado River on the California-Arizona border. However, this vegetation community is
now much reduced in area through its entire range (Holland 1986).
Within the study area, coastal and valley freshwater marsh occurs along the banks of Encinas
Creek and is most developed at the terminus of the creek, just before the bridge. Cattail is the
dominant species in addition to California and smrdy bulrash. This marsh is very narrow and is
considered disturbed or degraded as it is essentially developing from urban ranoff and includes a
large portion on the noxious nonnative Arundo donax immediately adjacent to the bridge.
5.1.7 Wildlife Movement Corridors and Habitat Fragmentation
Impacts to wildlife movement corridors and pathways through habitat fragmentation can be
detrimental to populations of species that rely on these areas for seasonal migration (usually one
direction per season), interpopulation movement (long-term genetic exchange), and daily
movement corridors within an animal's territory (small travel pathways). Small travel pathways
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facilitate movement for daily home range activities such as foraging or escape from predators;
however, they also provide connection between outiying populations and larger movement
corridors, permitting an increase in gene flow between populations. Larger linkages between
habitat types can extend for miles between primary habitat areas and occur on a large scale
throughout Califomia. Habitat linkages facilitate movement between populations located in
discrete areas and populations located within larger habitat areas. Even where patches of pristine
habitat are fragmented, such as occurs with coastal scrab, the movement between wildlife
populations is facilitated through habitat linkages, i.e., migration corridors and movement
corridors.
As is the case in many areas throughout southem Califomia, habitat fragmentation within the
Encinas Creek watershed is a serious issue, as most of the western and eastem portions of the
watershed are urbanized. However, there is a relatively intact mosaic of natural and disturbed
habitats within the central part of the watershed. The study area has limited connectivity to
undeveloped inland areas due to the extensive surrounding residential and industrial
development. Additionally, two major roads limit connectivity to and within the study area.
Carlsbad Boulevard northbound extends along the entire east side of the study area, and to the
west Carlsbad Boulevard southbound bisects the study area (both roads are two-lane major
thoroughfares). The shoreline provides far-reaching uninterrapted connectivity for several miles
to the north and south.
The proposed project footprint is smaller than the existing bridge and will replace the current
bridge footprint resulting in no loss to movement corridors and no additional habitat
fragmentation in the smdy area. In addition, the smaller footprint coupled with the wider channel
may acmally facilitate a more functional interaction between the Pacific Ocean and Encinas
Creek thereby increasing the potential for use by aquatic wildlife. Impacts to the beach will be
limited to the area immediately adjacent to the bridge and will not create any breaks in beach
connectivity. Constraction of the project may temporarily impact the connectivity between
Encinas Creek and the Pacific Ocean as a result of creek diversion, which will be necessary.
Following constraction, any water diversion will be removed and flow between the creek and the
ocean will be restored.
5.2 Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. and State of California
Wetiand and other aquatic features/environments/habitats occurring within Califomia are
regulated under the following federal and state laws, as applicable to the project:
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CWA Section 404 (as regulated by USACE and the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency [USEPA])^
CWA Section 401 (as regulated by RWQCB)^
Section 13263 of Porter-Cologne (as regulated by RWQCB)
Califomia Fish and Game Code (CFGC) Chapter 6 Section 1600 ef seq. (as regulated by
DFG)^
Section 30600(a) ofthe Califomia PRC (as regulated by CCC) 10
Any impacts to jurisdictional waters, wetlands, or riparian habitat associated with the project will
require authorization from the USACE, RWQCB, and DFG. A summary of the applicable
federal and state regulations for the project are included in Appendix F.
5.2.1 Summary of Jurisdictional Findings
As described above in Section 4.3, EDAW biologists Jason Phillips and Lindsay Teunis
conducted a routine determination and delineation of wetland and waters of the U.S. within
Encinas Creek and the adjacent habitats surrounding the Encinas Creek Bridge on January 8,
2009. Within the study area, jurisdictional waters and wetiands of the U.S., DFG, and CCC were
delineated pursuant to the criteria outlined in and in accordance with the USACE 1987 Manual
(Environmental Laboratory 1987), the 2008 Supplement (Environmental Laboratory 2008), and
CFGC Section 1600 et seq. Figure 7 illustrates the federal and state jurisdictional boundaries of
waters and wetiands within the study area. Photos 12 through 21 depict the eight datapoints and
associated habitat used to assess the jurisdictional boundaries within the smdy area
(Appendix A).
5.2.2 Waters ofthe U.S.
Encinas Creek is currently a perennial stream, most likely the result of urban ranoff Within the
study area, two types of waters of the U.S. were identified, including OHWM and jurisdictional
^ 40 CFR Part 230, provided the USACE, determines that some or all of these delineated waters occurring within
the study area present a significant nexus with the Pacific Ocean and are thus under federal jurisdiction as
administered by the USACE. Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines, estabhshed by USEPA,
constitute the substantive environmental criteria used in evaluating activities regulated under Section 404 of the
CWA.
CWA Section 401 will apply to this project once it has been confirmed by the USACE that some or all of these
delineated waters occurring within the study area are jurisdictional waters of the U.S.
' CCR Title 14, Division 1.
"* CCR Title 14, Division 5.5 and CaHfomia PRC Section 30600(d).
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Source: Aerial - San Diego Co. 2008 / Wetlands - EDAW 2009
e 80 40 0
Scale: 1:960; 1 inch = 80 feet
80 Feet Figure 7
Jurisdictional Delineation and Field Data Points
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wetlands. USACE waters of the U.S. include those portions of the stream channel that were
permanently inundated and lacked vegetation. Waters of the U.S. occur within the stream
channel east of the bridge and the area undemeath the bridge and "outfall" area west of the
bridge to the Pacific Ocean. West of the bridge, the portion of the beach beginning at the high
tide line (which encompasses spring high tides and other high tides that occur with periodic
frequency) and include territorial seas, is also regulated by the USACE as waters of the U.S.
From the high tide line (7.9 feet AMSL; personal communications with Joseph Ryan of
USACE), the waters of the U.S. extend seaward 3 nautical miles (Section 404). Navigable
waters, as defined under Section 10, are also included in the study area and begin at the tidal
mean high water line (MHWL) (4.9 feet AMSL; personal communications with Joseph Ryan of
USACE) and extend seaward 3 nautical miles. The limits of the boundary of the waters of the
U.S. and navigable waters, west of the bridge, were mapped based on the elevation contours
provided by the City (Figure 7). Approximately 1.64 acres of jurisdictional nonwetland waters of
the U.S. occur within the study area. In addition, 0.43 acre of jurisdictional wetlands of the U.S.
was also mapped. The extent of USACE jurisdictional waters of the U.S. is depicted in Figure 7
and summarized in Table 5. Photographs 13, 15, 17, 22, and 24 illustrate the waters of the U.S.
east and west of the bridge (Appendix A). As illustrated in Figure 7, a majority ofthe waters of
the U.S. corresponds to the beach west of the bridge.
Table 5
USACE, DFG, and CCC Jurisdictional Wetland Areas within the Study Area
Jurisdiction
Type of Jurisdictional
Feature
Type of Habitat
(Holland 1986)
Type of Habitat
(Cowardin et al. 1979) Acreage'
USACE, DFG, CCC Other Waters (OHWM) Nonvegetated Channel
(13200)
Palustrine;
Unconsolidated Bottom;
Permanenfly Flooded
0.10
USACE Other Waters (Waters
ofthe U.S. and
Navigable Waters)
Open Ocean (NA) Marine; Subtidal;
Unconsolidated Bottom
1.54
USACE, DFG, CCC Wetlands Coastal and Valley
Freshwater Marsh
(52410)
Palustrine; Emergent;
Persistent
0.05
USACE, DFG, CCC Wetlands Southem Coastal Salt
Marsh (52120)
Palustrine; Emergent;
Persistent
0.38
USACE/DFG/CCC
TOTAL
---2.08
Jurisdictional waters acreage of the study area was determined by utilizing ArcGIS.
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Page 35
USACE jurisdictional wetlands include the coastal and valley freshwater marsh located along the
edge of the open water channel within Encinas Creek, in addition to the southem coastal salt
marsh occurring above the stream banks primarily along the southem terrace. The coastal and
valley freshwater marsh was restricted to the lower banks of the open water channel of Encinas
Creek and its width varied from 5 feet to 15 feet on either side of the channel. Cattails, sah marsh
fleabane, and cocklebur were the more common species, but Virginia glasswort, giant reed, and
common celery were also present, however, in much smaller numbers (Figures 6 and 7).
Southem coastal salt marsh occurs above the banks of Encinas Creek, primarily along the
southem terrace, which is 2 to 4 feet lower than the northem terrace. Common species included
Virginia glasswort, salt grass. Parish's glasswort, alkali heath, and hottentot-fig. Other species
included pineapple weed, grass poly, annual beard, coastal goldenbush, and sweetclover. The
southem coastal salt marsh in the study area is likely historical salt marsh as the soil survey for
San Diego depicts the entire southem portion of the study area as tidal flats. However, with the
buildout ofCarlsbad Boulevard in the 1950s and ongoing bank stabilization activities, these salt
marsh areas are most likely progressively drying out as suggested by the aggressive
encroachment of hottentot-fig. The salt marsh met the hydrophytic vegetation and hydric soil
criteria fairly easily but only met the wetland hydrology criteria because of secondary indicators
including oxidized root channels and drainage pattems. As described previously, the southem
coastal salt marsh was further delineated by two dominant species, salt grass and Virginia
glasswort, which also correlated to changes in elevation and drainage pattems. Following
confirmation of hydric soils within the southem coastal salt marsh, the USACE jurisdictional
boundaries were delineated based on vegetative signatures. The limits of USACE jurisdiction,
north of the open water channel of Encinas Creek, were delineated at the edge of the freshwater
marsh habitat or, in the absence of these wetlands, the OHWM.
5.2.3 California Department of Fish and Game Jurisdictional Areas
The extent of DFG jurisdictional areas within the study area is depicted in Figure 7 and
summarized in Table 5. As mentioned in the previous section, a majority of the study area was
historical tidal flats with hydrophytic vegetation extending well beyond the limits of USACE
jurisdictional wetiands and waters of the U.S. This is important, as DFG jurisdiction can include
single-parameter wetlands such as hydric soils as defined by the National Hydric Soils List
(NRCS 2009) and the Local Hydric Soil List (SCS 1992).
As the majority of the study area is mapped as tidal flats (a listed hydric soil), additional soil pits
were collected within each vegetation patch to confirm the presence or absence of wetiand
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hydrology and/or hydric soils. This included areas within the hottentot-fig-dominated portion of
the southem and northem terraces (Tl.l and T1.6, Photos 12 and 19) and further up the slope
from the Virginia glasswort-dominated patch (T1.7, Photo 20). The data points collected in these
areas showed no evidence of wetland hydrology and the subsurface soil investigation showed no
signs of hydric soil indicators. As such, DFG Section 1600 jurisdiction is mapped from bank to
bank and extends to the outer limit of the associated riparian vegetation, which ends with the
USACE wetland jurisdiction boundary within the study area. DFG Section 1600 jurisdiction
does not extend beyond the tidal Section 404 limit. A total of 0.53 acre of DFG jurisdictional
areas occurs within the smdy area.
5.2.4 California Coastal Commission Jurisdictional Areas
CCC jurisdictional wetlands correspond to the limits of Section 404 jurisdictional waters and
wetlands but do not extend beyond the High Tide Line. Since the project is located within an
adopted LCP, the CCC has the right to appeal any action that is permitted by the City and is
(1) located within 100 feet of a CCC jurisdictional wetiand, esmary, or stream; (2) within 300
feet of the inland extent of any beach or the MHWL where there is no beach, whichever is the
greatest distance; (3) within 300 feet of the top of the seaward face of any coastal bluff; or
(4) located between the sea and the first public road paralleling the sea (Califomia PRC Section
30601). The project area is located within the Mello II segment ofthe City of Carlsbad LCP,
dated 1996 and amended in 2000, 2002, and 2003. Almost the entire study area is within 300 feet
of the landward edge of the beach. A total of 0.53 acre is considered CCC wetlands (includes
USACE waters of the U.S. and DFG jurisdiction). The extent of CCC jurisdictional wetiand is
depicted in Figure 7 and summarized in Table 5.
The entire smdy area falls within the coastal zone and therefore the bridge replacement project
will require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP). The project is within the Mello II segment of
the City's LCP, which allows the City to process the discretionary CDP. In addition, the majority
of the smdy area is included in the 100-foot wetland buffer and 300-foot beach buffer, allowing
the project to be appealed by the CCC when processed under the City's LCP.
6.0 EVALUATION OF PROJECT IMPACTS
6.1 Impacts to Biological Resources
The smdy area supports a total of seven vegetation communities. Permanent impacts will affect
both the dismrbed habitat and the developed habitat (road and shoulder). None of the native
vegetation communities will be permanently impacted (Figure 8). As shown in Figure 3, the new
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Source: Aerial - San Diego Co. 2008 / Wetlands - EDAW 2009
e 80 40
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80 Feet Figure 8
Potential Impacts to Jurisdictional Features
and Vegetation Communities
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bridge will be 24 feet narrower than the existing bridge, thereby increasing pervious surface that
will be subsequently revegetated to provide increase habitat area. The acreage for both
permanent and temporary impacts are shown in Table 6. Temporary impacts are minor and
should be mitigable on-site through revegetation of the temporarily impacted vegetated
communities.
Table 6
Potential Impacts to Vegetation Communities within the Study Area
Vegetation Community (Holland
Classification as modified by Oberbauer)
Acreage
within the
Study Area
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Ratios'
Vegetation Community (Holland
Classification as modified by Oberbauer)
Acreage
within the
Study Area
Permanent
Impacts
Temporary
Impacts
Mitigation
Ratios'
Beach (64400) 0.90 0.0 0.067 1:1
Open Water (64100)
1.37
(including
ocean)
0.0 0.016 1:1
Southem Coastal Salt Marsh (52125)
Dominant Species
- salt grass
- Virginia's glasswort
Total
0.19
0.19
0.38
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
N/A
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh (52410) 0.05 0.0 0.004 1:1
(no net loss)
Disturbed Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb (32500) 0.10 0.0 0.0 N/A
Disturbed Habitat (11300)
Dominant Species/Land Cover Type
- hottentot fig
- tenweeks stock
- Monterey cypress
- riprap/other disturbed
Total
0.94
0.90
0.18
0.38
2.40
0.003
0.0
0.0
0.013
0.016
0.071
• 0.0
0.0
0.181
0.255
0.1:1
(for all
disturbed
habitat)
Developed (12000) 0.73 0.036 0.161 0:1
STUDY AREA TOTALS 5.93 0.053 0.500
' Mitigation ratios are based on the September 2008, City of Carlsbad, Guidelines for Biological
Studies and conversations with the City regarding nature of temporary impacts. Mitigation ratios are
subject to the review and approval of the appropriate resource agencies (e.g., mitigation ratios for
temporary impacts to waters of the U.S. are subject to review and approval by the USACE).
6.1.1 Temporary Construction Impacts
Temporary impacts are estimated for beach, open water, coastal and valley freshwater marsh,
disturbed habitat, and developed habitat (road and shoulder).
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Based on the current proposed project footprint, approximately 0.067 acre of beach habitat,
0.016 acre of open water (unvegetated portions of Encinas Creek), and 0.004 of coastal and
valley freshwater marsh will be impacted during construction. These impacts will be associated
with the removal of the existing bridge including the cement-lined portion of the channel.
Temporary impacts will include mechanical disturbance from removal of sediment and
vegetation around the existing bridge footprint in addition to constraction vehicular traffic within
these areas. In addition, flow within Encinas Creek will be diverted or dammed during
construction. Temporary impacts to native and nonnative habitats can be further reduced through
implementation of avoidance and minimization measures, including BIO-1 and BIO-2 described
further in Section 7.0.
In addition to ground disturbance, constraction of the project may temporarily impact the
connectivity between Encinas Creek and the Pacific Ocean as a result of creek diversion, which
will be necessary. Following construction, any water diversion will be removed and flow
between the creek and the ocean will be restored. No sensitive species are expected to utilize the
channel as a movement corridor; as such, impacts to connectivity will be less than significant.
Of the 23 special-status plant species that were evaluated for the potential to occur within the
smdy area, none are likely to occur due to the lack of suitable habitat or the disturbed namre of
any appropriate habitat within the smdy area (Appendix E).
Ofthe 19 special-status wildlife species evaluated for the potential to occur within the study area,
only 5 have a potential to occur and all but 1 are considered a low potential (Table 4). This
includes the light-footed clapper rail, westem snowy plover, Califomia least tem, least Bell's
vireo, and grunion. Both species of shorebird have the potential to occur during migration but are
not expected to breed on-site due to the heavy use of the beach and the high tide exposure.
Although suitable habitat (coastal and valley freshwater marsh) for the light-footed clapper rail
may occur on-site, it is degraded, isolated, very small (0.05 acre) and would be considered poor
quality habitat for the rail. The least Bell's vireo has been documented upstream (>600 feet) but
is unlikely to occur on-site for either nesting and/or foraging activities due to the lack of suitable
riparian habitat.
As discussed previously, no constraction will occur at night and no vehicles will be stored on the
beach over night. As such, constraction activity during the grunion spawning season (March
through June) is not expected to impact grunion.
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6.2 Impacts to Jurisdictional Waters
The study area siipports one channel, Encinas Creek, which was determined to be jurisdictional
waters of the U.S. and waters ofthe state. Encinas Creek is perennial and supports jurisdictional
wetlands that are confined to the width of the OHWM and the southern terrace. Approximately
0.10 acre of USACE/RWQCB jurisdictional waters of the U.S., in addition to 1.54 acres of
waters of the U.S. and Navigable Waters (open ocean), occurs in the study area. In addition, 0.43
acre of jurisdictional wetlands occurs in the study area, including southem coastal salt marsh and
coastal and valley freshwater marsh. Both the 0.10 acre of waters of the U.S. and the 0.43 acre of
jurisdictional wetlands are also DFG "waters of the state" and CCC jurisdictional wetlands.
A total of 2.08 acres of jurisdictional waters and wetlands of the U.S. and state occur within the
smdy area. Of the mapped jurisdictional waters within the study area, it is anticipated that no
permanent impacts will occur and up to 0.038 acre of temporary impacts to jurisdictional waters (in
the form of wetlands [0.004 acre] and nonwetland waters [0.034 acre]) will occur as a result of the
proposed project. Table 7 summarizes the potential temporary and permanent, direct impacts to
jurisdictional wetiands and waters from the proposed project. Overall impacts will be temporary,
affect a small amount of acreage, and should be mitigable on-site through revegetation ofthe
temporarily impacted vegetated communities. To fiirther avoid and minimize the potential for
direct permanent and temporary impacts to jurisdictional waters and wetlands, and to water
quality, Mitigation Measures BIO-3 and BIO 4, as well as HYDRO-1 and HYDRO-2, have been
recommended. Each measure is described in Section 7.0 below.
Table 7
Potential Impacts to Jurisdictional Wetlands and Other Waters
Type of Jurisdictional Water
Regulated by CCC, DFG, RWQCB, USACE
Type of Jurisdictional Water Permanent Impacts
(Acres)
Temporary Impacts
(Acres)
Federal and State Wetlands
(Coastal and Valley Freshwater
Marsh)
0.0 0.004
Other Waters (OHWM) 0.0 0.034
Total 0.0 0.038
These impacts will require a City-approved CDP, a Special Use Permit - Floodplain, a Habitat
Management Plan Permit, a DFG Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement, a
USACE 404 permit, and a RWQCB 401 Certification. Based upon the project description and
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proposed (temporary) impacts to jurisdictional waters of the U.S., it is anticipated that the
USACE will likely recommend to authorize this project under CWA Section 404 Nationwide
Permit (NWP) (33 CFR 330) by complying withNWP 14 (Linear Transportation Project).
7.0 AVOIDANCE, MINIMIZATION, AND MITIGATION MEASURES
The following measures are recommended to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to sensitive
biological resources. Impacts to resources such as jurisdictional waters and wetlands, native
habitat, and potential grunion spawning areas should be avoided to the maximum extent practical
during design and constraction. Currently, the southbound lanes along Carlsbad Boulevard are
proposed for use as a staging area. If there are changes to the project description or fiirther
information about the biological resources on-site is generated, additional measures may be
warranted.
7.1 Biological Resources Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Recommendations
BIO-1 All temporary impact areas shall be replanted with native species prior to
completion of the constraction. Prior to constraction, a revegetation/planting plan shall be
prepared and approved by the City of Carlsbad Planning Department to identify
appropriate native species and success criteria. Newly seeded areas shall be monitored for
erosion monthly (or more frequently as needed) for a period of 24 months post-
constraction or until vegetation has become established. In addition, all revegetated areas
shall be weeded quarterly for the period of 24 months to prevent invasive plant species
from dominating the revegetated areas. Mitigation for impacts to habitats shall occur
on-site within or adjacent to the temporary work area and shall be completed at the ratios
described in Table 8.
BIO-2 Riprap placement shall be limited to areas where riprap already exists. New riprap
shall not be placed onto the beach and shall not extend westerly beyond the existing
riprap area. If grading or riprap placement should result in the permanent loss of beach,
the project will be required to compensate for the pennanent loss of beach habitat at a
3:1 mitigation ratio as required by the City of Carlsbad HMP.
Page 42 Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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07080213 Bio Resources aiuiJD Rpt.doc
Table 8
Mitigation Ratios
Vegetation Community (Holland
Classification as modified by
Oberbauer)
Project Impacts
Mitigation
Ratios'
Mitigation
Acreage
Required
Vegetation Community (Holland
Classification as modified by
Oberbauer)
Permanent
Impacts
Temporary
Impacts
Mitigation
Ratios'
Mitigation
Acreage
Required
Beach (64400) 0.0 0.067 1:1 0.67
Open Water (64100) 0.0 0.016 1:1 0.016
Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh
(52410)'
0.0 0.004 1:1
(no net
loss)
0.004
Disturbed Habitat (11300) 0.016 0.255 0.1:1 0.271
' Mitigation ratios are only for temporary unpacts to beach, open water, and coastal and valley Ireshwater
marsh. The mitigation ratio for disturbed habitat is for both temporary and permanent impacts.
Sources: Holland 1986 and Oberbauer 1996
7.2 Jurisdictional Waters Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Recommendations
BIO-3 The contractor(s) shall be informed, prior to the bridge replacement, about the
biological constraints of the project. The constraction limits shall be clearly marked on
project maps provided to the contractor(s) and areas outside of the constraction limits
shall be designated as "no constraction" zones.
BIO-4 Mitigation for temporary impacts to jurisdictional waters (including wetlands)
shall be detailed in the revegetation/planting plan as described in BIO-1 and shall include
at a minimum 1:1 in-place restoration after constraction to reestablish jurisdictional areas
to conditions and functions at least equal to the existing quality of the jurisdictional areas
impacted. Any temporary work areas shall be decompacted and recontoured to original
grade and preactivity condition.
The following Hydrology/Water Quality (HYDRO) mitigation measures should also be
implemented to further reduce impacts to jurisdictional waters:
HYDRO-1 The City shall prepare and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP), consistent with the State Water Resources Control Board General Pemiit
for Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Constraction Activity (99-08 DWQ) or
most current permit at the time of constraction commencement. The SWPPP shall
contain a site map(s) that shows the constraction site perimeter, existing and proposed
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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07080213 Bio Resources andJD Rpt.doc
Page 43
buildings, lots, roadways, storm water collection and discharge points, general
topography both before and after constraction, and drainage pattems across the project.
The SWPPP must list best management practices (BMPs) the contractor will use to
protect storm water ranoff and the placement of those BMPs. Additionally, the SWPPP
must contain a visual monitoring program, and a chemical monitoring program for
"nonvisible" pollutants to be implemented if there is a failure of BMPs.
BMPs shall include, but are not limited to:
• Spoils, trash, or any debris remaining at the site after project completion shall be
removed and disposed of at an approved disposal facility.
• No equipment refueling areas shall be located at the constraction site outside of
designated areas. Fueling of constraction equipment shall take place on existing
paved roads and not within or adjacent to any drainages, wetlands, or native
habitats.
• "Fueling zones" shall be designated on constraction maps and qualified biologists
shall flag the limits of the "fueling zones." These "fueling zones" shall be located
at least 50 feet from all drainage features and wetlands.
• All stockpiled soil should be stored in 55-gallon drums within the roadway
(nonwetland areas).
• Stockpiles shall not remain on-site for more than 1 week.
HYDRO-2 The contractor shall monitor the constraction site during all storm events to
ensure that water damming does not reach volumes that could cause a risk to constraction
workers or recreational beach users from dam failure and subsequent flooding. Diversion
mechanisms shall be of adequate capacity to pump water during storm events, and back-
up diversion pumping shall be readily available in the event of equipment malfunction.
Page 44 Encuias Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Biological Resources and JD Report
07080213 Bio Resources andJDRpt.doc
8.0 REFERENCES
Bowman, R. H. 1973. Soil Survey of the San Diego Area, California. Prepared by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service in cooperation
with the University of Califomia Agricultural Experiment Station; the U.S. Department of
the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs; and the Department of the Navy, U.S. Marine
Corps.
Califomia Coastal Commission (CCC). 1994. Procedural Guidance for the Review of Wetland
Projects in Califomia's Coastal Zone, http://www.coastal.ca.gov/wetrev/wettc.html.
Califomia Department of Fish and Game (DFG). 2003. List of California Terrestrial Natural
Communities Recognized by the Natural Diversity Data Base. Natural Heritage Division.
The Resources Agency. Available at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/vegcamp/
pdfs/natcomlist.pdf.
Califomia Department of Fish and Game (DFG). 2009a. State and Federally Listed Endangered,
Threatened, and Rare Plants of California. Natural Diversity Data Base. January.
Available at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/TEPlants.pdf
Califomia Department of Fish and Game (DFG). 2009b. Special Vascular Plants, Bryophytes,
and Lichens List. Natural Diversity Data Base. January. Available at
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/SPPlants.pdf.
Califomia Department of Fish and Game (DFG). 2009c. State and Federally Listed Endangered
and Threatened Animals of California. Namral Heritage Division, Natural Diversity Data
Base. January. Available at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/TEAnimals.pdf
Califomia Department of Fish and Game (DFG). 2009d. Special Animals. Natural Diversity Data
Base. January. Available at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/biogeodata/cnddb/pdfs/SPAnimals.pdf.
Califomia Department of Fish and Game (DFG). 2009e. California Natural Diversity Data Base
(CNDDB). Database Query for the San Luis Ray and Encinitas I-V2 minute Quadrangle.
January.
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project Page 45
Biological Resources and JD Report
07080213 Bio Resources aiul JDRpLdoc .
Califomia Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2001. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of
California (sixth edition). Rare Plant Scientific Advisory Committee, David P. Tibor,
Convening Editor. Sacramento, Califomia. 388 pp.
Califomia Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2009. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of
California (online edition, v6-05c). Califomia Native Plant Society. Sacramento, CA.
Accessed on January 20, 2009. Available at http://www.cnps.org/inventory.
City of Carlsbad. 1999. Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of
Carlsbad.
Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and
Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and
Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. 131 pp.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Technical Report Y-87-1. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station,
Vicksburg, Miss. January. 100 pp.
Environmental Laboratory. 2008. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetiand
Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (Version 2.0). September.
Federal Interagency Committee for Wetland Delineation. 1989. Federal Manual for Identifying
and Delineation Jurisdictional Wetlands. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S.D.A. Soil
Conservation Service, Washington, D.C. Cooperative Technical Publication. 76 pp. plus
appendices.
Holland, R. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of
California. Califomia Department of Fish and Game, The Resources Agency. 156 pp.
McEwan, D. and T. A. Jackson 1996. Steelhead Restoration and Management Plan for
California. Califomia Department of Fish and Game, The Resources Agency. 234pp.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS): 2009. National List of Hydric Soils. Available
at http://soils.usda.gov/use/hydric/.
Page 46 Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Biological Resources and JD Report
07080213 Bio Resources andJD Rpt.doc
Oberbauer, T. 1996. Terrestrial Vegetation Communities in San Diego County Based on
Holland's Descriptions. San Diego Association of Govemments, San Diego, CA, 6 pp.
October.
Project Clean Water. 2002. Carlsbad Network Watershed Management Plan. Available at
http://www.projectcleanwater.org/html/ws_carlsbad_plan_network_plan.html.
Reed, P. B., Jr. 1988. National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands. U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Biological Report 88(26.10).
Soil Conservation Service (SCS). 1992. Field Office Official List of Hydric Soil Map Units for
the San Diego Area, Califomia.
Tiner, R. 1999. Wetland Indicators. A Guide to Wetland Identification, Delineation,
Classification, and Mapping. Lewis PubUshers. Boca Raton, Florida.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2006. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United
States: A Guide for Identifying and Delineating Hydric Soils, Version 6.0. Washington,
D.C. .
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1996a. National List of Vascular Plant Species that
Occur in Wetlands: 1996 National Summary. Available at http://library.fws.gov/Pubs9/
wetlands_plantlist96.pdf
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1996b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and
Plants; Review of Plant and Animal Taxa That are Candidates for Listing as Endangered
or Threatened Species; Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Vol. 61(40): pp 7596-7613.
Febraary 28. Available at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-SPECIES/1996/Febraary/
Day-28/pr-10089.pdf
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 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 on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Vol. 62
(182): 49398-49411. September 19.
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project Page 47
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07080213 Bio Resources andJD Rpt.doc
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2001. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and
Plants; Review of Plant and Animal Species That are Candidates or Proposed for Listing
as Endangered or Threatened, Annual Notice of Findings on Recycled Petitions, and
Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Vol.
66 (210): pp 54808-54832. October 30. Available at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-
SPECIES/2001/October/Day-30/e26982.htm.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2004. 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 on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Vol. 69 (86):
24876-24904. May 4. Available at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-SPECIES/2004/
May/Day-04/e9893.htm.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2008. 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 on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Vol. 73
(238): 75175-75244. December 10. Available at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-
SPECIES/2008/December/Day-10/e28986.htm.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2009. Federal Endangered and Threatened Species
That Occur in or May Be Affected by Profects in the Encinitas and Surrounding U.S. G.S.
7 1/2 Minute Quads. Database Last Updated: March 2009. Available at
http://www.fws.gov/sacramento/es/spp_lists/auto_list_form.cfm.
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APPENDIX A
2009 PHOTO LOG
mm I
Photograph 1 - Overview from southeast corner of project study
area
•^f:j;
il-'*^ '.-ji'-i' •; ^-
Photograph 2 - Overview from southeast corner of project survey
area
Appendix A
Photographs 1 and 2
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Biological Resources and JD Report
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Photograph 3 - View across study area looking northwest
i»i:
Photograph 4 -Looking east at disturbed slope in southeast
corner of the study area
Appendix A
Photographs 3 and 4
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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Photograph 5 - Looking northwest at salt grass dominated
southern coastal salt marsh on southern terrace
Photograph 6 - Looking southest across portion of southen
coastal salt marsh dominated by Virginia glasswort
Appendix A
Photographs 5 and 6
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Biological Resources and JD Report
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Photograph 7 - Looking southwest at at southern edge of
Encinas Creek
Photograph 8 - Looking west at center of Encinas Creek
Appendix A
Photographs 7 and 8
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Biological Resources and JD Report
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Photograph 9 - Looking northwest at northern edge of Encinas
Creek
Photograph 10 - Looking northeast at eastern portion of northern
terrace
Appendix A
Photographs 9 and 10
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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Photograph 11 - Looking north at the disturbed habitat domi-
nated by Monterey cypress
Photograph 12 - Looking west at datapoint T1.1
Appendix A
Photographs 11 and 12
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Biological Resources and JD Report
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Photograph 13 - Looking west at datapoint Tl .2 located in
coastal valley freshwater marsh
Photograph 14 - Soil pit collected at Tl .3 within southern coastal
salt marsh. Note redox features in matrix
Appendix A
Photographs 13 and 14
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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Photograph 15 - Looking northwest at datapoint Tl .3 within
southern coastal salt marsh
Photograph 16 - Sample of redox features collected in the soil
sample from datapoint Tl .4
Appendix A
Photographs 15 and 16
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Biological Resources and JD Report
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Photograph 17 - Looking northwest at datapoint Tl .4 collected
within southern coastal smalt Marsh
Photograph 18 - Looking northwest at datapoint Tl .5 collected
within southern coastal salt marsh
Appendix A
Photographs 17 and 18
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Biological Resources and JD Report
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Photograph 19 - Looking northeast at datapoint Tl.6 collected in
disturbed habitat
f
Photograph 20 - Looking north at datapoint Tl .7.
Appendix A
Photographs 19 and 20
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Biological Resources and JD Report
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Photograph 21 - Looking northeast at datapoint Tl .8
Photograph 22 - Looking north along the beach. Note the
western boundary of Encinas Creek Bridge
Appendix A
Photographs 21 and 22
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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Photograph 23 - Looking northeast at Encinas Creek Bridge
Photograph 24 - Looking east through the Encinas Creek Bridge,
note the coastal and valley freshwater marsh
Appendix A
Photographs 23 and 24
Encinas Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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i « •
Photograph 25 - Looking east under the Encinas Creek Bridge
at deteriorating structures
Appendix A
Photograph 25
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APPENDIX B
WETLAND DETERIMINATION DATA FORMS
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Arid West Region
Project/Site: Encinas Bride Replacement Project
Applicant/Owner: city of Carisbad
City/County: City of Carisbad
State:CA
Sampling Date: January 8, 2009
Sampling Point:Tl.l
Investigator(s): Lindsay Teunis and Jason Phillips
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): terrace
Section, Township, Range: T12S R4W
Local relief (concave, convex, none): none Slope (%): 0
Subregion (LRR)C - Mediterranean Califomia
Soil Map Unit Name: Tf - Tidal flats
Lat: 117° 19' 29.30" W Long: 33° 6' 57.54" N Datum:NAD80
NW! classification: E2EMP
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes (•) NoQ (If no. explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation Q Soil Q or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes No O
Are Vegetation I | Soil Q or Hydrology I I naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes C No (•
Hydric Soil Present? Yes C No {•
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes C No fp
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes C No (•
Remarks: Datapoint taken within the northem terrace adjacent to Encinas Creek. This area is dominated by Carpobrotus edulis, a
common upland species. Refer to Figure 3 and 7 and Photograph 12 in the Biological Resources and the JD Report to
observe datapoint and general area of investigation.
VEGETATION
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Use scientific names.) % Cover Species? Status
1.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 0 (A)
2. Total Number of Dominant
3. Species Across All Strata: 1 (B)
4. Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: ().() ••„ (A/B) Total Cover:' %
Sapling/Shrub Stratum
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: ().() ••„ (A/B)
1-Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Total % Cover of: Multiply bv: 2.
OBL species x 1 = 0 3. OBL species x 1 = 0
4. FACW species x2= 0 ;
5. FAC species x 3 = 0
Total Cover: %
. Herb Stratum
^-Carpobrotus edulis 100 Yes Noiusted
FACU species x 4 = 1) ;
UPL species Joo x5=
Column Totals: 100 (A) 50" (B)
2.
Prevalence Index = B/A = 5.00 ' 3. Prevalence Index = B/A = 5.00 '
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
5. Dominance Test is >50%
6. Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations^ (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
7.
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations^ (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
8.
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations^ (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: 100%
Woody Vine Stratum
1.
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations^ (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
2.
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations^ (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: %
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 0 % % Cover of Biotic Crust NA %
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes C No
Remarks: Datapoint taken within the northem terrace which is dominated by the upland non-native species hottentot fig (Carpobrotus
edulis).
us Army Corps of Engineers Arid West - Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: Tl.l
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of Indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type' Loc^ Texture Remarks
0-6 NA
6-18 1 OYR 3/2 100 loamy sand
Dead organic matter/ plant roots
no redox features
'Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs,
Histosol {A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR C)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR D)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (SI)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
unless otherwise noted.)
Sandy Redox(85)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (Fl)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Vernal Pools (F9)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR C)
2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR B)
Reduced Vertic (F18)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:
Depth (inches): 1 Hydric Soil Present? Yes C No(S)
Remarks: Soil is mapped as Tidal Flats (Tf) which is listed as hydric by the NRCS National List of Hydric Soils. However, on-site
investigation has demonstrated that the soil does not present Tidal Flats characteristics. Instead, the soil is likely fill
material at the point of investigation as indicated by the large gravel components in the matrix. The San Diego County Soil
Survey (Bowman 1973) may be accurate but it is not precise for this area as the soil map unit does not present what has
been found at sampling point (and immediate area) which is located above the graded portion ofthe channel. In addition,
the herbaceous understory is composed of upland vegetation (Carpobrotus edulis). No additional requirements or wedand
parameters were met to consider this soil as hydric.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (any one indicator is sufficient)
Q Surface Water (Al)
• High Water Table (A2)
I I Saturation (A3)
r~l Water Marks (B1) (Nonriverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Nonriverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Nonriverine)
I I Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
[~~| Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
I I Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Q Water Marks (Bl) (Riverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Riverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Riverine)
I I Drainage Patterns (BIO)
Q Salt Crust (B11)
Q Biotic Crust (B12)
I I Aquatic Invertebrates (Bl3)
[~~| Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
Q Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (03) Q Dry-Season Water Table (02)
I I Presence of Reduced Iron (04)
I I Thin Muck Surface (07)
I I Recent Iron Reduction in Plowed Soils (06)
I I Other (Explain in Remarks)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes C No (• Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes C No fS) Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? yes C No {• Depth (Inches):
(includes capillary fringe)
I I Crayfish Burrows (08)
I I Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (09)
Q Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Q FAQ-Neutral Test (D5)
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes C No (•)
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: No hydrology indicators present. Soil pit located on northem terrace which is much higher in elevation (>4ft.) than the
southem terrace. In addition, the soil is very dry in this area and the dominant species is this area is a common upland plant
(Carpobrotus edulis).
us Army Corps of Engineers
Arid West - Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Arid West Region
Project/Site: Encinas Bride Replacement Project
Applicant/Owner: city of Carisbad
Oity/County: City ofCarlsbad
State:CA
Sampling Date: January 8, 2009
Sampling Point: T1.2
Investigator(s): Lindsay Teunis and Jason Phillips
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): stream channel
Section, Township, Range: T12S R4W
Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope (%): 0
Subregion (LRR).C - Mediterranean Califomia
Soil Map Unit Name: Tf - Tidal flats
Lat: 117° 19' 29.06" W Long: 33° 6' 57.00" N Datum: NAD80
NWI classification: ElUBL
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes (•) • NoO (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation]^ Soil Q or Hydrology Q significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes (•) No C
Are VegetationQ Soil Q or Hydrology Q naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes (~ No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes (ST: No @
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No ^
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes O No (•}
Remarks:Datapoint taken within the southem banks of Encinas Creek within Valley and Coastal Freshwater Marsh. Refer to Figure 3
and 7 in addition to Photograph 13 in the Biological Resources and the JD Report to observe datapoint and general area of
investigation.
VEGETATION
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Use scientific names.) % Cover Species? Status
1.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 ;i= (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100.0 ••„ (A/B)
2.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 ;i= (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100.0 ••„ (A/B)
3.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 ;i= (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100.0 ••„ (A/B)
4.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 ;i= (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100.0 ••„ (A/B)
Total Cover: %
Saplinq/Shrub Stratum
1.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 ;i= (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 100.0 ••„ (A/B)
Total Cover: %
Saplinq/Shrub Stratum
1. Prevalence index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by: 2.
Prevalence index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species " 75 x 1 = 75
FACW species 25 x2= 50
FAO species x 3 = 0
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) ' 125 - (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 1.25
4.
OBL species " 75 x 1 = 75
FACW species 25 x2= 50
FAO species x 3 = 0
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) ' 125 - (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 1.25
5.
OBL species " 75 x 1 = 75
FACW species 25 x2= 50
FAO species x 3 = 0
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) ' 125 - (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 1.25
Total Cover: %
Herb Stratum
^•Arundo donax 15 Yes FACW
OBL species " 75 x 1 = 75
FACW species 25 x2= 50
FAO species x 3 = 0
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) ' 125 - (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 1.25
2- Schoenoplectus californicus 5 No OBL
OBL species " 75 x 1 = 75
FACW species 25 x2= 50
FAO species x 3 = 0
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) ' 125 - (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 1.25 3- Schoenoplectus robustus 15 Yes OBL
OBL species " 75 x 1 = 75
FACW species 25 x2= 50
FAO species x 3 = 0
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) ' 125 - (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 1.25
4. Typha latifolia 45 Yes OBL Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
5. Sarcoconia pacifica 5 No OBL
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
6. Pluchea odorata var. ordata 5 No OBL
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
1 • Frankenia salina 10 No FACW
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
8.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: lOQo/^
Woody Vine Stratum
1.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present. 2.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: • %
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum % % Cover of Biotic Crust %
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes O No (•;
Remarks: Datapoint taken within the southem banks of Encinas Creek within Valley and Coastal Freshwater Marsh. A small patch of
Arundo is located near bridge on south side of channel (Photo 13).
US Army Corps of Engineers Arid West - Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: T1.2
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist)
0-18 no color
%
100
Color (moist) % Type' Loc^ Texture Remarks
sand no color
Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Govered or Coated Sand Grains. Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs,
Histosol (A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR C)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR D)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (SI)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
unless otherwise noted.)
Sandy Redox (85)
Stripped Matrix (86)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (F1)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)-
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Vernal Pools (F9)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR C)
2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR B)
Reduced Vertic (F18)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
X Other (Explain in Remarks)
^Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:
Depth (inches): Hydric Soil Present? Yes (• NoC
Remarks; Soil in this area is mapped as Tidal Flats (Tf) which is listed as hydric by the NRCS National List of Hydric Soils. Soil at
this datapoint is a sandy/cobble mix which suggests an entisol (recently deposited fluvial sediments) and there are often no
hydric field indicators present for this soil as outlined by the NTCHS Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States.
Tidal flats can be considered hydric by definition because it is on the NRCS' National List of Hydric Soils and the Local
Hydric Soil List (SCS 1992) and both hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology are simultaneously present at the point
of investigation.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (any one indicator is sufficient)
Surface Water (Al) •
• High Water Table (A2) •
• Saturation (A3) •
• Water Marks (B1) (Nonriverine) •
• Sediment Deposits (B2) (Nonriverine) •
Drift Deposits (B3) (Nonriverine) •
• Surface Soil Cracks (B6) •
Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) •
• Water-Stained Leaves (B9) •
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
I I Water Marks (Bl) (Riverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Riverine)
rn Drift Deposits (B3) (Riverine)
I I Drainage Patterns (B10)
Q Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
I I Crayfish Burrows (C8)
I I Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (09)
Q Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Q FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present?
Water Table Present?
Saturation Present?
(includes capillary fringe)
Yes (»} No O
Yes (?) No O
Yes O No {•:
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
>20 inches
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes (• No C
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: Pit taken within Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh located along a sand bar at bank of slope on south side of Encinas
Creek which ajjpears to flow year round and receive ocean flow during extreme high tide events.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Arid West - Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Arid West Region
Project/Site: Encinas Bride Replacement Project
Applicant/Owner: City of Carisbad
City/Oounty: City ofCarlsbad
State:CA
Sampling Date: January 8, 2009
Sampling Point: T1.3
Investigator(s): Lindsay Teunis and Jason Phillips
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): terrace
Section, Township, Range: T12S R4W
Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope (%): NA
Subregion (LRR)C - Mediterranean Califomia
Soil Map Unit Name: Tf - Tidal flats
Lat: 117° 19' 28.79" W Long: 33° 6' 56.30" N Datum: NAD80
NWI classification: E2EMP
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes (•) No Cj (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation Soil or Hydrology Q significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes (•) No C
Are VegetationQ Soil Q or Hydrology Q naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes (• No C
Hydric Soil Present? Yes (iiii No C
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes (S" No C
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes O No (•}
Remarks: Datapoint collected within Southem Coastal Salt Marsh along the southem terrace, immediately adjacent to Encinas Creek.
Refer to Figure 3 and 7 along with Photograph 14 and 15 in the Biological Resources and the JD Report to observe datapoint
and general area of investigation.
VEGETATION
Tree Stratum (Use scientific names.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
% Cover Species? Status
Sapling/Shrub Stratum
1.
Total Cover: %
Herb Stratum
1 • Distichilis spicata
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Total Cover: %
. 100 Yes FACW
Woody Vine Stratum
1.
2.
Total Cover: ' ,100 %
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Total Cover: %
0 % % Cover of Biotic Crust 0 %
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
1 (A)
1 ' (B)
lOO.OV',, (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply bv:
OBL species . xl = 0
FACW species 100 x2 = :of)
FAC species x3 = (1
FACU species x4 =
UPL species x5 = 0
Column Totals: 100 (A) 200 (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 2.00
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
I I Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
I I Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes{S) NoO
Remarks: Datapoint was taken within the Southem Coastal Salt Marsh along the southem terrace which is dominated by the wetland
indicator species salt grass (Distichilis spicata).
us Army Corps of Engineers Arid West - Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: T1.3
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches)
0-1
Color (moist)
7.5 YR 2.5/1
0/
/o Color (moist) 0/
/o Type' Loc^ Remarks
100 NA
1-18 10YR3/2 60 7.5 YR 4/4 40 M
Texture
loamy sand
sandy clay loam and PL - Redox features in san^.
fine and frequent and in root
channels
'Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. ^Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs,
Histosol (A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
_J Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR C)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR D)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (A11)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (S1)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
unless otherwise noted.)
Sandy Redox(85)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (Fl)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Xj Depleted Matrix (F3)
xl Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Vernal Pools (F9) .
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR C)
2 cm Muck(AIO) (LRR B)
Reduced Vertic (Fl 8)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
I Other (Explain in Remarks)
^Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type: NA
Depth (inches):! Hydric Soil Present? Yes (•) NoO
Remarks: Soil in this area is mapped as Tidal Flats (Tf) which is listed as hydric by the NRCS National List of Hydric Soils. Tidal
flats can be considered hydric by definition because it is on the NRCS' National List of Hydric Soils and the Local Hydric
Soil List (SCS 1992). This is fiirther supported by the subsurface soil investigation. In addition, both hydrophytic vegetation
and wetland hydrology are simultaneously present at the point of investigation.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (any one indicator is sufficient)
Q Surface Water (A1)
Q High Water Table (A2)
Q Saturation (A3)
I I Water Marks (Bl) (Nonriverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Nonriverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Nonriverine)
I I Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
I I Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
I I Water-.Stained Leaves (B9)
Q Salt Crust (B11)
I I Biotic Crust (B12)
I I Aquatic Invertebrates (Bl 3)
I I Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
[x] Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3)
I I Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
[~~| Thin Muck Surface (C7)
I I Recent Iron Reduction in Plowed Soils (C6)
I I Other (Explain in Remarks)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
I I Water Marks (Bl) (Riverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Riverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Riverine)
[X] Drainage Patterns (B10)
Q Dry-Season Water Table (C2)
I I Crayfish Burrows (C8)
I I Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
Q Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Q FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes C No {• Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes C No (• Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? yes O No (•,: Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe) Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes (• No O
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: This datapoint was collected along the lower portion of the southem terrace which is concave and most likely receives flow
fi-om the channel during high water events including rain events and storm surges. In addition, there is a low point channel-
like depression adjacent to the stream bank which further allows flow to enter the terrace.
us Army Corps of Engineers
Arid West - Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Arid West Region
Project/Site: Encinas Bride Replacement Project
Applicant/Owner: city ofCarlsbad
City/County: City of Carlsbad
State:CA
Sampling Date: January 8, 2009
Sampling Point: T1.4
Investigator(s): Lindsay Teunis and Jason Phillips
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): terrace
Section, Township, Range: T12S R4W
Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope (%):<)%
Subregion (LRR)C - Mediterranean Califomia
Soil Map Unit Name: Tf - Tidal flats
Lat: 117° 19'27.79" W Long:-33° 6'56.11" N Datum:. NAD80
NWI classification: E2EMP
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes (•) No O (If rio, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation]^ Soil Q or Hydrology significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes (•) NoQ
Are Vegetation I | Soil Q or Hydrology Q naturally problematic? (if needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes {• No
Hydric Soil Present? Yes {•• No C
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes (• No
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes C No (•)
Remarks;Datapoint collected within Southem Coastal Salt Marsh along the southem terrace, adjacent to Encinas Creek. Refer to
Figure 3 and 7 along with Photograph 16 and 17 in the Biological Resources and the JD Report to observe datapoint and
general area of investigation.
VEGETATION
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Use scientific names.) % Cover Species? Status
1.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 * (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 * (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: lOO.O",,' (A/B)
2.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 * (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 * (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: lOO.O",,' (A/B)
3.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 * (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 * (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: lOO.O",,' (A/B)
4.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 * (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 * (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: lOO.O",,' (A/B)
Total Cover: •%
Saplinq/Shrub Stratum
1.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 * (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 * (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: lOO.O",,' (A/B)
Total Cover: •%
Saplinq/Shrub Stratum
1. Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by: 2.
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
3. OBL species SO x 1 = 80
FACW species 20 x2= 40 .
FAC species x 3 = 0
FACU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) 120 ' (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = ] ,20 .
4.
OBL species SO x 1 = 80
FACW species 20 x2= 40 .
FAC species x 3 = 0
FACU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) 120 ' (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = ] ,20 .
5.
OBL species SO x 1 = 80
FACW species 20 x2= 40 .
FAC species x 3 = 0
FACU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) 120 ' (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = ] ,20 .
Total Cover: :. %
Herb Stratum
1 • Sarcoconia pacifica 80 Yes OBL
OBL species SO x 1 = 80
FACW species 20 x2= 40 .
FAC species x 3 = 0
FACU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) 120 ' (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = ] ,20 .
Amblyopappus pusillus 20 Yes FACW
OBL species SO x 1 = 80
FACW species 20 x2= 40 .
FAC species x 3 = 0
FACU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) 120 ' (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = ] ,20 . 3.
OBL species SO x 1 = 80
FACW species 20 x2= 40 .
FAC species x 3 = 0
FACU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = Q
Column Totals: 100 (A) 120 ' (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = ] ,20 .
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
5.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
6.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
7.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
8.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: j QO %
Woody Vine Stratum
1.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present. 2.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
X Dominance Test is >50%
X Prevalence Index is <3.0
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: %
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 0 % . % Cover of Biotic Crust 0 %
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes {? No O
Remarks: Datapoint was taken within the middle portion ofthe southem terrace within a patch of Southem Coastal Salt Marsh
dominated by the wetland indicator Virginia's glasswort (Sarcoconia pacifica).
us Army Corps of Engineers Arid West - Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: T1.4
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist)
0-18 10YR4/2
%
60
0-18 10YR4/4 30
Color (moist)
7.5 YR 3/4
NA
%
10
Type' Loc^
M
Texture
sandy clay loam
sandy clay loam
Remarks
'Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains. ^Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)
_J Histosol (A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR C)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR D)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (Al 1)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (SI)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
X
Sandy Redox (85)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (Fl)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Vernal Pools (F9)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR C)
2 cm Muck(AIO) (LRR B)
Reduced Vertic (Fl 8)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type: NA
Depth (inches):! Hydric Soil Present? Yes (•) NoO
Remarks: The datapoint was collected in the Southem Coastal Salt Marsh dominated by Virginia's glasswort. The matrix has two
distinct colors in addition to large redox features (see Photo 16). There was a slight texture change with depth but same
colors were found throughout the soil pit.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (any one indicator is sufficient)
I I Surface Water (Al)
Q High Water Table (A2)
I I Saturation (A3)
I I Water Marks (Bl) (Nonriverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Nonriverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Nonriverine)
I I Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
I I Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
I I Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
Q Salt Crust (B11)
Q Biotic Cnjst(B12)
I I Aquatic Invertebrates (Bl3)
I I Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
[x] Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3)
I I Presence of Reduced Iron (04)
I I Thin Muck Surface (07)
I I Recent Iron Reduction in Plowed Soils (06)
I I Other (Explain in Remarks)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Q Water Marks (Bl) (Riverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Riverine)
rn Drift Deposits (B3) (Riverine)
[X] Drainage Pattems (B10)
I I Dry-Season Water Table (02)
I I Crayfish Burrows (08)
I I Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (09)
Q Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Q FAC-Neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes C No (•> Depth (inches):_
Water Table Present? Yes C No (•: Depth (inches):_
Saturation Present? Yes O No (•} Depth (inches):
(includes capillary fringe) Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes 0 No C
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: This datapoint was collected along the middle portion of the southem terrace which is slightly concave and most likely
receives flow from the channel during extreme high water events including rain events and storm surges.
us Army Corps of Engineers
Arid West - Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Arid West Region
Project/Site: Encinas Bride Replacement Project
Applicant/Owner: city of Carisbad
City/Oounty: City of Carisbad
State:CA
Sampling Date: January 8, 2009
Sampling Point: T1.5
Investigator(s): Lindsay Teunis and Jason Phillips
Landform (hillslope, ten-ace, etc.): higher terrace
Section, Township, Range: T12S R4W
Local relief (concave, convex, none): convex Slope (%): 3%
Subregion (LRR)C - Mediterranean Califomia
Soil Map Unit Name: Tf - Tidal flats
Lat: 117° 19' 27.29" W Long: 33° 6' 55.48" N Datum: NAD80
NWI classification: E2EMP
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes (•: No C (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation]^ Soil Q or Hydrology |^ significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes (•! NoC^
Are Vegetation] | Soil or Hydrology Q naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes (• No C
Hydric Soil Present? Yes (• No C
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes (• No C
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes C No (•
Remarks: Datapoint collected within Southem Coastal Salt Marsh along the upper portion ofthe southem terrace. Refer to Figure 3
and 7 along with Photograph 18 in the Biological Resources and the JD Report to observe datapoint and general area of
investigation.
VEGETATION
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Use scientific names.) % Cover Species? Status
1.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 3 (A)
2. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: .1 :: (8) 3.
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: .1 :: (8)
4. Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAO: 1011.(I-,,:; (/VB) Total Cover: %
Saplinq/Shrub Stratum
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAO: 1011.(I-,,:; (/VB)
1. Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Total % Cover of: Multiply bv: 2.
3. OBL species 60 x 1 = 60
4. FAOW species 25 x2= 50
5. FAO species x 3 = 0
Total Cover: %
Herb Stratum
1 • Arthrocnemum subterminale 40 Yes OBL
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = 0
Column Totals: .S^^ (A) UO (B)
2- Amblyopappus pusillus 25 Yes FACW
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = 0
Column Totals: .S^^ (A) UO (B)
3- Sarcoconia pacifica 20 Yes OBL Prevalence Index = B/A = 1.29
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
5. X Dominance Test is >50%
6. X Prevalence Index is S3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
7.
X Prevalence Index is S3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
8.
X Prevalence Index is S3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: 35
Woody Vine Stratum
1.
X Prevalence Index is S3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present. 2.
X Prevalence Index is S3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: %
% Bare Ground in HeriD Stratum 15 % % Cover of Biotic Crust NA%
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes 0 No O
Remarks: Datapoint was taken within the upper portion of the southem terrace within a patch of Southem Coastal Salt Marsh
dominated by the wetland indicator species. Parish's glasswort (Arthrocnemum subterminale) and Virginia's glasswort
(Sarcoconia pacifica).
J
us Army Corps of Engineers Arid West - Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: T1.5
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist)
0-18 10YR4/2
% Color (moist) % Type' Loc^ Texture Remarks
80 7.5 YR 3/4 M two matrix colors
0-18 10YR4/4 15
'Type: 0=Ooncentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, OS=Oovered or Coated Sand Grains. \ocatlon: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs,
Histosol (Al)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR C)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR D)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (Al 1)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (SI)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
unless otherwise noted.)
Sandy Redox (85)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (Fl)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
X Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Vemal Pools (F9)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR C)
2 cm Muck(AIO) (LRR B)
Reduced Vertic (Fl 8)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:
Depth (inches): Hydric Soil Present? Yes (• NoO
Remarks: The datapoint was collected in the Southem Coastal Salt Marsh dominated by Parish's glasswort and Virginia's glasswort.
The matrix has two distinct colors in addition to large redox features (see Photo 16). There was a slight texture change with
depth but same colors were found throughout the soil pit.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (anv one indicator is sufficient)
I I Surface Water (Al)
Q High Water Table (A2)
I I Saturation (A3)
I I Water Marks (Bl) (Nonriverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Nonriverine)
[~| Drift Deposits (B3) (Nonriverine)
I I Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
I I Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
[~~| Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
• Salt Crust (B11)
Q Biotic Crust (Bl 2)
I I Aquatic Invertebrates (Bl 3)
I I Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (01)
[xl Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (03)
I I Presence of Reduced Iron (04)
I I Thin Muck Surface (07)
I I Recent Iron Reduction in Plowed Soils (06)
I I Other (Explain in Remarks)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Q Water Marks (B1) (Riverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Riverine)
n Drift Deposits (B3) (Riverine)
I I Drainage Patterns (BIO)
Q Dry-Season Water Table (02)
I I Crayfish Burrows (08)
I I Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (09)
Q Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Q FAO-Neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes O
Water Table Present? Yes O
Saturation Present? Yes O
(includes capillary fringe)
No Depth (inches):
No (• Depth (Inches):
No (•;• Depth (Inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes (•) No C
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: This datapoint was collected higher up the southem terrace and is the driest ofthe points occurring within the Southern
Coastal Salt Marsh. Ice plant is beginning to encroach in this area.
us Army Corps of Eiigineers
Arid West - Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Arid West Region
Project/Site: Encinas Bride Replacement Project
Applicant/Owner: City of Carisbad
City/Oounty: City ofCarlsbad
State:CA
Sampling Date: January 8, 2009
Sampling Point: T1.6
Investigator(s): Lindsay Teunis and Jason Phillips
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.); higher terrace
Section, Township, Range: T12S R4W
Local relief (concave, convex, none): convex Slope (%): 5
Subregion (LRR)C - Mediterranean Califomia
Soil Map Unit Name: Tf - Tidal flats
Lat: 117° 19' 27.92" W Long: 33° 6' 55.05" N Datum: NAD80
NWI classification: E2EMP
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes (•) NoO (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation I | Soil |^ or Hydrology | | significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes {• NoQ
Are Vegetation I | Soil Q or Hydrology |^ naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No {•"
Hydric Soil Present? Yes C No (•
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes C No (•
Is the Sampled Area '
within a Wetland? Yes O No (?)
Remarks: Datapoint taken within the upper southem terrace west ofthe Southem Coastal Salt Marsh. This area is dominated by
Carpobrotus edulis, a common upland species. Refer to Figure 3 and 7 in addition to Photograph 19 in the Biological
Resources and the JD Report to observe datapoint and general area of investigation.
VEGETATION
Tree Stratum (Use scientific names.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Absolute Dominant Indicator
% Cover Species? Status
Saplinq/Shrub Stratum
1.
Total Cover: %'
Total Cover:
Herb Stratum
1 • Carpobrotus edulis
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
%
100 Yes
Total Cover:
Woody Vine Stratum
1.
2.
100"/o
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum
Total Cover: %
0 % % Cover of Biotic Orust 0 %
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO:
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata:
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO:
0 ; (A)
1 (B)
0 0 • , (A/B)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
OBL species
FAOW species
FAO species
FAOU species
UPL species
Column Totals:
100
100
x 1 =
x2 =
x3 =
x4 =
x5 =
(A)
Prevalence Index = B/A ••
0
(I
500
•^•0l)
5.00
(B)
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
I I Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
I I Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes O No®
Remarks: Datapoint taken within the northem terrace which is dominated by the upland non-native species hottentot fig (Carpobrotus
edulis).
us Army Corps of Engineers Arid West - Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: Tl.6
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) %_
0-18 10YR3/2 100
Color (moist) % Type' Loc^ Texture
sandy clay loam
Remarks
'Type: O=0oncentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, OS=Oovered or Coated Sand Grains. location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs,
Histosol (Al)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR C)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR D)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (Al 1)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (SI)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
unless otherwise noted.)
Sandy Redox(85)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (Fl)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Vernal Pools (F9)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR C)
2cmMuck(A10)(LRRB)
Reduced Vertic (Fl 8)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:
Depth (inches): 1 Hydric Soil Present? Yes Q No®
Remarks: there was a 6inch mulch layer before hitting soil, no evidence of hydric soils
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (anv one indicator is sufficient)
Q Surface Water (Al)
Q High Water Table (A2)
Q Saturation (A3)
I I Water Marks (Bl) (Nonriverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Nonriverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Nonriverine)
I I Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
I I Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
I I Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
Q Salt Crust (B11)
Q Biotic Crust (Bl2)
I I Aquatic Invertebrates (Bl 3)
I I Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (01)
I I Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (03)
I I Presence of Reduced Iron (04)
Q Thin Muck Surface (07)
I I Recent Iron Reduction in Plowed Soils (06)
I I Other (Explain in Remarks)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
I I Water Marks (Bl) (Riverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Riverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Riverine)
I I Drainage Patterns (BIO)
Q Dry-Season Water Table (02)
I I Crayfish Burrows (08)
I I Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (09)
Q Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Q FAO-Neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes C No (•: Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes O No (Sj Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes C No (•) Depth (inches):
[includes capillary fringe) Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes O No (•)
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: The soil is mapped as Tidal Flats (Tf) which is listed as hydric by the NRCS National List of Hydric Soils. However, on-
site investigation has demonstrated that the soil does not present Tidal Flats characteristics. Instead, the soil is likely fill
material at the point of investigation as indicated by the large gravel components in the matrix. In addition, the herbaceous
understory is composed of upland vegetation (Carpobrotus edulis). No additional requirements or wetland parameters were
met to consider this soil as hydric.
us Army Corps of Engineers
Arid West - Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Arid West Region
Project/Site: Encinas Bride Replacement Project
Applicant/Owner: city of Carisbad
Oity/County: City ofCarlsbad
State :C A
Sampling Date: January 8, 2009
Sampling Point: T1.7
Investigator(s): Lindsay Teunis and Jason Phillips
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): higher terrace
Section, Township, Range: T12S R4W
Local relief (concave, convex, none): convex Slope (%): 10
Subregion (LRR)C - Mediterranean Califomia
Soil Map Unit Name: Tf - Tidal flats
Lat: 117° 19' 27.21" W Long: 33° 6' 54.75" N Datum: NAD80
NWI classification: E2EMP
Are climatic / hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes {•) No O (If "o. explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation Q Soil Q or Hydrology Q significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes {•= NoQ
Are VegetationQ Soil Q or Hydrology Q naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any ansvyers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes P No (•
. Hydric Soil Present? Yes C No (•
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes C No {•":
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes O No (•)
Remarks: Datapoint taken within highest point within the southem terrace. This area is dominated by non-native upland species. Refer
to Figure 3 and 7 in addition to Photograph 20 in the Biological Resources and the JD Report to observe datapoint and
general area of investigation. ,
VEGETATION
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Use scientific names.) % Cover Species? Status
1.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 1 ' (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 50.0 •., (A/B)
2.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 1 ' (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 50.0 •., (A/B)
3.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 1 ' (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 50.0 •., (A/B)
4.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 1 ' (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 50.0 •., (A/B)
Total Cover: %'
Saplinq/Shrub Stratum
1.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 1 ' (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 2 (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 50.0 •., (A/B)
Total Cover: %'
Saplinq/Shrub Stratum
1. Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply bv: 2.
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiply bv:
3. OBL species x 1 = 0
FAOW species x2= 0
FAO species -15 x3= 135
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species 55 x5= 275
Column Totals: 100 (A) 110 : (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 4-10
4.
OBL species x 1 = 0
FAOW species x2= 0
FAO species -15 x3= 135
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species 55 x5= 275
Column Totals: 100 (A) 110 : (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 4-10
5.
OBL species x 1 = 0
FAOW species x2= 0
FAO species -15 x3= 135
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species 55 x5= 275
Column Totals: 100 (A) 110 : (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 4-10
Total Cover: %
Herb Stratum
Melilotus indica 45 Yes FAC
OBL species x 1 = 0
FAOW species x2= 0
FAO species -15 x3= 135
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species 55 x5= 275
Column Totals: 100 (A) 110 : (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 4-10
^-Carpobrotus edulis 45 Yes Not Listed
OBL species x 1 = 0
FAOW species x2= 0
FAO species -15 x3= 135
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species 55 x5= 275
Column Totals: 100 (A) 110 : (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 4-10 3- Unidentified thistle 10 No Not Listed
OBL species x 1 = 0
FAOW species x2= 0
FAO species -15 x3= 135
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species 55 x5= 275
Column Totals: 100 (A) 110 : (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 4-10
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
5.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
6.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
7.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
8.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: 100%
Woody Vine Stratum
1.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present. 2.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
Dominance Test is >50%
Prevalence Index is <3.0'
1 1 Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: %
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 0 % % Cover of Biotic Orust 0 .%
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes C No (Sj
Remarks: Datapoint taken within the highest point of the southem terrace at the top ofa small berm. This area is dominated by non-
native species upland species.
us Army Corps of Engineers Arid West - Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: T1.7
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth . Matrix _^ Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist)
0-18 10YR6/3
%
100
Color (moist) % Type' Loc^ Texture
loamy sand
Remarks
'Type: O=0oncentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Oovered or Coated Sand Grains. ^Location: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs,
Histosol (Al)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Histic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR C)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR D)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (Al 1)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (SI)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
unless otherwise noted.)
Sandy Redox(85)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (Fl)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (FB)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Vernal Pools (F9)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR C)
2 cm Muck(AIO) (LRR B)
Reduced Vertic (Fl 8)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
^Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:
Depth (inches):) Hydric Soil Present? Yes Q No®
Remari<s: Soil is mapped as Tidal Flats (Tf) which is listed as hydric by the NRCS National List of Hydric Soils. However, on-site
investigation has demonstrated that the soil does not present Tidal Flats characteristics. Instead, the soil is likely fill
material at the point of investigation. The San Diego County Soil Survey (Bowman 1973) may be accurate but it is not
precise for this area as the soil map unit does not present what has been found at sampling point (and immediate area) which
is located above the graded portion of the channel. In addition, the herbaceous understory is composed of primarily upland
vegetation. No additional requirements or wetland parameters were met to consider this soil as hydric.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (any one indicator is sufficient)
I I Surface Water (Al)
• High Water Table (A2)
I I Saturation (A3)
I I Water Marks (Bl) (Nonriverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Nonriverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Nonriverine)
I I Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
I I Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
I I Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
Q Salt Crust (B11)
Q Biotic Onjst(B12)
I I Aquatic Invertebrates (Bl3)
I I Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (01)
I I Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (03)
I I Presence of Reduced Iron (04)
r~| Thin Muck Surface (07)
I I Recent Iron Reduction in Plowed Soils (06)
I I Other (Explain in Remarks)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Q Water Marks (81) (Riverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Riverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Riverine)
I I Drainage Patterns (BIO)
Q Dry-Season Water Table (02)
I I Crayfish Burrows (08)
I I Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (09)
I I Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Q FAO-Neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present?
Water Table Present?
Saturation Present?
(Includes capillary fringe)
Yes O No ® Depth (inches):
Yes O No ® Depth (inches):
Yes O No ® Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes O No ®
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks: No evidence of wetland hydrology, high up on slope of berm within southem terrace.
us Army Corps of Engineers
Arid West - Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Arid West Region
Project/Site: Encinas Bride Replacement Projects
Applicant/Owner: City of Carisbad
Oity/County: City of Carisbad
State:CA
Sampling Date: January 8, 2009
Sampling Point: T1.8
Investigator(s): Lindsay Teunis and Jason Phillips
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.):
Section, Township, Range: T12SR4W
Local relief (concave, convex, none):
Subregion (LRR)C - Mediterranean Califomia
Soil Map Unit Name: Tf - Tidal flats
Lat: 117° 19' 27.71" W Long: 33° 6' 54.11"N
_ Slope (%):
Datum: NAD80
NWI classification: E2EMP
Are climatic / hydrologic condifions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes ® No (j (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation]^ Soil or Hydrology Q significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes® NoO
Are Vegetation I | Soil Q or Hydrology | | naturally problemafic? (If needed, explain any answers in Rernarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetafion Present? Yes ® No (~
Hydric Soil Present? Yes C No ®
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ® No C
Is the Sampled Area
within a Wetland? Yes O No ®
Remarks: Datapoint was taken adjacent to a swale (located outside the study area) adjacent to the southem most portion ofthe study
area. Refer to Figure 3 and 7 in addition to Photograph 21 in the Biological Resources and the JD Report to observe
datapoint and general area of investigation.
VEGETATION
Absolute Dominant Indicator
Tree Stratum (Use scientific names.) % Cover Species? Status
1.
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 3 (A)
2. Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 (B) 3.
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: 3 (B)
4. Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 100.0 • ,,'t (/VB) Total Cover: %:
Saplinq/Shrub Stratum
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FAOW, or FAO: 100.0 • ,,'t (/VB)
^. Baccharis salicifolia 10 Yes FACW Prevalence Index worksheet:
2. Total % Cover of: Multiply bv: 2.
3. OBL species x 1 = 0
4. FAOW species 25 x2= 50
5. FAO species lo x 3 = 120'
Total Cover: 10 %
• Herb Stratum
• Rumex crispus ' 15 Yes FACW
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = 0
Column Totals: ; (A) 170 (B)
2- Melilotus indica 40 Yes FAC
FAOU species x 4 = 0
UPL species x 5 = 0
Column Totals: ; (A) 170 (B)
3. Prevalence Index = B/A = 2.62
4. Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
5. X Dominance Test is >50%
6. X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
[~~| Morphological Adaptafions' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
7.
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
[~~| Morphological Adaptafions' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
8.
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
[~~| Morphological Adaptafions' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: , 55 0/^
Woody Vine Stratum
1.
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
[~~| Morphological Adaptafions' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present. 2.
X Prevalence Index is <3.0'
[~~| Morphological Adaptafions' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
1 1 Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present.
Total Cover: %
% Bare Ground in Herb Stratum 45 % % Cover of Biotic Orust NA%
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes ® No Cj
Remarks:
us Army Corps of Engineers Arid West - Version 2.0
SOIL Sampling Point: T1.8
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches)
0-2
Color (moist)
1 OYR 2/1
%
100
Color (moist) % Type' Loc=
2-18 1 OYR 5/3 100
Texture
Loamy Sand
Sandy Clay Loam
Remarks
'Type: O=0oncentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, OS=Oovered or Coated Sand Grains. ^Locafion: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: (Applicable to all LRRs, unless otherwise noted.)
Histosol (A1)
Histic Epipedon (A2)
Black Hisfic (A3)
Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
Stratified Layers (A5) (LRR C)
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR D)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (Al 1)
Thick Dark Surface (A12)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (SI)
Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
Sandy Redox (S5)
Stripped Matrix (S6)
Loamy Mucky Mineral (Fl)
Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
Depleted Matrix (F3)
Redox Dark Surface (F6)
Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
Redox Depressions (F8)
Vernal Pools (F9)
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils:
1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR C)
2 cm Muck(AIO) (LRR B)
Reduced Vertic (F18)
Red Parent Material (TF2)
Other (Explain in Remarks)
Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if present):
Type:
Depth (inches):! Hydric Soil Present? Yes Cj No®
Remarks: This area may receive water from a nearby swale, but does not appear to be regular enough to support hydric soils. The soil
in this area is mapped as Tidal Flats (Tf) which is listed as hydric by the NRCS National List of Hydric Soils. However,
on-site investigation has demonstrated that the soil does not present Tidal Flats characteristics.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Primary Indicators (any one indicator is sufficient)
I I Surface Water (A1)
• High Water Table (A2) '
Q Saturafion (A3)
I I Water Marks (Bl) (Nonriverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Nonriverine)
I I Drift Deposits (B3) (Nonriverine)
I I Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
I I Inundafion Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
I I Water-Stained Leaves (B9)
Q Salt Orust (B11)
Q Biotic Crust (Bl2)
I I AquaUc Invertebrates (Bl 3)
I I Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (01)
I I Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (03)
I I Presence of Reduced Iron (04)
I I Thin Muck Surface (07)
I I Recent Iron Reducfion in Plowed Soils (06)
I I Other (Explain in Remarks)
Secondary Indicators (2 or more required)
Q Water Marks (Bl) (Riverine)
I I Sediment Deposits (B2) (Riverine)
\~] Drift Deposits (B3) (Riverine)
I I Drainage Patterns (BIO)
Q Dry-Season Water Table (02)
I I Crayfish Burrows (08)
I I Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (09)
I I Shallow Aquitard (D3)
Q FAO-Neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes C) No ®
Water Table Present? Yes C No ®
Saturation Present? Yes O No ®
(includes capillary fringe)
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
Depth (inches):
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes ® No O
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspecfions), if available:
Remarks: This area is in a small depression immediately adjacent to a vegetated swale (located outside project area), however, there is
no evidence of hydrology within the immediate vicinity ofthe datapoint.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Arid West - Version 2.0
APPENDIX C
LIST OF PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED
Appendix C
List of Plant Species Observed
Family Species
Common
Name
Native or
Nonnative
Wetland
Indicator
Status'
Observed
2005
Observed
2009
Aizoaceae Carpobrotus edulis Hottentot Fig Nonnative NL X X
Aizoaceae Mesembryanthemum
crystallinum
Crystal ice
- plant
Nonnative NL X X
Anacardiaceae Rhus integrifolia Lemonade
berry
Native . NL • X X
Apiaceae Apium graveolens Wild celery Native FACW X X
Asteraceae Baccharis pilularis Coyote bush Native NL X X
Asteraceae Baccharis salicifolia Mulefat Native FACW X X
Asteraceae Isocoma menziesii var.
vernonioides
Menzie's
goldenbush
Native FACW X X
Asteraceae Amblyopappus pusillus Pineapple
weed
Nonnative FACW X X
Asteraceae Pluchea odorata var.
ordata
Marsh fleabane Native OBL X X
Asteraceae Centaurea melitensis Tocalote Nonnative NL X X
Asteraceae Gnaphalium
californicum
Califomia
everlasting
Native NL X
Asteraceae Heterotheca
grandiflora
Telegraph
weed
Native NL X X
Asteraceae Xanthium strumarium Common
cocklebur
Native FAC X X
Boraginaceae Heliotropium
curassavicum
Salt heliotrope Native OBL X
Brassicaceae Lobularia maritima Sweet alyssum Nonnative NL X
Brassicaceae Matthiola incana Tenweeks
stock .
Nonnative NL X X
Brassicaceae Cakile maritima Sea-rocket Nonnative FACW X X
Cactaceae Cylindropuntia
prolifera
Coastal cholla Native NL X
Chenopodiaceae Salsola tragus Russian-thistle Nonnative FACU X X
Chenopodiaceae Sarcoconia pacifica Virginia
glasswort
Native OBL X X
Chenopodiaceae Arthrocnemum
subterminale
Parish's
glasswort
Native OBL X X
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex semibaccata Australian
saltbush
Nonnative FAC X X
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex sp. Saltbush --X
Convolvulaceae Calystegia sp. Moming glory Nonnative -X
Cupressaceae Cupressus macrocarpa Monterey
cypress
Normative NL X X
Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus
robustus
Sturdy bullmsh Native OBL X
Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus
californicus
Califomia
bulmsh
Native OBL X
C-1
Family Species
Common
Name
Native or
Nonnative
Wetland
Indicator
Status'
Observed
2005
Observed
2009
Cyperaceae Cyperus sp. Nutsedge --X
Ephedraceae Ephedra sp. Mormon tea Native NL X
Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce maculata Spotted spurge Nonnative FACU X
Euphorbiaceae Croton californicus Califomia
croton
Native NL X
Fabaceae Melilotus indica Yellow
sweetclover
Nonnative FAC X X
Fabaceae Lotus scoparius var
scoparius
Coastal
deerweed
Native NL X
Frankeniaceae Frankenia salina Alkali heath Native FACW X X
Jimcaceae Juncus sp. Rush -FACW X
Lythraceae Lythrum hyssopifolium Grass poly Nonnative FACW X
Nyctaginaceae Mirabilis californica Califomia
wishbone bush
Native NL X
Poaceae Cortaderia sp. Pampas grass Normative NL X X
Poaceae Arundo donax Giant reed Nonnative FACW X X
Poaceae Distichlis spicata Saltgrass Native FACW X X
Poaceae Bromus diandrus Ripgut grass Nonnative NL X X
. Poaceae Bromus madritensis
ssp. rubens
Foxtail chess Nonnative NL X X
Poaceae Polypogon
monspeliensis
Rabbitfoot
grass
Nonnative FACW X X
Polygonaceae Rumex crispus Curly dock Normative FACW X X
Polygonaceae Eriogonum
fasciculatum
Califomia
buckwheat
Native NL X X
Solanaceae Lycium californicum Califomia box
thom
Native NL X
Solanaceae Nicotiana glauca Tree tobacco Noimative FAC X X
Solanaceae Solanum americanum White
nightshade
Native FAC X
Typhaceae Typha latifolia Broad-leaved
cat-tail
Native OBL X X
Based on Reed 1988 except where noted. Obligate (OBL) wetland species occur almost always (estimated
probability >99%) under natural conditions in wetlands in the region specified; Facultative Wet (FACW) species
usually occur in wetlands (estimated probability 67-99%) but occasionally are found in nonwetlands in the region
specified; Facultative (FAC) species are equally likely to occur in wetlands or nonwetlands (estimated probability
34-66%) in the region specified; Facultative Upland (FACU) species usually occur in nonwetlands (estimated
probability 67-99%) but occasionally are found in wetlands (estimated probability 1-33%) in the region specified.
If a species does not occur in wetlands in any region, it is not on the National List. The September 2008 Interim
Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (2008
Supplement) (Environmental Laboratory 2008) does not utilize ± facultative values.
C-2
APPENDIX D
LIST OF WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED
Appendix D
List of Wildlife Species Observed
Family Species Common Name Location
Observed*
Observed
N 2005
Observed
2009
BIRDS
Accipitridae Circus cyaneus Northem harrier FO X
Anatidae Anas platyrhynchos Mallard C
Ardeidae Ardea herodias Great blue heron X
Ardeidae Ardea alba Great egret FO X
Charadriidae Charadrius semipahnated Semipalmated
plover X.
Columbidae Zenaida macroura Mouming dove X
Corvidae Corvus corax Common raven X
Corvidae Corvus brachyrhynchos American crow FO X
Emberizidae Melospiza melodia Song sparrow APA X X
Fringillidae Carpodacus mexicanus House finch APA X X
Icteridae Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged
blackbird X
Laridae Chroicocephalus Philadelphia Bonapart's gull B X
Laridae Lams occidentalis Westem gull FO/B X
Laridae Lams heermanni Heerman's gull FO/B X
Pelecanidae Pelecanus occidentalis Brown pelican FO X X
Scolopacidae Calidris alba Sanderling X
Trochilidae Calypte anna Anna's
hummingbird FO/APA X
Tyrannidae Sayomis nigricans Black phoebe APA X X
MAMMALS
Sciuridae Spermophilus beecheyi Califomia
ground squirrel APA X X
* Location observed within study area is only relevant to 2009 site visit other than the 2005 northem harrier
observation: APA = Adjacent to Project Area; FO = Fly Over; B = Beach Area within Project Area; C = Active
Channel within Project Area
D-1
This page intentionally leff blank.
D-2
APPENDIX E
SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT AND WILDLIFE SPECIES
KNOWN TO OCCUR WITHIN 2 MILES OF THE STUDY AREA
Appendix E
Special-Status Plant Species Known to Occur within 2 Miles of the Study Area
Scientific Name
Common Name
Sensitivity
Status' General Habitat Description Probability of Occurrence
Acanthomintha ilicifolia
San Diego thom-mint
CNPS List IB
SE
FT
HMP: Covered/
Narrow Endemic
Chaparral, coastal scmb, valley and
foothill grasslands, and vemal pools,
on clay soils; elevation 30-3,100
feet.
Annual herb, blooms April-June.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Adolphia californica
Califomia adolphia
CNPS List 2 Chaparral, coastal scmb, valley and
foothill grassland, on clay soils;
elevation 150-980 feet.
Shmb (deciduous), blooms
December-May.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Arctostaphylos
glandulosa ssp.
crassifolia
Del Mar manzanita
CNPS List IB
FE
HMP Covered/
Narrow Endemic
Maritime chaparral, sandy soil;
elevation 0-1,200 feet.
Shrub (evergreen), blooms
December-April.
Due to the disturbed nahire
of any appropriate habitat in
the study area, this species is
not likely to occur.
Atriplex pacifica
South Coast saltscale
CNPS List IB Coastal bluff scmb, coastal dunes,
coastal scrub and playas; elevation
0-330 feet.
Annual herb, blooms March-
October.
Due to the disturbed nature
of any appropriate habitat in
the study area, this species is
not likely to occur.
Brodiaea filifolia
thread-leaved brodiaea
CNPS List IB
SE
FT
HMP Covered/
Narrow Endemic
Chaparral (openings), cismontane
woodland, coastal scmb, playas,
valley and foothill grassland, and
vemal pools; often on clay soils;
elevation 130-4,000 feet.
Perennial herb (bulbiferous), blooms
March-June.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Ceanothus verrucosus
wart-stemmed ceanothus
CNPS List 2
HMP Covered
Chaparral; elevation 3-1,250 feet.
Shmb (evergreen) blooms
December-April.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Chaenactis glabriuscula
var. orcuttiana
Orcutt's pincushion
CNPS List IB Coastal bluff scrub (sandy) and
coastal dunes; elevation 10-330 feet.
Annual herb, blooms January-
August.
Due to the disturbed nature
of any appropriate habitat in
the study area, this species is
not likely to occur.
Comarostaphylis
diversifolia ssp.
diversifolia
summer holly
CNPS List IB
HMP Covered
Chaparral; elevation 100-1,800 feet.
Shmb (evergreen), blooms April-
June.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature ofthe study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Coreopsis maritima
sea dahlia
CNPS List 2 Coastal bluff scmb and coastal
scmb; elevation 15-500 feet.
Perennial herb, blooms March-May.
Due to the disturbed nature
of any appropriate habitat in
the study area, this species is
not likely to occur.
E-!
Scientific Name
Common Name
Sensitivity
Status' General Habitat Description Probability of Occurrence
Corethrogyne
filaginifolia var. linifolia
{=Lessingia filaginifolia
var. linifolia)
Del Mar Mesa sand aster
CNPS List IB
HMP Covered/
Narrow Endemic
Coastal bluff scmb, coastal scmb,
and maritime chaparral, in sandy
openings; elevation 50-500 feet.
Perennial herb, blooms May-
September.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Dudleya blochmaniae
ssp. blochmaniae
Blochman's dudleya
CNPS List IB
HMP Narrow
Endemic
Coastal bluff scmb, chaparral,
coastal scmb, valley and foothill
grassland, on rocky, often clay or
serpentinite soils; elevation 15-
1,500 feet.
Perennial herb, blooms April-June.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature ofthe study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Eryngium aristulatum
var. parishii
San Diego button-celery
CNPS List IB
SE
FE
HMP Covered/
Narrow Endemic
Coastal scmb, valley and foothill
grassland, and vemal pools (mesic);
elevation 65-2,000 feet.
Annual/perennial herb, blooms
April-June.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Euphorbia misera
cliff spurge
CNPS List 2
HMP Covered
Rocky areas in coastal bluff scmb
and coastal scrub; elevation 30-
1,650 feet.
Shmb, blooms December-August.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Harpagonella palmeri
Palmer's grapplinghook
CNPS List 4 Chaparral, coastal scmb, valley and
foothill grasslands on clay soils;
elevation 70-900 feet.
Annual herb, blooms March-May.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature ofthe study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Iva hayesiana
San Diego marsh-elder
CNPS List 2
HMP Covered
Marshes, swamps, and playas;
elevation 30-1,640 feet.
Perennial herb, blooms April-
September.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Lasthenia glabrata ssp.
coulter i
Coulter's goldfields
CNPS List IB Coastal salt marshes and swamps,
playas, and vemal pools; elevation
3-4,000 feet.
Annual herb, blooms February-June.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Lotus nuttallianus
Nuttall's lotus
CNPS List IB Coastal dunes and coastal scmb,
sandy soils; elevation 0-30 feet.
Annual herb, blooms March-June.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Myosurus minimus ssp.
apus {= M. minimus)
little mousetail
CNPS List 3
HMP Covered/
Narrow Endemic
Valley and foothill grassland, and
vemal pools (alkaline); elevation
65-2,100 feet.
Annual herb, blooms March-June.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Ncrvarretia fossalis
spreading navarretia
CNPS List IB
FT
HMP Covered/
Narrow Endemic
Chenopod scmb, marshes and
swamps (assorted shallow
freshwater), playas, and vemal
pools; elevation 100-4,260 feet.
Annual herb, blooms April-June.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Nemacaulis denudata
var. denudate
coast woolly-heads
CNPS List IB Coastal dunes; elevation 0-325 feet.
Annual herb, blooms April-
September.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
E-2
Scientific Name
Common Name
Sensitivity
Status' General Habitat Description Probability of Occurrence
Orcuttia californica
Califomia Orcutt grass
CNPS List IB
SE
FE
HMP Covered/
Narrow Endemic
Vemal pools; elevation 50-2,165
feet.
Annual herb, blooms April-August.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Quercus dumosa
Nuttall's scrub oak
CNPS List IB
HMP Covered
Closed cone coniferous forests,
chaparral, and coastal scmb, on
sandy and clay loam soils; elevation
50-1,300 feet.
Shrub (evergreen), blooms
February-April.
Due to the lack of suitable
habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, this
species is not likely to occur.
Suaeda esteroa
estuary seablite
CNPS List IB This perennial subshmb occurs in
coastal salt marsh habitats.
This species was not
observed during the survey,
which coincided with its
traditional blooming period.
This species is not likely to
occur within the study area
due to the disturbed ,
condition of the appropriate
habitat.
' Special Status Key
The following codes indicate whether a species has been included on a: federal, state (Califomia), and/or Califomia
Native Plant Society (CNPS) list as rare, candidate, etc. If a species does not appear on any of the lists, the Special
Status field is left blank.
CIVPS list codes: (List lA) species presumed extinct; (List IB) species rare, threatened, or endangered in
Califomia and elsewhere; (List 2) species rare, threatened, or endangered in Califomia but which are more
common elsewhere; (List 3) species for which more information is needed; (List 4) a watch list of species of
limited distribution.
State listed plants: (SE) state listed, endangered; (SR) state listed, rare; (ST) state listed, threatened.
Federal candidate and listed plants: (FE) federally listed, endangered; (FT) federally listed, threatened; (FC)
federally listed, candidate; (FPE) federally proposed, endangered; (FPT) federally proposed, threatened.
City of Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP): Covered = species that are covered under the Take
Authorization of the HMP; Narrow Endemic = species that have a very narrow distribution.
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Special-Status Wildlife Species Known to Occur within 2 Miles of the Study Area
Common Name
Scientific Name Special-Status' Habitat Requirements Probability of Occurrence
Invertebrates
Riverside fairy
shrimp
Streptocephalus
woottoni
FE
HMP Covered/
Narrow Endemic
Restricted to deep, large vemal
pools with long periods of
mundation, San Diego (within 9
miles ofthe ocean) and
Riverside counties, seasonal
grasslands, emerge later in the
season than co-occurring
species.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
Fish
tidewater goby^
Eucyclogobius
newberryi
SSC
FE
Occurs in brackish water
habitats along the Califomia
coast and is often found in
shallow lagoons and lower
stream reaches in still water with
high oxygen.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of.
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
Grunion
Leuresthes tenuis
DFG
Game Species
Use sandy beaches subject to
ocean surf and tides for evening
spawning events. Spawning
occurs between March and
September depending upon the
lunar and tidal cycles, with peak
spawning runs between late
March and early June.
There is a moderate potential for
grunion to use the sandy beach
west ofthe bridge during spawning
events.
Southem
California
steelhead trout^
Oncorhynchus
mykiss
SSC
FE
. Requires freshwater streams and
creeks with access to coastal
estuaries and the ocean.
Due to the extensive development
within the Encinas Creek
Hydrologic Area, including
potential fish barriers, excess
sedimentation, and high water
temperatures, suitable spavming
habitat is not expected and this
species is not likely to occur.
Reptiles
orange-throated
whiptail
Aspidoscelis
hyperythra
beldingi
SSC
HMP Covered
A variety of habitats including
sage scmb, chaparral, coniferous
and broadleaf woodlands. Found
on sandy or friable soils with
open scmb. Requires open areas,
bushes, and fine loose soil.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
Birds
northem harrier
Circus cyaneus
SSC (breeding) Foimd mainly in grasslands and
marshes year-roimd in San
Diego County.
Although this species was observed
flying over the study area in 2005,
due tb lack of suitable nesting
habitat and the disturbed nature of
the study area it is not likely to
occur.
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Common Name
Scientific Name Special-Status' Habitat Requirements Probability of Occurrence
light-footed
clapper rail
Rallus Iongirostris
levipes
FP
SE
FE
HMP Covered
Found in southem Califomia in
coastal salt marshes, especially
those dominated by cordgrass.
The Tijuana River estuary is an
especially unportant site.
Due to the disturbed nature of the
study area and the low quality of
the potential suitable habitat, there
is a low potential for this species to
occur.
westem snowy
plover
Charadrius
alexandrinus
nivosus
SSC
FT
HMP Covered
Nests on beaches, dunes, and
salt flats in San Diego County,
with the highest concenfrations
in two areas: Camp Pendleton
and Silver Sfrand. Outside the
breeding season this species is
more widespread but not
common along the county's
coast.
This species is not expected to nest
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area, including
the intensive recreational uses
occurring within the narrow beach.
However, there is a low potential
for this species to forage during
migration through the study area.
Califomia least
tem
Sternula
antillarum browni
FP
SE
FE
HMP Covered
A ground nesting bird that
requfres undisturbed sfretches of
beach and coastline. Adults are
highly philopatric to natal
colonies, and forage in bays and
estuaries near thefr colonies.
This species is not expected to nest
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature ofthe study area, including
the intensive recreational uses
occurring within the narrow beach.
However, there is a low potential
for this species to forage during
migration through the study area.
least Bell's vireo
Vireo bellii
pusillus
SE
FE
HMP Covered
Riparian woodland with
understory of dense young
willows or mulefat and willow
canopy. Nests often placed along
intemal or extemal edges of
riparian thickets (USFWS 1986).
This species was documented in
2002 approximately 600 feet
upsfream of the study area (east of
northbound Carlsbad Boulevard)
within a patch of southern willow
scrub. As no suitable nesting
habitat occurs within or
immediately adjacent to the study
area, there is a low potential that
this species will occur.
coastal cactus
wren
Campylorhynchus
brunneicapillus
couesi
SSC Coastal sage scrub with
extensive stands of tall prickly
pear or cholla cacti {Opuntia
sp.).
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
coastal California '
gnatcatcher
Polioptila
californica
californica
SSC
FT
HMP Covered
Diegan coastal sage scrab
dominated by Califomia
sagebrush {Artemisia
californica) and flat-topped
buckwheat {Eriogonum
fasciculatum) below 2,500 feet
elevation in Riverside County
and below 1,000 feet elevation
along the coastal slope;
generally avoids steep slopes
above 25 percent and dense, tall
vegetation for nesting.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
E-5
Common Name
Scientific Name Special-Status' Habitat Requirements Probability of Occurrence
southem
Califomia mfous-
crowned sparrow
Aimophila
ruficeps canescens
HMP Covered Grassy or rocky slopes with
open scrab at elevations from
sea level to 2,000 feet. Occurs
mainly in coastal sage scmb.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
Belding's
savannah sparrow
Passerculus
sandwichensis
beldingi
SE
HMP Covered
Locally common in open grassy
or weedy areas throughout San
Diego County.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
Mammals
Mexican long-
tongued bat
Choeronycteris
mexicana
SSC In San Diego County, this bat
species occurs primarily in
urban areas. In Arizona and
Mexico, the species is found in
deep canyons and in the
mountains, foraging in riparian,
desert scmb, and pinyon-juniper
habitats, in particular on Yucca
sp.
Many bat species are often
associated with bridge stractures;
however, the Encinas Creek Bridge
is very low-lying. In addition, the
bridge is most likely impacted by
high flow events from the creek
and storm surges from the Pacific
Ocean. As such, this species is not
likely to occur within the study
area due to lack of suitable habitat
and the disturbed nature of the
study area.
Pocketed free-
tailed bat
Nyctinomops
femorosaccus
SSC Rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops,
and slopes in desert shrab and
pine oak forests.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
San Diego black-
tailed jackrabbit
Lepus californicus
bennettii
SSC Typical habitats include early
stages of chaparral, open coastal
sage scrab, and grasslands near
the edges of brash.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
Dulzura Califomia
pocket mouse
Chaetodipus
califonicus
femoralis
SSC Slopes covered with chaparral
and live oaks.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
San Diego desert
woodrat
Neotoma lepida
intermedia
SSC Common to abundant in Joshua
free, pinyon-juniper, mixed and
chamise-redshank chaparral,
sagebmsh, and most desert
habitats.
This species is not likely to occur
within the study area due to lack of
suitable habitat and the disturbed
nature of the study area.
' Special Status Key
The following codes uidicate whether a species has been included on a federal, state (Califomia), and/or is covered
by the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan as endangered, threatened, rare, candidate, etc. If a species does not
appear on any of the lists, the Special Status field is left blank.
DFG: (SSC) listed as Califomia Department of Game Species of Special Concem; (FP) listed as Fully
Protected; game species.
E-6
2
3
State listed wildlife: (SE) state listed, endangered; (SR) state listed, rare; (ST) state listed, threatened.
Federal candidate and listed wildlife: (FE) federally listed, endangered; (FT) federally listed, threatened; (FC)
federally listed, candidate; (FPE) federally proposed, endangered; (FPT) federally proposed, threatened.
City ofCarlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP): Covered = species that are covered imder the Take
Authorization of the HMP; Narrow Endemic = species that have a very narrow disfribution.
Tidewater goby are known to breed throughout the year, as indicated by female tidewater gobies in various stages
of ovarian development (Swenson 1999). The peak of spawning activity occurs during the spring and then again in
the late summer. Fluctuations in reproduction are probably due to death of breeding adults in early summer and
colder temperatures or hydrological disraptions in winter (Swift et al. 1989). Reproduction takes place in water
between 48 to 77°F and at salinities of 2 to 27 parts per thousand (Swenson 1999). However, based on the absence
of suitable habitat and the extirpation from this portion of the Califomia coast, this species is not expected to occur
on-site.
Steelhead are similar to some Pacific salmon in thefr life cycle and ecological requirements. They are bom in fresh
water sfreams, where they spend thefr fu-st 1-3 years of life before emigrating to the ocean where most of thefr
growth occurs. After spending between one to four growing seasons in the ocean, steelhead retum to thefr native
fresh water sfream to spawn but unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead do not necessarily die after spawning (McEwan
and Jackson 1996). Although there have been reports of steelhead in the larger San Diego County sfreams,
including San Mateo Creek, Encinas Creek is a small single order sfream that begins 2.4 miles inland with the
highest elevation occurring approximately 430 feet above mean sea level (Project Clean Water 2002). Encinas
Creek lacks the higher-elevation headwaters that are considered the primary spawning and rearmg areas for
steelhead today (McEwan and Jackson 1996). In addition, steelhead that spawn in Southem Califomia sfreams
(south of Point Conception) Have been particularly decimated by habitat loss due to dams, confinement of sfreams
in concrete channels, water pollution, groundwater pumping, urban heat,,island effects, and other byproducts of
urbanization. Due to the lack of suitable spawning habitat within the watershed this species in not expected to
occur on-site.
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E-8
APPENDIX F
APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND
STATE REGULATIONS
Appendix F
Applicable Federal and State Regulations
The following summarizes the applicable federal and state regulations for the projecf.
Regulatory Framework
Wetland and other aquatic features/environmenfs/habitats occurring within California are
regulated under fhe following federal and state laws, as applicable fo the project. Any impacts fo
jurisdictional wafers, wetlands, or riparian habitat associated with the project will require
authorization from the USACE, RWQCB, DFG, and CCC.
Federal Regulations
Section 404
Section 404 ofthe CWA (33 USC § 1251-1387) is the primary statute regulating activities in
jurisdictional wafers. Under Section 404 ofthe CWA (33 USC 1344), the USACE regulates the
discharge of dredged or fill material into jurisdictional waters of the U.S., which include those
waters listed in 33 CFR 328.3 (Definitions). All wafers of the U.S. were delineated fo their
jurisdictional limits as defmed by 33 CFR 328.4(c) (Limits of Jurisdiction for Non-Tidal Waters
ofthe U.S.).
Waters of the U.S. encompass both wetland and nonwetland aquatic habitats, such as streams,
rivers, lakes, ponds, bays, and oceans, and are defmed as follows:
(1) all waters which are currently used, or were used in fhe past, or may be
susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which
are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide; (2) all interstate waters including
interstate wetlands; (3) all other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams
(including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie
potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds, the use degradation or
destruction of which could affect interstate or foreign commerce including such
waters; (i) which are or could be used by interstate or foreign fravelers for
recreafional or other purposes; or (ii) from which fish or shellfish are or could be
taken and sold in interstate or foreign commerce; or (iii) which are used or could
be used for indusfrial purpose by industries in interstate commerce; (4) all
impoundments of waters otherwise defined as wafers of the United States under
fhe definition; (5) tributaries of waters identified in paragraphs (1) through (4) or
F-l
this secfion; (6) the territorial seas; and (7) wefiands adjacent fo wafers idenfified
in paragraphs (1) through (6) of fhis secfion ... . (33 CFR 328.3[a])
The limits of wetlands are delineated based on fhe co-occurrence of wetland hydrology, plants
(hydrophytic vegetafion), and soils (hydric soils). In the absence of wetlands, fhe limits of
USACE jurisdiction in nontidal wafers, such as rivers, sfreams, lakes, and ponds, extend to the
OHWM, which is defined as:
...that line on fhe shore established by the fluctuation of wafer and indicated by
physical characteristics such as a clear, natural line impressed on the bank,
shelving, changes in fhe character of soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the
presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider fhe
characteristics of the surrounding areas. (33 CFR 328.3 [e])
A Regulatory Guidance Letter (RGL) issued by the USACE on June 27, 1987, further clarified
the definition:
The OHWM is the physical evidence (shelving, debris lines, etc.) established by
normal fluctuations of water level. For rivers and streams, the OHWM is meant to
mark the within-channel height flows, not the average annual flood elevation that
generally extends beyond fhe channel. (RGL No. 88-6)
The OHWM can also be conceptualized as the lateral extent of fhe active chaimel, usually the
area just below the first terrace. The criteria for frequency and duration for OHWM, however,
have not been defined under the CWA or any guidance from the USACE for field delineators.
Once the limits of USACE jurisdiction are determined and an application is submitted to the
USACE, fhe USACE determines whether the activity meets the terms and condifions of one of
fhe Nationwide Permits (NWPs), which are a type of general permit issued by USACE
Headquarters for nationwide applicafion, or a Regional General- Permit (RGP), issued by
particular USACE Districts or Divisions. If a project qualifies under one of fhe NWPs or an
RGP, a letter may be issued verifying compliance with fhe NWP Program or fhe applicable RGP.
Verification of compliance may be conditioned with specific terms regarding consfruction
protocol, use of best management practices, avoidance of endangered species habitat, and
ihitigation requirements to minimize individual or cumulative impacts fo aquatic resources. If a
project meets the general terms and condifions of an NWP or RGP, but will result in greater than
minimal impacts fo aquatic resources on an individual or cumulative basis, fhe District Engineer
may fake discretionary authority and require the project fo be processed as a Standard Permit
F-2
(SP). The review process for an NWP or RGP is generally less extensive than for an SP and can
often be completed in 30 to 60 days, unless consultation is required for effects on federally listed
species or designated critical habitat or for cultural resources listed or eligible for listing in fhe
National Register of Historic Places. If is expected that fhe projecf will meet the general terms
and conditions of NWP 14 (Linear Transportafion Projects). This NWP applies fo activities
required for the construction, expansion, modification, or improvement of linear transportation
crossings (e.g., highways, railways, frails, and airport runways and taxiways) in wafers of the
U.S., including wefiands.
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act
Secfion 401 of the CWA requires that:
any applicant for a Federal permit for activities that involve a discharge fo 'wafers
of the State,' shall provide the Federal permitfing agency a certification from the
State in which the discharge is proposed thaf states that the discharge will comply
with the applicable provisions under fhe Federal Clean Water Act.
Therefore, before fhe USACE will issue a Section 404 permit, applicants must apply for and
receive a Secfion 401 Wafer Quality Certification from the RWQCB. Applications to fhe
RWQCB must include a complete CEQA document (e.g.. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration). Processing of a wafer quality certificafion generally fakes 60 days, but the USACE
may grant the RWQCB time extensions of up fo 1 year. A 21-day public comment period is
included in the processing of the Water Quality Certification. The RWQCB may add conditions
to their certificafion fo remove or mitigate potential impacts to .\vater quality standards. Such
conditions must ulfimately be included in the federal Section 404 pemiit. The State Water
Quality regulations contain an "aggrieved party provision" that allows any person or group who
objects to the issuance of a Water Quality Certificafion to petition the State Wafer Resources
Control Board to reconsider the RWQCB decision within 30 days of issuance.
Under separate authorities granted by state law (i.e., Porter-Cologne [Cal. Water Code 13000-
13999.10]), an RWQCB may choose fo regulate discharges of dredge or fill materials by issuing
Waste Discharge Requirements, a type of state discharge permit, instead of faking a Wafer
Qualify , Certification action. Processing of a WDR is similar fo that of a Secfion 401
certification; however, the RWQCB has slightly more discrefion to add conditions to a projecf
under Porter-Cologne than under the CWA.
State/Regional Regulations
F-3
Section 1600-1616 of the California Fish and Game Code
CFGC Section 1602 requires any person, state or local governmental agency, or public utility
thaf proposes a projecf that will substantially divert or obstruct fhe natural flow or substantially
change fhe bed, charmel, or bank of any river, stream, or lake, or use materials from a streambed,
or result in the disposal or deposifion of debris, waste, or other material containing crumbled,
flaked, or ground pavement where if can pass into any river, stream, or lake, to first notify the
DFG of fhe proposed projecf. Notification is generally required for any projecf that will take
place in or in fhe vicinity of a river, stream, lake, or their tributaries. This includes rivers or
streams thaf flow at least periodically or permanently through a bed or charmel wifh banks that
support fish or other aquatic life and watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that
support or have supported riparian vegetation. Based on the notification materials submitted, the
DFG will determine if the proposed projecf may impacf fish or wildlife resources.
The limits of DFG jurisdiction are defined in the code as the "bed, channel or bank of any river,
stream or lake designated by DFG in which there is at any fime an exisfing fish or wildlife
resource or from which these resources derive benefit." The CCR (14 CCR 1.72) defines a
stream as:
[A] sfream is a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently
through a bed or charmel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life. This
includes watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has
supported riparian vegetation.
In practice, the DFG usually extends its jurisdictional limit to the top of the bank of a stream or
lake, or outer edge of the riparian vegetation, whichever is wider. Riparian habitats (i.e., stream
chaimels) do not always have identifiable hydric soils, or clear evidence of wetland hydrology as
defined by the USACE. Therefore, DFG wetiand boundaries often extend beyond USACE
wetland boimdaries, which sometimes include portions of the riparian habitat adjacent fo a river,
sfream, or lake.
If fhe DFG determines that a proposed project may substantially and adversely affect existing
fish or wildlife resources, a Lake or Sfreambed Alteration Agreement (SAA) will be required. A
completed CEQA document must be submitted fo the DFG before they will issue an SAA.
Within 60 days of receipt of a complete notification package, fhe DFG will propose measures
necessary to protect the fish or wildlife that the projecf could affect. These measures may be the
same as those included as part of the project and/or measures proposed by the DFG. The
applicant has 14 days after receiving the DFG's proposed measures fo notify in writing whether
F-4
they accept them, unless this time period is extended by mutual agreement. If fhe measures are
acceptable, the SAA will be issued. If fhe measures are not acceptable, the applicant may request
a meeting wifh the DFG within 7 days from fhe date the DFG receives fhe response or by some
other mutually agreed upon date for the purpose of developing measures thaf are acceptable fo
both the applicant and the DFG. Once the applicant and the DFG accept or agree on measures
necessary fo protect fish or wildlife resources, the DFG will incorporate these measures info a
draft SAA for review and signature.
California Coastal Act of 1976 and Federal Coastal Zone Management Act
Wetlands found in the "coastal zone" are regulated under fhe CCA and fhe federal Coastal Zone
Management Acf and are within the jurisdiction of fhe CCC. The CCA defines wefiands as "land
within fhe coastal zone which may be covered periodically or permanentiy with shallow water
and include saltwater marshes, freshwater marshes, open or closed brackish water marshes,
swamps, mudflats, and fens" (PRC Section 30121). The CCC has expanded upon this definition
as: '
...and where fhe wafer fable is af, near, or above the land surface long enough to
promote the formation of hydric soils or to support fhe growth of hydrophytes,
and shall also include types of wefiands where vegetation is lacking and soil is
poorly developed or absent as a result of frequent drastic fluctuations of surface
water levels, wave action, wafer flow, turbidity or high concentration of salts or
other substances in fhe substrate. Such wefiands can be recognized. by the
presence of surface wafer or saturated subsfrate at some time during each year and
their location within, or adjacent to vegetated wetland or deepwater habitats. (14
CCR 13577)
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F-6