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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3593; Faraday Avenue Road Extension; Expanded Mitigated Negative Declaration Faraday Rd Extension; 1998-08-01I" [ FINAL ^ EXPANDED INITIAL STUD Y/ Z MITIGA TED NEG A TTVE DECLARA TION [ for the I FARAD A YA VENUE ROAD WA Y EXTENSION i =_ = = ^ f i City of Carlsbad August 1998 I ^ ^H^^HHIHBHIii JAN 0 8 1999 I RECEIVED % Cotton/Beland/Associates fQjcS^ FINAL EXPANDED INITIAL STUDY/ MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION for the FARADAY AVENUE ROADWAY EXTENSION m m AUGUST 1998 Prepared for: City ofCarlsbad Planning Department 2075 Las Palmas Drive Carlsbad, Califomia 92009 ^ Prepared by: Cotton/Beland/Associates, Inc. m ^ 6336 Greenwich Drive, Suite F San Diego, California 92122 m ^ 747 East Green Street, Suite 300 Pasadena, Califomia 91101 999.00 IM TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction ^ Project Description 3 Envuronmental Impact Assessment Form 13 Environmental Evaluation 26 Mitigated Negative Declaration 69 Sources Consulted 70 Comments and Responses to Comments Received on the Mitigated Negative Declaration 72 Appendices Appendix A - Geotechnical Study (Leighton & Associates, Inc.) Appendix B - Traffic Study (Lmscott Law & Greenspan Engineers) Appendix C - Biology Report (Merkel & Associates, Inc.) Appendix D - Cultural Resoiux;es Report (Gallegos & Associates) Mitigation Monitoring Program (bound under separate cover) Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City ofCarlsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration i August 1998 LIST OF TABLES Table Page Table 1 Signalized Intersection Operations 47 Table 2 Peak Hour Street Segment Operations 48 Table 3 Traffic Volume Comparison With and Without Faraday Avenue 49 Table 4 Vegetation Impacts Table 5 Sensitive Plant Species On-Site 54 Table 6 Sensitive Animal Species On-Site 55 Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension '^'^?^^woo^ Final Mitigated Negative Declaration ii August ivyo LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page Figure 1 Regional Location 4 Figure 2 Local Vicinity 5 Figure 3 Proposed Alignment and Limits of Grading 7 Figure 4 Cut and FiU Map 8 Figure 5 Typical Roadway Sections 9 Figure 6 Aluminum Structural Plate Arch Underpass 10 Figure 7 Geologic Map 31 Figure 8 Drainage Flows 37 Figure 9 Rip Rap Energy Dissipater 39 Figure 10 Existing Traffic Volumes AM/PM Peak Hours & ADT's 44 Figure 11 Buildout Traffic Volumes (Without Faraday Avenue 43 Extension) AM/PM Peak Hours & ADT's 45 Figure 12 Buildout Traffic Volumes (With Faraday Avenue Extension) AM/PM Peak Hours & ADT's 46 Figiu-e 13 Vegetation and Sensitive Resources Map 52 Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City ff Carlsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration iii August lyyes introduction INTRODUCTION m m GENERAL PURPOSE This Final Expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration evaluates the environmental effects ofthe construction ofthe Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension project. The project consists of a 5,400 foot extension of the existing Faraday Avenue from its existing westerly terminus to provide a connection between Cannon Road and College Boulevard. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS This Final Expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared in accordance with the provisions ofthe Califomia Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA) as amended (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines for Implementation of the Califomia Environmental Quality Act of 1970 as amended (Califomia Code of Regulation Section 15000 et seq.). This report complies with the mles, regulations, and procedures for implementation ofthe Califomia Envkonmental Quality Act adopted by the City of Carlsbad. AVAILABILTTY OF REPORTS The Draft Expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was made available for public inspection at the City of Carlsbad Planning Department, 2075 Las Palmas Drive, Carlsbad, Califomia 92009. Copies are available to the public on payment of a reasonable • charge for reproduction. Circulating copies are available at the Carlsbad City Library, the La Costa Branch Library, and the Planning Department. Documents may be reviewed during " regular business hours or checked out m • COMMENTS REQUESTED Comments of all agencies and individuals were mvited regarding the information contained in the Draft Expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration. The Draft Expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was made available for public review and comment for a period of 20 days from July 2.1998 to July 22,1998. All comments on the Draft document were sent to the followmg City of Carlsbad contact: Mr. Christer Westman Associate Plaimer City of Carlsbad 2075 Las Palmas Drive Carlsbad, Califomia 92009 Faraday A venue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration I August 199tf AU comments and the City responses to the comments have been incorporated into this Final Expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration prior to the adoption ofthe document by the City ofCarlsbad. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City ffCarJsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 2 August I yvff m m Projection Description m MR m m PROJECT DESCRIPTION SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION The Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension project site is located in northwestem San Diego County in the City ofCarlsbad. The City of Carlsbad is located along the northem coast of San Diego County, thirty miles north of downtovm San Diego. It is bordered to the north by the City of Oceanside, to the south by the City of Encinitas, and to the east by the Cities of Vista and San Marcos. Figure 1 depicts the regional location ofthe project site. The project site is located within the northwest quadrant of the City of Carlsbad, within portions of Local Facilities Management Zones 8 and 13 (LFMZs 8 and 13) as established in the City's Growth Management Plan. The project consists ofa 5,400 foot extension of the existing Faraday Avenue from its existmg westerly terminus to provide a connection to Camion Road. The property that the right-of-way will nm through is owned ahnost entirely by the City of Carlsbad, with the exception of a small portion at the proposed roadway's intersection with Cannon Road, which is a portion ofthe Kelly Ranch property. The local vicmity of the project site is shown in Figure 2. The majority of the project site consists of rolling hills, with elevations ranging from approximately 20 feet to 265 feet mean sea level, The roadway will extend through a v&cant area utilized for agricultural operations, but be abutted by the proposed Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course to the south, and the fiiture Veterans Memorial Park to the north. The project site is also located within the Mello E Segment of the City's Local Coastal Program. The roadway extension is located within an area that generally contains sensitive biological resources including coastal sage scrub, wetland habitat, and the Cannon Road wetland mitigation area, however, these resources are primarily located off-site as the area that the II roadway traverses has been utilized for agricultural operations and is largely void of native vegetation. m m The underlying soils on the proj ect site consist mainly of claystone and siltstone, interspersed with terrace deposits. The claystone and siltstone have a high mudflow potential and the • terrace deposits have high compressibility potential. Several faults have been mapped S through the area. However, these faults are not part of a major faulting system, and the site is not in or adjacent to an Alquist-Priolo Special Study Area. gl The proposed roadway extension traverses an area designated as Open Space in the City of Carlsbad General Plan. Currently, the majority ofthe site is used for agricultural purposes. Ml " BACKGROUND Faraday Avenue is an existing roadway that currently serves the Carlsbad Business Park. * It currently connects from El Camino Real, and travels west to College Avenue. After ^ College Avenue, the roadway extends for approximately 4,000 additional feet before it dead ends at the top of Macario Canyon. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City ofCarlsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 3 August 199S m Regional Location Northern San Diego County Pa c i f i c Ocean Pacific Ocean City of Carlsbad Boundary San D / e g 0 County , Faraday Avenue Extension Encinitas North 7000' Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration Figure 1 Regional Location City of Carlsbad Proposed Roadway Extension (approximate location) SOURCE: U.S.G.S. 7 1/2 minute quads - San Luis Rey and Encinitas. Califomia (cm North —I I 0-2000' Figure 2 Local Vicinity Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration City of Carlsbad «" The 5,400 foot extension of Faraday Avenue will constmct this Circulation Element collector street between College Avenue and Cannon Road. Until recently, the City anticipated the *• constmction of this roadway to occur by approximately 2002, however, greater urgency has m been placed on the completion of this roadway in an effort to alleviate existing traffic congestion on Palomar Airport Road. *" PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS ^ The existing portion of Faraday Avenue is classified as a secondary arterial. However, the City's Circulation Element designates the proposed portion of Faraday Avenue which will « extend from its existing westerly terminus to Cannon Road as a collector street. This classification refers to streets which serve as connecting links for traffic between local and arterial streets and generally carry light to moderate traffic volumes. The roadway design mm ofthe collector street meets the City's Street Classification of a Controlled Collector as it provides limited access to adjacent properties; serves as a major connecting link for traffic ** between local and arterial streets; and will carry moderate traffic volumes (estimated average ^ daily trips between 5,000 and 10,000). ^ The proposed roadway extension will be approximately 5,400 lineal feet in length. The ^ general design characteristic of a collector street require a width of 52 feet from curb to cmb. The total right-of-way for the proposed roadway will be approximately 72 feet. The roadway ** has been designed as a "split" roadway, which will result in a Unear and vertical separation ^ of the travel lanes in several locations. The creation of the split roadway concept will provide more visual interest to the design ofthe roadway, and take advantage ofthe existing and future view opportunities in this area of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Pacific Ocean, Macario Creek, and the proposed Municipal Golf Course and Veterans Memorial Park. Figure 3 depicts the proposed alignment of the roadway extension and limits of grading. Grading for the roadway will be balanced on-site, and require 126,000 cubic yards of cut, 93,900 cubic yards of fill, 18,900 cubic yards of shrinkage, and the remainder-14,200 cubic yards will be absorbed on-site for contour grading. Figure 4 depicts the proposed cut and fill «• areas. ^ The proposed roadway extension will consist of two lanes which will be spUt fix>m one m another and separated by an open space median at several points along the alignment. The minimum right-of-way is 72 feet, but varies along the alignment due to the spUt roadway • design. The minimum cm-b-to-curb width is 52 feet (26 feet per travel lane). Each planter fll within the open space median will have a 10'x20' paved tumofffor maintenance vehicles. Sidewalks and parking will be provided on the north side of the roadway only, while an eight «- foot bike lane (Class III) will be provided on both sides of the roadway within the paved ^ street. The bike lane will also serve as emergency parking. Figure 5 depicts two typical cross sections of the proposed roadway. A bicycle and pedestrian imderpass will also be m constructed to allow unintermpted access between areas south and north of the roadway. ^ Figure 6 depicts the aluminum stmctural plate arch imderpass concept. «n In order to maintain compatibiUty with the proposed golf course and sensitive biological ^ resources to the south, proposed landscaping will include special plantings to discourage pedestrian movement from the roadway into the proposed golf course fairways and ^ biological mitigation areas. ii Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carlsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 6 August 1998 0 D U [] 0 I I BEST COPY SOURCE: O'Day Consultants, May 1998 North —. I 1 I 1 j^2DQ| 0 300 Feet Figure 3 Proposed Alignment and Limits of Grading Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration E C c E I I I D B B fl fl I L 300 Feet SOURCE: O'Day Consultants, May 1998 Figure 4 Cut and Fill Map Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration 72' 26' 2X 4'P.CC. SIDEWALK- WERE REQUIRED -'i^ as'(Typ.) 26' 6'P.CC cm & GUTTER 4'A.C pm. om 6'A.B. (m)OR AS REC0UI4ENDED BY SOn.S ENQNEER m m Faraday Avenue Looking Easterly m m m m li R/W m' UAX./72'm. p' UAX/o' um. 4'P.C.C. StOEWALK 4' AC PVUT. OVER 6'A.B. (yiN.) OR AS REOMUENDED BY SOLS ENGINEER 26' 6'P.C.C. CURB it GUTTER Faraday Avenue Looking Easterly R/W 10' SOURCE: O'Day Consultarrts, May 1998 ^Jot to Scale Figure 5 Typical Roadway Sections Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration City of Carlsbad 2:1 Max. Simulated rock (gunite) headwall 2:1 Max. Simulated rock (gunite) headwall m Typical Profile - Aluminum Structural Plate Arch Underpass Backfill around undercrossing per soils engineer's recommendation 8' 0" 2' 0' 4" Neutral Sand Backfill Backfill matenal as recommended by soils engineer Typical Section - Aluminum Structural Plate Underpass (cm Figure 6 Aluminum Structural Plate Arch Underpass Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration City of Carlsbad m Contoured grading wiU also be incorporated in order to maintain compatibility with the site's existing topogr^hic features. Areas between the proposed municipal golf course and Faraday roadway and slope grading that are not planned for mitigation sites wiU be graded and blended into the proposed golf course as rough or using slope plant pallets. A 50 foot elevational change between the proposed golf course and the roadway is provided. The provision of a split roadway viiU allow a more compatible "fit" into the hillside than ifthe roadway were constmcted with side by side lanes. Slopes wiU be graded at 3:1 and 4:1 to blend into existmg topography. Grading wiU generally be balanced on site. Street lighting and drainage controls wiU also be incorporated into the project design. Ilie roadway wiU also cany 12" water, reclaimed water, and sewer Unes. The sewer line will be located in the south lane and the water and reclauned water lines will be located m the north lane. A pressure reducing station is required for reclaimed and potable water. PROJECT PHASING Constmction ofthe Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension proj ect will take approximately six months. Constmction is scheduled to begin in July 1999 and be completed by December 1999 or earlier. PROPOSED ACTIONS FOR PROJECT APPROVAL 1. Mitigated Negative Declaration. As part of the approval process for the environmental docimientation, the preparation of, issuance and public notice ofa Mitigated Negative Declaration will be made in accordance with Sections 15070 and 15072 ofthe Califomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 2. Approval of Design Contract The Mitigated Negative Declaration wiU be utiUzed for tiie J^proval of a design contract by tiie Carlsbad City Council, for the final * design and constmction ofthe proposed roadway. HI 3. Coastal Development Permit Theproposed project is located within the Mello n Segment of tiie City's Local Coastal Program. Constmction of a roadway through ^ tius area will require a Coastal Development Permit. Once the permit is obtained. the project will need to be reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to the completion of tiie final design. tm LEAD, RESPONSIBLE AND TRUSTEE AGENCIES ^ Lead Agency * In conformance witii Section 15050 and 15367 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City of " Carlsbad has been designated tiie "lead agency" which is defined as tiie "public agency ^ which has tiie principal responsibility for carrying out or approving a project." Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension ^'^/£!^^oo^ Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 11 ^ ' Possible Responsible/Trustee Agencies Responsible Agencies are tiiose agencies which have a discretionary approval over one or more actions involved witti development of tiie project site. Trustee Agencies are state agencies having discretionary approval or jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by a project. These agencies may include, but are not limited to tiie following: Responsible Agencies Califomia Department of Transportation U.S. Fish and WildUfe Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regional Water Quality Control Board (NPDES) Trustee Agencies Califomia Department of Fish and Game Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City ofCarlsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 12 A ugust I Wtf Environmental Impact Assessment Form ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FORM - PART U CASE NO: DATE: Mav 29.1998 RACKGROUND 1. CASE NAME: Faradav Avenue 2. APPLICANT: Citv of Carisbad/Sherri Howard 3. Ar>r>PF<;<: AMH PHONF T<nrTMRF.T? OF APPT.TCANT: 2075 Las Palmas/neO^438-1161 ext. 4427 4. DATE EIA FORM PART ISUBMITTED:^ 5. PROJFCT DESCRIPTION: See Page 3 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The summary of environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact," or "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" as indicated by tiie checklist on the following pages. m m Use and Planning I I Population and Housing Geological Problems Water I I Air Quality I I Transportation/Circulation Q Public Services Biological Resources O Utilities & Service Systems I I Energy & Mmeral Resources Q Aesthetics I I Hazards I I Noise Cultural Resources I I Recreation Mandatory Findings of Significance m Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 13 City of Carlsbad August 1998 DETERMINATION. (To be completed by the Lead Agency) • I find tiiat tiie proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on tiie environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION wiU be prepared. [XI I find tiiat altiiough tiie proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, tiiere not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added to tiie project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I I I find that tiie proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. • I find tiiat tiie proposed project MAY have significant effect(s) on tiie environment, but at least one potentiaUy significant effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in aii earlier document pursuant to appUcable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earUer analysis as described on attached sheets. An EIR is required, but it must analyze only tiie effects that remain to be addressed. I I I find tiiat although tiie proposed project could have a significant effect on tiie envfronment, tiiere WILL NOT be a significant effect in tius case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earUer EIR pursuant to ^pUcable standards and (b) have been voided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR, including revisions or mitigation measures tiaat are imposed upon the proposed project. Therefore, a Notice of Prior Compliance has been prepared. Planner Signature Date Christer Westman Planning Director's Signature Date Michael Holzmiller Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension 1 City ofCarlsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration August 1998 ENVIRONMP.NTAL IMPACTS STATE CEQA GUIDELINES, Chapter 3, Article 5, Section 15063 requires tiiat ttie City conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment to determine if a project may luve a significant effect on the enviromnent. The Environmental Impact Assessment spears in ttie following pages in the fpim of a checkUst. This checklist identifies any physical, biological and human factors ttiat might be impacted by ttie proposed project and provides the City with information to use as the basis for deciding whetiier to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Negative Declaration, or to rely on a previously approved EIR or Negative Declaration. • A brief explanation is required for all answers except **No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by an information source cited in tiie parentheses following each question. A ^^No Impact" answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects lUce the one involved. A **No Impact" answer should be explained when there is no source document to refer to, or it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards. • "Less Than Significant Impact" applies where there is supporting evidence that the potential impact is not adversely sigiuficant, and the impact does not exceed adopted general standards and poUcies. • "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from **Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant Impact." The developer must agree to the mitigation, and the City must describe tiie mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level. • "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if tiiere is substantial evidence that an effect is significant. • Based on an "EIA-Part B", if a proposed project couid have a potentially significant effect on the envfronment, but all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to appUcable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earUer EIR or Mitigated Negative Declaration, including revisions or mitigation measiures that are imposed upon the proposed project, and none of the cfrcumstances requning a supplement to or supplemental EIR are present and all the mitigation measures required by the prior environmental document have been incorporated into this project, then no additional environmental document is required (Prior Compliance). • When "Potentially Significant Impact" is checked the project is not necessarily required to prepare an EIR ifthe significant effect has been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and the effect will be mitigated, or a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" has been made pursuant to that earlier EIR. • A Negative Declaration may be prepared iftiie City perceives no substantial evidence that the project or any of its aspects may cause a sigiuficant effect on the environment. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension 1 ^ City ofCarlsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration A ugust 1998 • If there are one or more potentially significant effecte, the City may avoid preparing an EIR if there are mitigation measures to clearly reduce impacts to less than sigmficant, and those mitigation measures are agreed to by tiie developer prior to public review. In this case, the ^propriate "Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated" may be checked and a Mitigated Negative Declaration may be prepared. • An EIR mnst be prepared if *Totentially Significant Impact" is checked, and including but not limited to the following circumstances: (I) the potentially significant effect has not been discussed or mitigated in an Earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and the developer does not agree to mitigation measures that reduce the impact to less tiian significant; (2) a "Statement of Overriding Considerations" for the significant impact has not been made pursuant to an earlier EIR; (3) proposed mitigation measures do not reduce tiie impact to less tiian significant, or; (4) tinough tiie EIA-Part II analysis it is not possible to determine the level of significance for a potentially adverse effect, or determine tiie effectiveness of a mitigation measure in reducing a potentially significant effect to below a level of significance. A discussion of potential impacts and the proposed mitigation measures appears at the end ofthe form under DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION. Particular attention should be given to discussing mitigation for impacts which would otherwise be determined significant. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension 16 City ofCarlsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration August 1998 m m m Issues (and Supporting Infonnation Sources). I. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would thc proposal:. a) ConfUct with general plan designation or zoning? (Source #(s): b) Confiict with applicable environmental plans or poUcies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project? c) Be inconqjattble with existing land use in ihe vicinity? d) Affect agricultural resources or operations (e.g. inpacts to soils or farmlands, or impacts from inconq)atible land uses? e) Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an established community (including a low-income or minority community)? II. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would tiie proposal: a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? b) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectiy (e.g. through projects in an tmdeveloped area or extension of major infrastructure)? c) Displace existing housing, especially affordable housing? in. GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential inq>acts involving: a) Fault rupture? b) Seismic ground shaking? c) Seismic ground failure, including liquefaction? d) Seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazard? LandsUdes or mudflows? PMcntially Potentially Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact Unless Impstct Mitig^ion Incorporated e) f) g) Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill? Subsidence ofthe land? h) Expansive soils? i) Unique geologic or physical features? IV. WATER. Would tiie proposal result in: a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage pattems, or the rate and amount of surface mnoff? b) Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as fiooding? c) Discharge into stuface waters or other alteration of surface water quality (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity)? d) Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body? e) Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements? • • • • • • X • • • m • • m • • • • • • • X • • • X • • • m • • m • • m • • • • m • • • • • • m • • • m • • • • • • m • • • • • m • m • • • • • m • • • • • • • • • m Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 17 City of Carlsbad August 1998 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). 0 Changes in the (piantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations or tiirough substantial loss of groundwater recharge capabiUty? g) Altered direction or rate of flow of groundwater? h) Impacts to groundwater quality? i) Substantial reduction in the amount of groundwater otherwise available for public water suppUes? V. AIR QUALITY. Would tiie proposal: a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? Expose sensitive receptors to poUutants? Alter air movement, moisture, or tenq)erature, or cause any change in climate? Create objectionable odors? Potentially Significant Itnpact b) c) d) Would tiie VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION, proposal result in: Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or inconqiatible uses (e.g. farm equipmenO? Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? Insufficient parking capacity on-site or off-site? Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? Conflicts with adopted policies supporting altemative transportation (e.g. bus tumouts, bicycle racks)? Rail, waterbome or air traffic impacts? a) b) c) d) e) 0 g) VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal result in inq>acts to: a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or tiieir habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals, and birds? b) LocaUy designated species (e.g. heritage trees)? c) Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat, etc.)? d) Wetiand habitat (e.g. marsh, riparian and vemal pool)? e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? Vni. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES. Would tiie proposal? a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? b) Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? • Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated • Less Than Significant Impact No Impact • • • X • • • m • • • • m • m • • m n • • • m • • • m • • • m • • • m • • • m • • • m • • • m • • • m • • • m • • • m • m • n • n • • m • • n • m • n • m • n • • n • Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 18 City of Carbbad August 1998 Issues (and Supporting Information Sources). c) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that woiUd be of future value to the region and the residents of tiie State? Potentially Significant Impact • PotentiaUy Significant Unless Mitigation orated Less Than Significant Impact Incorporated T] n No Impact IX. HAZARDS. Would die proposal involve: a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to: oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? b) Possible interference witii an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? c) The creation of any health hazard or potential healtii hazards? d) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards? e) Increase fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees? X. NOISE. Would tiie proposal result in: a) Increases in existing noise levels? b) Exposure of people to severe noise levels? • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • X • • X n XI. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would tiie proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered govemment services in any ofthe following areas: a) Fire protection? b) Police protection? c) Schools? d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? e) Other govemmental services? xn. UTILITIES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS. Would tiie proposal result in a need for new systems or supplies, or substantial alterations to tiie following utihties: a) Power or natural gas? b) Communications systems? c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution facilities? d) Sewer or septic tanks? e) Storm water drainage? f) Solid waste disposal? g) Local or regional water supplies? Xin. AESTHETICS. Would tiie proposal; a) Affect a scenic or vista or scenic highway? b) Have a demonstrate negative aesthetic effect? • • • • • • • • • • • m • • n • • m • • n • • n • • n • • • • • • • • • • m • • m n n n n n Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 19 City of Carlsbad August 1998 Issues (and Supporting Infonnation Sources). c) Create light or glare? Potentially Potentially Less Than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Impact Unless Impact Mitigation ' InoMporatcd • • K • XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would tiie proposal: a) Disturb paleontological resources? b) Disturb archaeological resources? c) Affect historical resources? d) Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? e) Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential intact area? XV. RECREATIONAL. Would tiie proposal: a) Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities? b) Affect existing recreational opportunities? • m n • m n • n n • n n • n n • n n • n n m XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE. a) Does the project have thc potential to degrade the quality of thc environment, substantiaUy reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife popiUation to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate inqiortant examples of the major periods of CaUfomia history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts tiiat arc individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that tiie incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, thc effects of other current projects, and flie effects of probable future projects)? c) Does the project have environmental effects which will [ '"[ cause the substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directiy or indirectiy? • • • • • • • XVII. EARLIER ANALYSES. Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, one or more effects have been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063(c)(3)(D). In this case a discussion should identify the following on attached sheets: a) Earlier analyses used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for review. m Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 20 City of Carlsbad August 1998 b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects fit>m the above checklist were vwtiiin the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earUer document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whetiier such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earUer analysis. c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated," describe tiie mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined fiom tiie earlier document and tiie extent to which they address site- specific conditions for the project. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension 21 City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration August 1998 IN LIST OF MITIGATING MEASURES GEOLOGY 1. Information and recommendations provided in the Leighton and Associates, Inc., project geotechnical/soils report shall be incorporated into plans for site grading and constmction. 2. All grading and subsequent development plans shall be reviewed by a certified engineer and/or engineering geologist prior to finalization to detennine the need for additional measures and/or analysis. During tiie review, special consideration shall be given to the loose, potentiaUy compressible surface deposits in the form of topsoil, alluvium, slopewash, imdocumented fill soils, and landslide debris. Such materials will require remedial grading where encountered. WATER 1. Prior to approval of final design, a runoff control plan shall be prepared by a licensed hydrology engmeer. The plan shall identify temporary and permanent erosion control measures which will be utilized during constmction and to be included in the improvement plans for the project, to the satisfaction ofthe Public Works Director. BIOLOGY 1. Sage scmb impacts shall be mitigated on adjacent parklands or through off-site purchase. The 6 acres of sage scmb directly impacted by the road can be effectively mitigated within the study area. A 2:1 replacement ratio is recommended given the good quality habitat proposed to be removed. A gap is proposed between golf links 13 and 15 on the proposed Carlsbad Golf Course project to the south. This has been previously proposed as a mitigation area for the golf course (tiiese links would be situated below the road). The gap provides an opportunity to connect the riparian habitat at the base of Macario Canyon below the proposed route for Faraday Avenue witii sage scmb/chaparral above the road and within the study area. Areas above (i.e., north) the road within proposed paridands woitid be an optimal place to provide mitigation. This would improve corridor linkage spanning the canyon in an area where open agricultural fields currentiy deter some wildlife movement. A mitigation alternative would be the purchase of sage scmb lands at a 2:1 replacement ratio within the Carlsbad Highland Mitigation Bank. 2. For each spring prior to constmction, a protocol survey for the least BeU's vireo shall be conducted in the riparian woodland of Macario Canyon. Surveys have been conducted for the 1998 breeding season and no further surveys shall be required shoitid constmction begin in the year 1999. The purpose of any additional siuveys is to identify the location of any nesting sites in order to avoid constmction related noise impacts. Constmction on segments ofthe roadway that are located in the vicinity of nesting birds shall be restricted to tiie period outside the breeding season, which extends frora March 15* through September 30*^, annually. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension 22 City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration August 1998 3. Grading or brushing activities in, or adjacent to, coastal sage scmb (or other habitat occupied by the gnatcatcher) must be restricted to that period outside of the breeding season for this bird, which extends fix)m Febmaiy 15* tinough August 30* annually. Surveys have been conducted for the 1998 breeding season and no further surveys shall be required should constmction begin in tiie year 1999. The purpose of any additional siu^eys is to identify the location of any nesting site in order to avoid constmction related noise impacts. CULTURAL RESOURCES Paleontology 1. Prior to issuance of a grading permit, a qualified paleontologist shall be retained by the City to carry out an appropriate mitigation program. (A qualified paleontologist is defined as an individual with an MS or Ph.D. in paleontology or geology who is familiar witii paleontological procedures and techniques.) 2. A qualified paleontologist shall be present at the pre-grading meeting to consult with the grading and excavation contractors. 3. A paleontological monitor shall be on-site a minimum of half-tune during the original cutting of previously imdisturbed sediments to inspect cuts for contained fossils. In the event that fossils are discovered, it may be necessary to increase the per/day in field monitoring time. Conversely, if fossils are not being fotmd then the monitoring should be reduced. (Apaleontological monitor is defined as an individual who has experience in the collection ^ and salvage of fossil materials. The paleontological monitor shall work under the direction ^ of a qualified paleontologist.) 4. When fossils are discovered the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) shall recover ^ them. In most cases, this fossil salvage can be completed in a short period of tune. However, some fossils specimens (such as a complete large mammal skeleton) may require m an extended salvage period. In these instances the paleontologist (or paleontological ^ monitor) shall be allowed to temporarily direct, divert, or halt grading to allow recovery of fossil remains in a timely manner. Because of the potential for the recovery of small fossil m remains, such as isolated mammal teeth, it may be necessary in certain instances, to set up a lg screen-washing operation on the site. IP 5. Fossil remains collected during the monitoring and salvage portion of the mitigation program H shall be cleaned, repaired, sorted, and cataloged. m 6. Prepared fossils, along with copies of all pertinent field notes, photos, and maps, shall either H be deposited (as a donation) in a scientific institution with permanent paleontological collections such as the San Diego Natural History Museum or retained by the City and « displayed to the public at an appropriate location such as a library or City Hall. m m 7. A final summary report shall be completed and retained on file at the City that outlines the results ofthe mitigation program. This report shall include discussions ofthe methods used, Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension 23 City of Carbbad lH Final Mitigated Negative Declaration A ugust 1998 m m stratigraphic section (s) exposed, fossils collected, and significance of recovered fossils. Archaeology 1. Prior to grading, a quaUfied archaeologist shaU be retained by the City to determine the sigiuficance/importance ofthe portion of site CA-SDI-8303 that will be impacted by grading activity. The determination of significance/importance shall be made through a testing program and shall be consistent with City of Carlsbad and CEQA criteria. The testing program shall consist of surface collection of artifacts, recording of milling features, excavation of shovel test pits and Ixl meter units to determine site size, depth, content, integrity and potential to address important research questions. A report shall be prepared summarizing the results of the testing program. The report shall contain recommendations for data recovery for the site if it is detennined to be significant/important imder City of Carlsbad and CEQA criteria. 2. If as a result ofthe testing program identified in Mitigation Measure 1, site CA-SDI-8303 is determined to be significant/important, then a data recovery program shall be implemented. The data recovery program shall be unplemented in accordance with the recommendations for data recoveiy as provided in the testing report reqmred under Mitigation Measure 1. ATTACH MITIGATION MONITORTNG PROGRAM A mitigation monitoring and reporting program has been prepared for the project and is boimd imder separate cover. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension 24 City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration August 1998 APPLICANT CONCURRENCE WITH MITIGATION MEASURES THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT I HAVE REVIEWED THE ABOVE MITIGATING MEASURES AND CONCUR WITH THE ADDmON OF THESE MEASURES TO THE PROJECT. Date Sherri Howard Associate Engineer ** Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension 25 City of Carbbad IB Final Mitigated Negative Declaration August 1998 Environmental Evaluation ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION The following section evaluates the potential impacts of the proposed project. The environmental checklist, consistent with the CaUfomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, was used to focus this study on physical, social, and economic factors that may be further impacted by the proposed project. The checklist indicates whether an impact is a "Potentially Significant Impacf, **Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated", "Less Than Significant Impacf, or **No Impact". Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 26 August 1998 I. LAND USE AND PLANNING No Impact 1(a). The proposed project is a roadway extension and will be compatible with City of Carlsbad General Plan designations and zoning for the project site. The proposed roadway extension traverses the Open Space General Plan land use designation, however it is also depicted on the City's General Plan Circulation Element Map as a "collector". Because the roadway will be constmcted as a collector street, it is consistent with the General Plan Circulation Element. The zoning designation ofthe project site is 0-S (Open Space). The 0-S zoning designation aUows for transportation rights-of-way, and therefore no confUct with the zoning designation of the site is anticipated. 1(b). The proposed roadway is located in proximity to sensitive biological resoinces including the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, unnamed stream in Macario Canyon, and significant stands of coastal sage scmb to the north and south ofthe project site. The project is located witiiin the Mello H segment of tiie City's Local Coastal Plan. CompUance vnth appUcable environmental policies such as grading and erosion control will be required. 1(c). The proposed roadway will be constmcted as a collector street. The roadway is located in an area of vacant land and therefore will be compatible with the existing land uses in the vicinity. Recreational uses are planned on either side of the roadway. A golf course is proposed to the south of the roadway which is anticipated to be completed in late 1999. The proposed golf course design will be compatible with the aUgnment and characteristics of tiie roadway extension. Features of design compatibility include a underpass tunnel for pedestrian and bicycle access fiom the proposed golf course to land uses to the north of Faraday, fencing, grading, and compatible landscaping. No impact to the proposed golf comse to the south ofthe roadway is anticipated. ^ The roadway will also be located in an area plaimed for use as a park. There is ai cunently no concept plan or master plan prepared for this park and park improvements are not anticipated to be completed for approximately 10 to 15 years. Preliminary paric concq)ts are known, and the alignment and design ofthe IH roadway have been prepared in consultation with the City's Park and Recreation Department. No impact to the planned park to the north of the roadway is « anticipated. 1(e). The proposed project traverses vacant land that is cunently utilized for agriculture production. The project site is primarily sunounded by vacant land ^ which are planned for active and passive recreational uses. The proposed project will not dismpt or divide the physical anangement ofan established community. m Faraday A venue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 27 August 1998 Less Than Significant Impact m m m m m m Im m fa 1(d). The majority of tiie site is currentiy used for agricultural purposes. No portion ofthe project site is under a WilUamson Act contract. Although the project site does not contain any farmland identified by the Department of Conservation as *Trime Fanniand", it does contain land identified as "Faimland of Statewide Importance", and "Farmland of Local Importance". The cessation of this area for agricultural operations is expected to occur by summer of 1998 for two reasons not attributable to the proposed project. The City has created a wetland mitigation bank as part of the Cannon Road project. This wetiand mitigation bank would be affected by agricultural operations upslope of the wetland mitigation area. Additionally, approximately 53 acres of the area immediately south of the proposed roadway is proposed to be converted to golf course and related uses. The proposed project will be reqmred to comply with the agricultural policies identified in the Mello II segment of the Local Coastal Program. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 28 August 1998 II. POPULATION AND HOUSING *^ No Impact 11(a). The proposed project is a roadway extension and will not involve the constmction of additional residential imits within the City. Therefore, the project will not resuh in an increase in the City's population nor would it cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections. 11(b). The proposed project is located in a cunently undeveloped area. The roadway extension would serve existing industrial development to the east. The project site is also in the vicinity of several other large developments that are currently under constmction, or in their fmal approval stages. These projects include Cannon Road, Carlsbad Ranch, Kelly Ranch. Carlsbad Research Center, Unit 5 and tiie proposed Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course. While implementation of the proposed project will help to alleviate traffic congestion on adjacent roadways, it is not considered a major extension of infi^tmcture as it is classified as a two- lane collector and will carry approximately 5,000-6,000 vehicles per day. 11(c). The proposed project is located on vacant land and therefore will not displace existing housing. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 29 August 1998 IIL GEOLOGIC PROBLEMS m m m A geotechnical evaluation was conducted by Leighton & Associates for the proposed project. The report is provided in Appendix A of this dociunent. The following summarizes the results ofthe report. Geologic Conditions The project site is characterized by numerous ridges and mtervening ravines and valleys that intersect a main northwest trending drainage that flows into the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Elevations along the proposed alignment range from approximately 20 feet mean sea level at the extreme northwest comer of tiie site in the main drainage, to approximately 265 feet mean sea level near the ridgeline along tiie eastem edge of the aUgnment. Natural slopes on the site range fiom relatively steep (steeper than 1:1, horizontal to vertical) to relatively gentle (less than 3:1, horizontal to vertical). Regional Geology The project site is located vrithin the coastal subprovence of the Peninsular Ranges Geomorphic Provence, near the westem edge ofthe southem CaUfomia batiiolitii. The topography at tiie edge of the batiiolitii changes from mgged landforms developed on the batholith to the more subdued land forms which typify the softer sedimentary formations ofthe coastal plain. Site Geology * The majority ofthe proposed roadway aUgnment is underlam by the Tertiary * Santiago Formation. The Jurassic-aged Santiago Peak Volcanics is the bedrock unit in the extreme southeast section of the alignment. Surficial uruts on-site consist of alluvium. coUuvium. topsoil, and undocumented fiU soils. Figure 7 - Geologic Map depicts the approximate areal distributions ofthe units. These units are briefly described below. Appendix A of this document provides a more detailed description of these units. Jurassic Santiago Peak Volcanics (Map Symbol - Jsp): The Jurassic aged Santiago Peak Volcanics crop out in the southeast portion of the project site. Typically the geologic unit is hard and extremely resistant to erosion and forms topogrz^hic highs. If deep removals are planned for this area, localized heavy IM ripping or blastuig may be required. * Santiago Formation (Map Symbol - Ts): The bedrock unit underlying tiie flu majority of tiie project site is the Tertiary-aged Santiago Fomiation. In general, ^ the unit consists of massive to weakly bedded sandstone with intebedded clayey siltstone and silty claystone. The sandstone encountered on the project site was ^ generally fiiable, slightly micaceous and weakly bedded to massive. Well cemented sandstone beds were occasionally encountered during this and previous investigations on adjacent sites and may require heavy ripping during grading. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 30 August 1998 n n n 0 D fl i; c y fl c L L L li 0 Approximate limits of Artificial Fill- undocumented Qls Approximate limits of Quatemary Landslide Debris- queried where uncertain Qcot/ Approximate limits of CoUuvium and Quatemary Alluvium- Qal undifferentiated Approximate limits ofthe Tertiary Santiago Fonnation Jsp Approximate limits of the Jurassic Santiago Peak Volcanics- circled where buried SOURCE: Leighton and Associates, tnc. Figure 7 Geologic Map Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration m Where encountere4 tiie upper 6 to 12 inches of the Santiago Formation appears to be moderately weathered, porous and potentially compressible. This layer needs to be removed and recompacted in areas of stmctural fill placement or settlement sensitive improvements. Alluvium (Map Symbol -Qal): Alluvium exists in tiie majority ofthe drainages and the low lying areas adjacent to and along the proposed alignment. As encountered, the alluvium generally consists of potentially compressible, moist to wet, loose to medium dense silty sands, sandy silts, and sandy clays. Within the main northwest trending drainage, tiie alluvium is relatively thick as evidenced by approxunately 20-50 feet of alluvium encountered in borings for the adjacent golf course geotechnical investigation. In many ofthe smaller canyons, alluvium was also encountered and are m£^)ped. However, these areas were not accessible with tiie drilling ©qitipment utiUzed for the project geotechnical investigation. Alluvial depths in tiiese area can be expected to range up to 10+ feet Unsaturated alluvial soils are considered potentially compressible and not suitable for the support of stmctural loads or additional fill soils in areas of settlement sensitive improvements. These areas -mil require removal and recompaction in areas proposed for stmctural improvements as part of site grading. * Colluvium/Slope Wash (Unmapped): Holocene aged coUuvium/slope wash li manties at the lower valley slopes, in areas undisturbed by agricultural activities. The colluvium/slope wash typically consisted of poorly consolidated surficial * materials derived fiom nearby soil and decomposed bedrock sources. The D colluvium/slope wash was typically porous and anticipated to be potentially compressible under the load of existing fills or improvements. H Topsoil (Unmapped): Topsoil covers essentially the entire project site. The topsoil is generaUy approximately three feet m thickness and contains moderate m amounts of decomposed organics. This unit is evaluated to be compressible lg under the loading of fiUs soils or other improvements. m Undocumented Fill (Map Symbol - Afu): Undocumented fill soils are present ^ on the site in various locations. The major undocumented fiU areas consist of earthem embankments for agricultural ponds, unimproved roads, end-dumped «. debris piles, and utility trench backfill. The undocumented fills need to be removed to expose competent material in areas of proposed fill soils or *" improvements. No Impact ^ Ill(d). The proposed project is not located in an area that would be subject to seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazard. m ^ Ill(i). No unique geologic features have been identified on-site. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad — Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 32 August 1998 IM Ml m m Less Than Significant Impact Ill(a). The project site is not located within any Fault-Rupture Hazard Zone as created by tiie Alquist-Priolo Act (Hart, 1994). However, several mactive fault zones have been mapped in a number of places within and adjacent to the project site. These inactive fault zones are not considered to be a constraint to site development. III(c). Liquefaction of cohensionless soils can be caused by strong vibratory motion due to earthquakes. Research and historical data indicate that loose granular soils underlain by a near-surface ground water table are most susceptible to liquefaction, while the stability of most silty clays and clays not adversely affected by vibratory motion. The Santiago Formation is generally not considered liquefiable due to its high density characteristics. The preliminary geotechnical field study indicates that the area most likely susceptible to Uquefaction is the main drainage area. Accordingly, as the proposed alignment does not infiinge upon the main drainage, the proposed roadway alignment has a low potential for Uquefaction. PotentiaUy Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated 111(b). The location of the proposed development can be considered to lie within a seismically active region, as can all of southem California. The project site lies within Seismic Zone 4 as outimed in Section 1629 of tiie 1997 edition ofthe UBC. The Rose Canyon Fauh Zone which is located ^proximately 4.5 miles to the west ofthe site is considered to have the most significant seismic effect at the site fiom a design standpoint. A maximum probable earthquake of moment magnitude 5.9 on the fault could produce a peak horizontal ground acceleration of approximately 0.30 g at the site. The slip rate ofthe fault is estimated at 1.5 mm/yr. (State of CaUfomia, 1996) and the soil profile type is Sc (per Table 16-J of tiie 1997 UBC). The principal seismic considerations for most stmctures in southem CaUfomia are surface mpturing of fault traces, damage caused by groundshaking and/or seismically induced liquefaction or dynamic settiement. The probabiUty of damage due to ground surface mpture is considered minimal since active faults are not known to cross the site. Ground lurching due to shaking firom distant seismic events is not considered a sigmficant hazard, although it is a possibility throughout the southem California region. While no active faults are known to traverse the site, earthquakes along regional faults could produce groundshaking at the site. All development must conform to the most recent version of the Uniform Buildmg Code (tJBC). which requires building techniques to prevent stmctural failure during earthquakes. Witii the implementation of UBC requirements, the risk of property damage and injury due to earthquakes will be no greater than the risk encountered in other populated areas of soutiiem California. Implementation of Mitigation Measures 1 and 2 will reduce the impact to a level less tiban significant. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 33 August 1998 il ni{e,f,g,h). Several featin-es indicative of mass movements (such as landslides, surficial slumps, etc.) were observed within the areas proposed for development In the central and nortii-central portion of the proposed alignment an area has been mapped as a landslide complex based on topographic expression and data gatiiered during tiie Leighton investigation. Geologic mapping of excavations in this area should be performed during site grading. Localized zones of weak claystone/siltstone material are present in tiie Santiago Formation and may create localized areas that are prone to slope instability if exposed in a cut slope. Accordingly, all cut slopes should be mapped by an engineering geologist during site grading. Additional recommendations for slope stabilization can be provided as needed during site grading. Due to tiie uneven tenain of tiie project site, grading will be required in order to achieve the design grades. In certain areas ofthe proposed alignment, tiiis will require tiiat significant cuts and/or fills be made m order to achieve tiie design grade. The geological study indicates tiiat development of the roadway will not be precluded by tiie soil and geologic conditions at the site. However, remedial measures will be reqiured in order to ensure stable grading. The presence of loose, potentially compressible surface deposits in the form of topsoil, alluvium, coUuvium, and undocumented fill soils will require special consideration during * grading. In addition, ground water was observed as runoff in tiie maj or drainages » and was encountered as seepage in several ofthe borings. Remedial measures will likely be requfred to address groundwater conditions. Loose unconsolidated " deposits on the project site should be removed and densified, and subdrains m installed where requfred to reduce tiie build-up of a shallow groundwater condition. mm m Groundwater was encountered within several ofthe onsite drainages in the lower elevations of tiie site particularly m the main northwest trendmg drainage located west of the proposed aUgnment. The presence of groundwater in these areas ^ would most likely lunit the removal of alluvium and undocumented fill that would be required for stmctural improvements in these areas. Perched groundwater conditions were also encotmtered at the contact between the relatively impermeable Tertiary Santiago Formation and the relatively porous overlying soils. Groimdwater is not anticipated to be a constraint to site development provided the recommendations provided in the project geotechnical investigation and during the course of grading are implemented. Implementation of Mitigation Measures I and 2 will reduce the impact to a level less than significant. The Safety Element of the General Plan establishes requirements for tiie preparation of geotechnical studies for various land uses. Implementation of the Safety Element of tiie Carlsbad General Plan requires tiie compilation of site- specific geotechnical reports for development projects, use of appropriate ii IM (M il Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad m Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 34 August / Wtf Ml IM Ml m constmction techniques during development as recommended by a registered engineer, and implementation of standards for grading and construction to mitigate geologic hazards during and after development These strategies will be implemented as development moves forward on the project site. In addition, the final grading plan must comply witii tiie City ofCarlsbad GnuUng Ordinances. Due to site conditions, supplemental measures will be required to reduce the geologic impact from gradmg to less than significant. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Infonnation and recommendations provided in the Leighton and Associates, Inc., project geotechnical/soils report shall be incorporated into plans for site grading and constmction. 2. All grading and subsequent development plans shall be reviewed by a certified engineer and/or engineering geologist prior to finalization to determine the need for additionai measures and/or analysis. During the review, special consideration shall be given to the loose, potentially compressible surface deposits in the form of topsoil, alluvium, slopewash, undocumented fill soils, and landslide debris. Such materials will require remedial grading where encotmtered. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 35 August 1998 ii IV. WATER No Impact IV(b), The proposed project will not result in the exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding. The project will result in alteration of drainage pattems and will requfre installation of drainage control measures to confrol and direct mnoff to tiie unnamed stream in Marcario Canyon. This modification of drainage will not expose people or property to flooding or other water related hazards. IV(d). Implementation of the project will result in an increase in the amount and concentration of surface runoff due to the creation of an impervious surface in a currentiy vacant area, and changes m topography from cut and fill activity. The unnamed stream in Macario Canyon is located to the south of the project site and is the recipient of existing water fiows on the south facing slopes and ravines where the project is proposed. Because the roadway will cut across these canyons, existing drainage conditions will be altered and may increase the amount of nmoff entering the creek bed. No impact to this issue is anticipated as the overall change in flow is anticipated to be minor. The roadway alignment is along the south and westerly hiUside of a 300-foot high hiU. AU runofffrom the roadway, and the area above tiie roadway, presently drains mto the unnamed stream in the Macario Canyon. The roadway crosses two significant arroyos (labeled as "A" and "B" on Figure 8) tiiat are being considered as access points and parking for the adjacent park, and could be considered for the location of detention or desilting basms. The flows fiiom the anoyo "A" is approximately 200 cubic feet per second, and could be spread to several culvert crossings. The flows from the anoyo **B" is ^^proximately 120 cubic feet per second, and are concentrated by the steepness of the anoyo walls. Flows fiom arroyos "A" and "B" will require channeUzation tiirough, or piping under, tiie golf course. The concept of drainage for the remamder ofthe roadway is for simple culvert crossings at several locations. Most ofthe culvert crossing will convey minor amounts of water and can be integrated into the golf course designs for the proposed golf course. As the drainage basins above the roadway v^rill not be developed with this proj ect, no Best Management Practices (BMP) are needed upstream ofthe roadway. Concenfrating the flows crossing the roadway will requfre energy dissipaters to slow the flows and to prevent erosion. Runoff from the roadway itself will be directed into vegetated areas to trap vehicle generated oils and silts. During constmction, and until vegetation is established, silt fencing and gravel bags will reduce erosion and trap silts. Figure 8 depicts the direction and amount of drainage flows anticipated after the proposed project has been completed. As indicated in Figure 8, the primary dramage pattems will be maintained through tiie use of culverts tiiat will allow the water to pass under the roadway. An increase in the concentration of surface flow is anticipated as a result of water passing through the culverts. The project will provide energy dissipaters to address the potential erosion impacts associated Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 36 August 1998 m i • i t I 8 1 i Bl Ci 11 tl tl il tl ii ti ll li I J ! } SOURCE; O'day Consultants. May 1998 1^.^11 Map not to scale Figure 8 Drainage Flows Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration City ofCarlsbad m m with concentrated flows. Figure 9 depicts a typical rip rap energy dissipater. Rip r^ energy dissipaters are proposed at each culvert outlet location. IV(e). The proposed project will not result in tiie alteration of any waterways such tiiat changes in cunents or the course or direction of water movements would occur. Grading and constmction of the proposed project will avoid impacting wetland areas to the south ofthe project site. Existing nmoff pattems will be maintained through tiie provision of culverts tiiat will pass under the roadway and enter the imnamed stream in Macario Canyon. IV(i). The proposed project will not result in a reduction in the amount of groundwater available for public water supplies as the project site is not identified as a groundwater recharge area or aquifer, nor wiU operation of the proj ect requfre the use of potable water. All landscaping will utilize reclaimed water. Less Than Significant Impact IV(f). As indicated in the geotechnical study, ground water was encountered within several ofthe on-site drainages in the lower elevations of the site particularly in the northwest trending drainage located west ofthe proposed aUgnment. Perched groundwater conditions were also encotmtered in sev^al borings. However, the impact to tiiis issue is less than significant as the project site is not identified as a groundwater recharge area, nor will it result in excavations mto an aquifer. IV(g). The proposed project will not result m the alteration to dfrection or rate of fiow of groundwater as the proj ect site is not identified as a groimdwater recharge area or aquifer. IV(h). The proposed project will not result in an impact to groundwater quality as the project site is not identified as a groundwater recharge area or aquifer. Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated IV(a,c). The project will result in changes in absorption rates, dramage patterns, and the rate and amount of surface mnoff due to the introduction of impervious surfaces (i.e. pavement) on the project site for constmction and operation ofthe roadway. When open to traffic, storm runofffrom the roadway will potentially discharge into the surface water ofthe unnamed sfream in Macario Canyon, and ultimately the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. This may cause alterations in water quaUty, as storm nmoff will likely contain automotive-associated pollutants such as oils, greases, heavy metals, and other harmful pollutants which can degrade water quality. The proposed project will be required to comply with NPDES practices and policies, as a NPDES permit will be requfred. The NPDES permit will establish a program of best management practices to confrol erosion and sedunentation during constmction. It is anticipated that water quality will improve as a result of constmction of the roadway and adjacent golf course. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 38 August 1998 20 or 2W (min.) Ml m m m m m —Filter Blanket cm 42t)-C-2000 Concrete Section A-A Section B-B SOURCE: County of San Diego, 1982 (c!xi\ Figure 9 Typical Rip Rap Energy Dissipater Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration City of Carlsbad as landsc£^)ing and drainage control measures will be implementectwhereas the area currently experiences a substantial amount of agricultural mnoff from exposed soils. Implementation of Mitigation Measure 1. in addition to compliance witii NPDES and Local Coastal Program requfrements for graduig, drainage, and erosion control will reduce the impact to a level less than significant MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Prior to approval of final design, a runoff confrol plan shall be prepared by a licensed hydrology engineer. The plan shall identify temporaiy and permanent erosion control measures which will be utilized during constmction and to be mcluded in the improvement plans for the project, to the satisfaction of tiie Public Works Director. Ml m m m m m Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 40 August 19WiS V. AIR QUALITY No Impact V(b). The proposed project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants. V(c). The proposed project will in no way alter air movement, moisture, or temperature, or cause any change in climate. V(d). Neitiier constmction nor operation of tiie proposed project is likely to generate any objectionable odors. Less than Significant Impact V(a). The San Diego region is cunently a non-attafriment area for federal and state standards for ozone, caibon monoxide, and particulates (PMIO). The incremental increase m short-term constmction impacts associated with graduig for the proposed project will contribute to existing afr quality violations on a short-term basis. Compliance witii Air Pollution Confrol District Rule No. (42), which reqiures watermg of the project site to control PMIO emissions will reduce the PMIO generated by this project to a less than significant level. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 41 August 1998 VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION No Impact VI(a). ii M ii il m The proposed project will not generate increased vehicular trips, howev^, the project will result in the redistribution of existuig and projected future trips in tiie area. A fraffic study was conducted by Linscott, Law & Greenspan for the proposed project, and is provided m Appendix B of this document. The following summarizes the study. The traffic study prepared for ttie Faraday Avenue roadway extension evaluates the potential traffic impacts on the sunounding circulation system due to the proposed extension of Faraday Avenue. Future on-street traffic volumes were estimated and the traffic impacts were analyzed at several key intersections and sfreet segments in the project area. The following intersections and street segments were included in the analysis: Cannon Road/Paseo del Norte Cannon Road/Faraday Avenue Caimon Road/El Camino Real College Boulevard/Palomar Airport Road College Boitievard/Faraday Avenue College Boulevard/El Camino Real Figure 10 depicts the existing fraffic volmnes in AM/PM Peak Hours and Average Daily Trips (ADT's). Figures 11 and 12depict tiie buildout (Year2015) traffic volumes without, and witii the extension of Faraday Avenue, respectively. In order to evaluate the impacts of the proposed extension, a traffic impact was considered to be significant ifthe project caused an intersection or sfreet segment LOS to decrease to worse than LOS D during the peak hour, as outlined in the City's Growth Management Plan. For intersections or sfreet segments which are cunently operatmg worse than LOS D, a project impact will be considered significant ofthe project causes the ICU value at an intersection to increase by 0.02 or greater or the volume-to-capacity ratio at a segment to increase by 0.02 or more. Table 1 provides a summary ofthe signalized mtersection operations during the AM and PM peak hours. Table 2 provides a summary of the sfreet segment operations. Existing Operations As indicated in Table I. each intersection is calculated to cunently operate at LOS C or better during both tiie AM and PM peak hours. As indicated in Table 2, each roadway segment is calculated to cunently operate at LOS A during the peak hour. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 42 City of Carbbad August 1998 Buildout (Without Faradav Avenue Extension^ Operations As indicated in Table I, all key uitersections m the project area are calculated to operate at LOS D orbetter in the buildout without Faraday Avenue scenario, with the exception of CoUege Boulevard/El Camino Real intersection during tiie PM peak hour (LOS E). As fridicated in Table 2, all sfreet segments in tiie project area are calculated to operate at LOS B or better during tiie peak hour. Buildout rWith Faradav Avenue Extension) Ooerations As uidicated in Table 1, a continued LOS D or better is calculated at tiie key intersections (witii the extension of Faraday Avenue to Cannon Road). A continued LOS E is calculated at tiie College Boulevard/El Camino Real intersection during the PM peak hour. In general, ICU values at the studied uitersections remamed the same or improved slightly witii the extension of Faraday Avenue. Table 2 shows tiiat a continued LOS B or better is calculated at aU street segments in the project area during the peak hour with the extension of Faraday Avenue. V/C values at the studied sfreet segments remained the same or decreased with the extension of Faraday Avenue. Table 3 shows a Buildout ADT comparison of the studied street segments, v^rithout and with the Faraday Avenue extension. As indicated in Table 3, an average 6% decrease in traffic is calculated on El Camino Real and a 5% decrease is calculated on Palomar Airport Road assuming Faraday Avenue is buiU. This indicates tiiat tiiere is a net benefit to extending Faraday Avenue. No significant impacts are anticipated as a result ofthe extension of Faraday Avenue. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 43 August 1996 il Rl •! Rl Rl Bi Rl Ri Bi Ri Rl Ri il II II 11 11 tl t NOTE: - AOT's ore shown midblock - AM/PM Peak hour volumes ore shown at the Intersections SOURCE: Linscott, Law. & Greenspan • Engineers Atortf) Map not to scale Figure 10 Existing Traffic Volumes AM/PM Peak Hours & ADTs Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration City of Carlsbad Ri Rl Rl Bi Bl Bi Ri Bi Ri Rl Rl il ii il II II ii ii II NOTE: — ADT's are shown midblock — AM/PM Peak hour volumes ore shown at the intersections SOURCE: Linscott, Law, & Greenspan - Engineers North Map not to scale Figure 11 Buildout Traffic Volumes (Wittiout Faraday Avenue Extension) AM/PM Pea/c Hours & ADTs Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration City of Carlsbad Rl Ri Bl Bi Bi Bi Bi Bi Bi Bi Bl Bl 11 Bl il II II II il NOTE: — ADT's ore shown midblock - AM/PM Peak hour volumes ore SOURCE: Unscott. Law. & Greenspan - Engineers (cm North Map not 10 scale Figure 1? Buildout Traffic Volumes (Wltti Faraday Avenue Extensions) AM/PM Peak Hours and ADT's Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration City of Carlsbad TABLE 1 SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION OPERATIONS m -Intersection Peak Hour Existing Buildout Without Faraday Avenue Buildout With Faraday Avenue ICU LOS ICU LOS ICU LOS mm «• Palomar Airport Road/College Boulevard AM PM 0.61 0.72 B C 0.76 0.87 C D 0.76 0.86 C D •i College Boulevard/Faraday Avenue AM PM 0.37 0.47 A A 0.72 0.80 C C 0.70 0.80 B C mm m College Boulevard/El Camino Real AM PM 0.47 0.66 A B 0.83 0.97 D E 0.83 0.98 D E m Cannon Road/Paseo Del Norte AM PM 0.53 0.55 A A 0.86 0.87 D D 0.85 0.88 D D Mt Caimon Road/Faraday Avenue AM PM DNE DNE DNE DNE DNE DNE DNE DNE 0.64 0.68 B B Ml Cannon Road/El Camino Real AM PM DNE DNE DNE DNE B D 0.70 0.82 0.70 0.80 B C ICU = Intersection Capacity Utilization LOS = Level of Service DNE = Does Not Exist ICU 0.00 to 0.60 0.61 to 0.70 0.71 to 0.80 0.81 to 0.90 0.91 to 1.00 > 1.00 LOS A B C D E F Ml m m m Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 47 City of Carbbad August 1998 il Bl Bi Bi Bl Bl 11 il ii II li tl il il ii II II II II TABLE 2 PEAK HOUR STREET SEGMENT OPERATIONS Street Segment # Lanes Existing * Buildout Without Faraday Avenue BuUdout Witli Faraday Avenue Existing Future DIR VOL V/C LOS VOL V/C LOS VOL V/C LOS Palomar Airport Road w/o College Boulevard 3 3 3 3 EB WB 2,626 2,643 0.49 0.49 A A 3,076 2.413 0.57 0.45 A A 2,977 2.320 0.55 0.43 A A e/o College Boulevard 3 3 3 3 EB WB 1,698 1,830 0.31 0.39 A A 2,159 2,175 0.40 0.40 A A 2,066 2.088 0.38 0.39 A A Cannon Road e/o Paseo Del Norte 2 2 2 2 EB WB 182 304 0.05 0.08 A A 1.690 1.818 0.47 0.51 A A 1.640 1.687 0.46 0.47 A A e/o Faraday Avenue 2 2 2 2 EB WB ---1.690 1.818 0.47 0.51 A A 1,543 1,810 0.43 0.51 A A e/o EI Camino Real 2 2 2 2 EB WB ---731 1,059 0.20 0.29 A A 728 1.056 0.20 0.29 A A College Boulevard ivo Palomar Airport Road 2 2 2 2 NB SB 1,011 911 0.28 0.25 A A 1.689 1,084 0.47 0.30 A A UIO 1,346 0.36 0.37 A A n/o College Boulevard 2 2 2 2 NB SB 1.152 1,829 0.32 0.51 A A 1.153 1,831 0.32 O.St A A n/o El Camtno Real 2 2 2 2 NB SB --1.165 2.201 0.32 0.61 A B 1.162 2,208 0.32 0.61 A B E) Camino Real s/o College Boulevard 2 2 3 NB SB 1,715 1.348 0.48 0.37 A A 1.152 1.829 0.21 0.34 A A 2.004 2.566 0.37 0.48 A A n/o College Boulevard 2 2 NB SB 2,155 1,775 0.60 0.49 A A 1.871 2.027 0.35 0.38 A A 1,778 1,927 0.33 0.36 A A w/o Cannon Road 2 2 NB SB ----2,306 2,356 0.43 0.44 A A 2,202 2,248 0.41 0.42 A A Faraday Avenue s/o Cannon Road 2 2 NB SB --------405 185 0.11 0.05 A A s/o College Boulevard 2 2 NB SB -- -1.012 779 0.28 0.22 A A 1,017 783 0.28 0.22 A A • Source: 1996 Carlsbad Traffic Monitoring Program, JHK & Associates. VOL = Volumes DIR = Direction 0.0 0.61 0.71 0.81 0.91 V/C to 0.60 to 0.70 to 0.80 to 0.90 to 1.00 > 1.00 LOS -TT B C D E F Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration 48 City of Carbbad June 1998 TABLES TRAFFIC VOLUME COMPARISON WITH AND WITHOUT FARADAY AVENUE •Source: SANDAG Scries 8 Traffic Model (April 20,1998). DNE=E)ocs Not Exist wm m Street Segment Buildout ADT Without Faraday Avenue Buildout ADT With Faraday Avenue Percentage Increase/Decrease With Faraday Avenue Palomar Airport Road w/o College Boulevard 46,800 43,900 -6.2% e/o College Boulevard 31,400 30,500 -2.9% Mi Cannon Road c/o Paseo Del Norte 18,200 18.200 0% e/o Faraday Avenue 23,300 23,000 -1.3% IB e/o El Camino 17.700 18,000 +1.7% <M m College Boulevard n/o Palomar Airport Road 27,700 29.700 +7.2% <M m n/o Faraday Avenue 3230 33,000 +2.5% i B 1 n/o El Camino Real 38,800 38,500 - 0.77% i B 1 El Camino Real s/o College Boulevard 56,200 51,000 -9.3% «l n/o College Boulevard 44,400 41,900 -5.6% m w/o Caimon Road 52,600 50.000 -4.9% m Faraday Avenue s/o Cannon Road DNE 5,900 — s/o College Boulevard 17,800 20.100 +12.9% V/C 0.0 to 0.60 0.61 to 0.70 0.71 to 0.80 0.81 to 0.90 0.91 to 1.00 > 1.00 LOS A B C D £ F il «r Rl Ml m Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 49 City of Carbbad August 1998 m VI(b). The proposed project vwll not result in hazards to safety fiom design feamres or incompatible uses. The roadway and intersection at Cannon Road will be constmcted to the City's engineering safety standards. VI(c). The proposed project will not result in inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses. The constmction ofthe roadway extension will provide additional emergency access witiiin the general area of the project. Additionally, the constmction ofthe roadway will provide access to the Kelly Ranch properties and the future Macario Canyon Park. VI(d). The project will not result in insufficient parking capacity, as it does not involve the development of land uses which would generate the need for parking faciUties. The design of tiie roadway will allow for emergency parking, and maintenance vehicle paridng in addition to parking on the north side of Faraday Avenue. VI(e). The proposed roadway will be constmcted according to the City's engineering standards for a collector roadway. The proposed roadway will consist of two- travel lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, cuib, gutter, and sfreetlights. Additionally. H tiie project wiU include a pedestrian/bicycle undercrossing which will allow access under the roadway, thereby reducing the potential conflict between " vehicles and bicycUst/pedestrians to access the proposed trail system and li proposed park. * VI(f). The proposed project will not conflict with adopted policies supporting H altemative tran^rtation, but may m fact encourage pedestrian and bicycle transportation through the provision of sidewaUcs, bicycle lanes, and the roadway • undercrossing. ** VI(g). The proposed project will not result in unpacts to rail, waterbome, or air traffic m transportation. The proposed project site is not located in close proximity to any ^ of these modes of transportation and would not impact any of these sources of transportation. m m m m m m m Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 50 August 1998 VIL BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES A biological survey was conducted by Mericel & Associates for the proposed project. The report. "Faraday Avenue Extension, City of Carlsbad, Califomia", is provided in Appendix C of this document. The following summarizes the results ofthe report. No Impact VII(b). The proposed project will not impact any locally designated species such as heritage frees. Vll(d). The proposed project will not impact any wetland habitat as there is no wetland habitat located witiiin the area of disturbance of tiie project. Vll(e). The proposed project will fraverse an area that has been identified as a potential avian corridor as part ofthe City's HMP. The area tiiat tiie roadway fraverses is void of any native vegetation and therefore would not impact the corridor. Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated Vll(a), (c). The proposed project will result in impacts to the California gnatcatcher and diegan coastal sage scmb. Vegetation A mix of sage scmb, and to a lesser extent chaparral, comprise the native vegetation on the canyon hillsides. Extensive fracts of agricultural fields are also found on tiie milder slopes. Figure 13 depicts tiie vegetation and sensitive resources located within the project study area. As indicated in the biology report, several types of vegetation exist within the project study area including Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb, Soutiiem Mbced Chaparral, non-native grassland, agricultural lands, and Southem Willow Scmb/Mule Fat Scmb. As uidicated in Figure 13. vegetation and sensitive resources located within the area of impact ofthe proposed roadway include agricultural lands, non-native grasslands, disturbed land, diegan coastal sage scmb, califomia gnatcatcher, califomia adolphia, and westem dichondra. Table 4 depicts vegetation impacts from the proposed project. Table 5 depicts sensitive plant impacts from the proposed project. Table 6 depicts sensitive animal impacts from the proposed project. As indicated in these tables, the proposed project will result in an impact to approximately 6 acres of diegan coastal sage scmb. This includes a direct impact (removal) of 4.1 acres and the acreage associated with isolation several small patches (1.9 acres) that will be created by roadway constmction. Additionally, tiie proposed project will impact one pair of Califomia Gnatcatchers. Impacts to diegan coastal sage scmb and the one pair of California Gnatcatchers is considered a significant impact. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 51 August 1998 SOURCE: Merkel & Associates. May 1998 North (cm 300 Feet Figure 13 Vegetation and Sensitive Resources Map Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Mitigated Negative Declaration TABLE 4 VEGETATION IMPACTS Vegetation Type Status On-Site Impact SigniHcance Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb Locally common at scattered locations where not previously impacted by agricultural activities Loss of approximately 6 acres of primarily good quaUty sage scmb within disturbance coiridor Significant tmder CEQA and NCCP conservation measures for sage scrub Southem Maritime Chaparral Primarily upslope of the proposed road on the periphery of the study area No direct impacts Not significant Non-native Grasslands Localized on-site with concentrations near the westem terminus of the road Loss of approximately 0.54 acres of non- native grasslands within distuibance corridor Questionable. Increasingly tiie loss of such tracts of non- native grasslands are being detennined to be signMcant due to loss of raptor foraging habitat Southem WiUow/Mule Fat Scmb Concentrated in a disturbed stock pond and a minor artificial basin No direct inlets Not significant Agricultural Lands Concentrated on lower flanks of Macario Canyon; where substantially comprising the impact foo^rint ofthe road Not quantified Not cumulatively significant Disturbed Lands Undeveloped roads Not quantified Not biologicaUy significant Ml IB HI TABLES SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES ON-SITE Ml m Species Sensitivity Status On-Site Impact Signiflcance California Adolphia CEQA Locally common at several locations; population estimated at over 1,000 shrubs and extending off-site Primary populations off-site to north higher on the slope and near ridgeline; impacts are expected to be under 20% of population observed Not individually or cumulatively significant; large populations still present regionally in areas proposed as open space Palmer's Grapplinghook CEQA Two small populations of less than 30 plants Population in open space Not individually or cumulatively significant given the protection of plants on-site Westem Dichondra CEQA Large population scattered throughout area upslope of agricultural fields Loss of under 20% of observed population; numbers cannot be quantified due to cryptic natiKc of this species and growth in mats of many individuals Not significant; this population is part of a StiU relatively widespread coastal distribution for this species NuttaU's Scmb Oak Federal Species of Special Concern Lightly scattered in clusters or as few isolated shmbs elsewhere on-site Loss of under 30 shmbs Not individually or cumulatively significant; primary populations off-site to northeast where growing by thousands in protected locations Ashy Spike-moss CEQA Locally common Loss of substantial population Not individually or cumulatively significant; sensitivity listing should be removed to reflect its regional abtmdance TABLE 6 SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES ON-SITE Ml ii m m m m Species Sensitivity Status On-Site Impact Significance Orangethroat Whiptail CDFG protected Well represented in sage and chaparral Loss of a number of individuals Not individually or cumulatively significant; substantial habitat retained in local open space White-tailed Kite CEQA OccasionaUy hunts site Loss of foraging habitat Loss of habitat not cmnulatively significant Cooper's Hawk CDGF Species of Special Concem Occasionally hunts site Loss of foraging habitat Loss of habitat not cumulatively significant Califomia Homed Lark CEQA Expected to be common in agricultural fields/open grasslands in winter Loss of foraging and loafmg habitat Not individually or cumulatively significant Loggerhead Shrike CDFG Bird Species of Special Concem Forages in low numbers in open terrain Loss of foraging habitat Not individually or cumulatively significant Califomia Gnatcatcher Federally Threatened Up to 5 potential use areas identified One use area directiy impacted Sigruficant; smdy area retains in concert with proposed Carlsbad Golf Course site to south one of larger single popttiations of gnatcatchers within the City ofCarlsbad Soutiiem Califomia Rufotis-crowned Sparrow CDFG Bird Species of Special Concem Found in moderate numbers tiiroughout sage and chaparral Loss of breeding territories Not individuaUy or cumulatively significant; this species still locaUy common in the region San Diego Blacktailed Jackrabbit CDFG Mammal Species of Special Concem Found in low nunibers throughout tiie sage and chaparral Loss of habitat Not individually or cumulatively significant Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse CDFG Mammal Species of Special Concem Found at trap sites Loss of a number of individuals Not individually or cmnulatively sigiuficant; this species still locally common in the region San Diego Desert Woodrat CDFG Mammal Species of Special Concem Found at trap sites; present in moderate numbers throughout the sage and chapanal Loss of a number of individuals; over 40 acres of habitat Not individuaUy or cumulatively sigruficant; this species stiU locally common in the region Ml m Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 55 City of Carbbad August 1998 m The 6 acres of diegan coastal sage scmb impact are within tiie available take allowances remaining witiiin tiie City of Carlsbad under tiie Section 4(d) rale. Implementation of Mitigation Measure I will reduce the impact to a level less thsui significant. Riparian habitat is located to tiie south ofthe proposed roadway which is known to support one pair of least Bell's vfreo, a federally endangered avian species. Continuous noise levels above 60 dB(A) may affect tiie suitability of areas for nesting. As discussed in Item X, (Noise), tiie mimmum distance of tiie proposed roadway to the riparian habitat will be approximately 200 feet. The CNEL is estimated to be 58.0 dB(A) approximately 200 feet from tiie roadway, as such no impact to tiiis biologically sensitive habitat is anticipated fiom roadway noise levels. Constmction of the roadway has the potential to impact coastal sage scmb and riparian habitat in terms of noise and high activity levels during constmction. Constmction of the roadway will be restricted during the breeding season as requfred in Mitigation Measures 2 and 3. Implementation of Mitigation Measures 2 and 3 will avoid impacts to the least Bell's vireo and gnatcatchers during the breeding/nesting season. MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Sage scrab impacts shall be mitigated on adjacent parklands or through off- site purchase. The 6 acres of sage scrab directly impacted by the road can be effectively mitigated within the study area. A 2:1 replacement ratio is recommended given the good quaUty habitat proposed to be removed. A g^ •* is proposed between golf links 14 and 15 on the proposed Carlsbad Golf Course project to tiie south. This has been previously proposed as a ^ mitigation area for the golf course (these links would be situated below the road). The g^ provides an opportunity to connect the riparian habitat at the base of Macario Canyon below the proposed route for Faraday Avenue with " sage scrab/chaparral above the road and witiiin the study area. Areas above • (i.e., north) the road within proposed parklands would be an optimal place to provide mitigation. This would improve corridor linkage spanning the * canyon in an area where open agricultural fields currently deter some wildlife HI movement. A mitigation altemative would be the purchase of sage scmb lands at a 2:1 m replacement ratio within the Carlsbad Highland Mitigation Bank. 2. For each spring prior to constmction, a protocol survey for the least BeU's ^ vireo shall be conducted in the riparian woodland of Macario Canyon. Surveys have been conducted for the 1998 breedmg season and no further m surveys shall be required should constraction begin in the year 1999. The ^ puipose of any additional surveys is to identify the location of any nesting sites in order to avoid constmction related noise impacts. Constraction of m segments ofthe roadway that are located in the vicinity of nesting bfrds shall il „ Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Oty of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 56 August 1998 m IH be restricted to the period outside the breeding season, which extends from March 15*^ tiurough September 30*, annually. 3. Grading or brushing activities in, or adjacent to, coastal sage scnib (or other habitat occupied by the gnatcatcher) must be restricted to that period outside of the breeding season for this bird, which extends from Febraary 15*^ through August 30* annually. Surveys have been conducted for the 1998 breeding season and no further surveys shall be requfred should constraction begin in the year 1999. The purpose of any additional surveys is to identify the location of any nesting sites in order to avoid constraction related noise impacts. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 57 August 1998 VIIL ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES No Impact Vlll(a). The proposed project is a roadway extension and will not involve excessive use of non-renewaisle resources and tiierefore will not conflict with adopted energy conservation plans. VIII(b). The project will require fiiel, steel and aggregate materials for constmction, however the operation ofthe roadway will require only minimal use of energy for roadway lighting purposes, and will not be significant. VIII(c). No known mineral resources have been identified on-site which would be of future value to tiie region and the residents of tiie State. The project site is not located within a Mineral Resource Zone as identified by the State of Califomia Department of Conservation. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 58 August 1998 IX. HAZARDS No Impact IX(a). The proposed project will not result in a risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances. No hazardous materials will be utilized in either the constmction or operation ofthe proposed project. IX(b). The project will create an additional roadway to be utilized as part of an emergency response or evacuation planning, potentially enhancing rather than interfering with such plans. IX(c). The proposed project is a roadway. Due to the nature ofthe proposed project, it will not create a healtii hazard or potential health hazard. IX(d). The proposed project is a roadway. Due to tiie nature of tiie proposed project, it will not expose people to existing sources of potential health hazards as no know healtii hazards or potential healtii hazards exist in tiie vicinity of tiie project site. IX(e). The proposed project will not result in an increase in ffre hazards in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees. The majority of the roadway extension traverses land that is void of significant stands of vegetation. A golf course will be located to the south of tiie roadway, and the fure hazard potential for tiiis area is considered low. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City ff Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 59 August / Wtf Ml m X. NOISE No Impact X(b). The proposed project will not result in the exposure of people to severe noise levels. Less Than Significant Impact X(a). The project will increase noise levels as a result of tiie introduction of vehicular traffic into the area. There are no existing or planned noise sensitive receptors along the plarmed extension of tiie roadway (such as residential uses). The proposed roadway will be located adjacent to recreational uses. According to City ofCarlsbad Noise Standands. tiie acceptable noise level associated v«tii tiie golf course is 70 CNEL; tiie acceptable noise level associated witii tiie City park is 65 CNEL. The proposed roadway wiU carry approximately 5,900 average daily trips at tiie buildout (Year 2020) condition. The corresponduig CNEL level, (not accounting for barriers or intervening topography) is 64.9 dB(A) at 75 feet from tiie roadway centeriine, 58.0 dB(A) at 200 feet firom tiie roadway centeriine, and 52.0 db(A) at 500 feet fiom tiie roadway centerline. The impact fi:om roadway generated noise to the adjacent proposed golf comse and proposed park will be less than significant. As discussed under Item VU (biology), riparian habitat is located to the south of tiie proposed roadway. This habitat is known to support one pafr of least BeU's vfreo, which is a federaUy endangered avian species. Continuous noise levels above 60 dB(A) may affect the suitabiUty of areas for nesting. The minimum distance ofthe proposed roadway to the riparian habitat will be approximately 200 feet. The CNEL is estimated to be 58.0 dB(A) ^proxunately 200 feet fiom the roadway, as such no impact to this biologically sensitive liabitat is anticipated from roadway noise levels. Constraction ofthe roadway has the potential to impact this sensitive habitat. Constmction will be restricted during the breeding season as discussed in Item * vn, which will avoid impacts to the least BeU's vireo. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 60 August 1998 m m m m m XI. PUBLIC SERVICES No Impact XI(a). The proposed project will not generate an increase in population or any additional non-residential development and therefore would not result in a need for new or altered fire protection facilities or services. XI(b). The proposed project will not generate an increase ui population or any additional non-residential development and therefore would not resuU in a need for new or altered police facilities or services. XI(c). The proposed project will not generate an increase in population or any additional non-residential deveiopment and therefore would not result in a need for new or altered school facilities. XI(e). The proposed project will not generate an increase ui population or any additional non-residential development in the project area which would result in a need for any other new or altered govemment services. Less Than Significant Impact XI(d). The proposed project is a public roadway which will require both regular and emergency maintenance. The project will therefore result in the need for an expansion of public services to maintain the roadway. The degree to which maintenance services would need to be expanded -mil be less than significant, however, as the constraction of the roadway has been identified as part of the City's General Plan and Growth Management Plan forecasts. The City will be able to provide an adequate level of roadway maintenance service to this roadway. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 61 August 1998 •II XIL UTILITIES AND SERVICES SYSTEMS No Impact Xn(b). The proposed roadway will not place a demand for, or require tiie extension of communication systems. XII(c). The proposed roadway will not place a demand on local or regional water treatment or distribution facilities. Xll(d). The proposed roadway will not require sewer or septic faciUties for operation. Xll(f). The proposed roadway will not generate soUd waste. Green waste may be generated by landscjqjing maintenance, however this will not impact solid waste disposal or facilities. XII(g). The proposed roadway will not generate a demand for potable water. Reclaimed water will be utilized for landscapkig. Less Than Significant Impact Xll(a). The proposed project will utilize electricity for roadway lighting purposes. The demand for electricity generated by the project is less than significant. Xll(e). The proposed project will require a storm water drainage system to confrol surface runoff. The system will be completed as part of the roadway constmction, and will result in a less than significant impact on drainage faciUties. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City ofCarlsbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 62 August 1998 il XIIL AESTHETICS Less Than Significant Impact Xlll(a). The project site is located at the inland end of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Macario Canyon branches south, then east from the low mudflats east ofthe lagoon. In general, the area surrounding the lagoon has is developed. Residential neighborhoods are located to tiie nortii of the lagoon, while development associated with the Carlsbad Ranch, and the extension of Cannon Road is in various stages on the southem portion ofthe lagoon. The area in the immediate vicinity ofthe project site is vacant and largely undeveloped, however agriculture has disturbed a considerable portion of tiie area. Pylons and power lines fiom the SDG&E Encina Power Plant run along tiie ridgelmes to tiie soutii. The Faraday Roadway extension will be visible from most surrounding areas, as the roadway is located in a canyon on a south facing slope. Figure 4 in the project description depicts the cut and fill areas that are proposed as part of project implementation. Maximum fill slope height will be about 30 feet. Maximum cut slope height would be about 50 feet. Among public views, the roadway will be most visible fiom College Boulevard. This area is primarily industrial paric. The roadway will also be visible from Cannon Road, and fiom the golf course when it is constracted. The roadway will also be visible from tiie Macario Canyon Park when it is completed (anticipated to be completed by approximately the year 2010). Graded slopes will require contouring and revegetation to avoid visual impacts. The project landscj^ing plan will be compatible with, or complement the golf course landscaping plan. Additionally, proposed grading and landscjqiing for the roadway has been developed in consultation with the City Parks and Recreation Department to ensure compatibility between the proposed roadway and the future park design. The roadway is proposed as a split roadway which will separate travel lanes by a landscaped median, in addition to an elevation differential. These features will add visual interest to the roadway. With the incorporation of contour grading and a landscaping plan, visual impacts will be less than significant. XIII(b). As discussed above, the proposed proj ect will not have a demonstrable negative aesthetic affect. XIII(c). The proposed project will result in the creation of a small amount of light and glare originating from lighting along the roadway and vehicles. The amount of light and glare introduced by the roadway is anticipated to be less than significant. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 63 August 1998 XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCES No Impact XIV(c). There are no historical resources present on the project site which would be affected by the proposed project. XlV(d). The project will not cause a change, physical or otherwise, which would affect unique ethnic cultural values as no such uses are known to occur in the project area. XlV(e). The project will not restrict existing religious or sacred uses witiiin the potential impact area, as no such uses are known to occur in the project area. PotentiaUy Significant Impact Unless Mitigation Incorporated XlV(a). The bedrock unit underiyfrig tiie majority of tiie site is tiie Tertiary-aged Santiago Formation which is a potentially sigmficant fossil area. In general, the unit consists of massive to weakly bedded sandstone with interbedded clayey siltstone and silty claystone. The sandstone encountered at the project site consists primarily of Ught gray, light brovm. and light yellow-brown, moist, dense, silty, fine to occasionally medium-gramed sandstone. The Santiago Formation is considered to be potentially fossiliferous almost everywhere it occurs, and has a high potential for the production of fossils. Impacts to significant paleontological resources typically occur when earth work activities, such as mass excavation projects, cut into geological deposits (formations) within which fossils are buried. These unpacts are in the fonn of physical destmction of fossil remains. Since fossils are the remains of prehistoric animal and plan Ufe, they are considered to be non-renewable. Such impacts are significant, and imder CEQA guidelines, requfre mitigation. Development ofthe Faraday Roadway extension will require grading which may result in impacts to paleontological resources. As discussed above, the project is underlain by geological deposits with a potential for producing significant paleontological resources. This is a significant impact. Implementation of Mitigation Measures 1 through 7 will reduce the impact to paleontological resources to a level less than significant XIV(b). A cultural resource literature review, record search, and field survey was conducted by Gallegos & Associates for the proposed project. The study was conducted m compliance with City of Carlsbad and CEQA Guidelines. The report, **Historical/Archaeological Survey for the Faraday Road Project City of Carlsbad, Califomia", is provided in Appendix D of this document. The following summarizes the results of the report. A literature review and record search identified one previously recorded site (CA- SDI-8303) witiiin tiie study area. The survey conducted for tiie proposed project Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 64 August 1998 relocated this site and identified an additional, unrecorded component near the previously established northeast boundaiy of the site. In addition, a single isolated artifact was identified in the central portion ofthe study area. Previously Recorded Site CA-SDI-8303 The survey conducted for the proposed project identified cultural materials on two adjacent ridge fingers which are not included within the previous site boundary. On one ridge finger, immediately east ofthe cunent site boundary, a basin/metate firagment, a metavolcanic tool, two pieces of metavolcanic debitage and a bone fragment were noted in a dense cluster q)proximately 2 meters in diameter. A light shell scatter consisting of 5 to 10 pieces of marine sheU was noted in an overlapping, 20 meter area. The next ridgelme to the northeast also contained a light shell scatter with approximately 10 marine shell firagments in an apjiroximately 20 meter area. These current finds indicate a modification to tiie previously defined site boundary for CA-SDI-8303, extendmg it approximately 75 meters to the northeast. Pursuant to CEQA and City ofCarlsbad's Cultural Resource Guidelkies, testing is requfred for site CA-SDI-8303 to determine site significance/importance. Testing provides sufficient infonnation to determine site size, depth, content, integrity and potential to address important research questions. For sites identified as significant/important, mitigation of impacts can be addressed through redesign and avoidance, or through the completion of a data recovery program, wherein a sample of the prehistoric site is excavated to address research questions such as chronology, settlement and subsidence, trade and travel, and tool technology. Implementation of Mitigation Measures 1 and 2 vnll reduce the impact to archaeological resources to a level less than significant. Newly Recorded Isolate FR-I-1 A single, isolated artifact was identified in a plowed field in the central project area. Due to its location approximately 120 meters west of site CA-SDI-8303, it is not considered a component of that site. The artifact is a porphoritic metavolcanic flake exhibiting retouch for use as a tool. The artifact was collected, and its location mapped and photographed. Isolates are identified as not significant/important and no further work is recommended or required. MITIGATION MEASURES Paleontology 1. Prior to issuance of a grading permit, a qualified paleontologist shall be retamed by the City to cany out an appropriate mitigation program. (A qualifled paleontologist is defined as an mdividual with an MS or Ph.D. in paleontology or geology who is familiar with paleontological procedures and techniques.) Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 65 August 1998 2. A qualified paleontologist shall be present at tiie pre-grading meeting to consult with the grading and excavation contractors. 3. A paleontological monitor shall be on-site a minimum ofhalf-time during the original cutting of previously undisturbed sediments to inspect cuts for contained fossils. In the event that fossils are discovered, it may be necessary to increase tiie per/day in field monitoring time. Conversely, if fossils are not being found then the monitoring should be reduced. (A paleontological monitor is defined as an individual who has experience in the collection and salvage of fossil materials. The paleontological monitor shall work under the direction of a qualified paleontologist.) 4. When fossils are discovered the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) shall recover them. In most cases, this fossil salvage can be completed in a short period of time. However, some fossils specimens (such as a complete large mammal skeleton) may requfre an extended salvage period. In these instances the paleontologist (or paleontological monitor) shall be allowed to temporarily direct, divert, or halt graduig to allow recoveiy of fossil remains in a timely manner. Because of the potential for the recovery of small fossil remains, such as isolated mammal teeth, it may be necessary in certain instances, to set up a screen-washing operation on the site. 5. Fossil remauis collected during the monitoring and salvage portion ofthe mitigation program shall be cleaned, repafred, sorted, and cataloged. 6. Prepared fossils, along witii copies of all pertinent field notes, photos, and maps, shall either be deposited (as a donation) in a scientific institution witii permanent paleontological collections such as the San Diego Natural History Museum or retained by the City and displayed to tiie public at an il appropriate location such as a library or City Hall. • 7. A final summary report shall be completed and retained on file at the City ii that outlmes tiie results of the mitigation program. This report shall mclude discussions of the methods used, stratigrq)hic section (s) exposed, fossils collected, and significance of recovered fossils. Archaeology m m I • Prior to grading, a qualified archaeologist shall be retained by the City to determine the significance/importance of the portion of site CA-SDI- 8303 that will be impacted by grading activity. The determination of ^ significance/importance shall be made throu^ a testmg program and shall be consistent witii City ofCarlsbad and CEQA criteria. The testfrig IM program shall consist of surface collection of artifacts, recording of ^ milling features, excavation of shovel test pits and 1x1 meter units to determine site size, depth, content, integrity and potential to address m important research questions. A report shall be prepared summarizing the Ml Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 66 A ugust 1998 results ofthe testing program. The report shall contain reconmiendations for data recovery for the site if it is detennined to be significant/important under City ofCarlsbad and CEQA criteria. 2. If as a resuh ofthe testmg program identified in Mitigation Measure 1, site CA-SDI-8303 is detennined to be significant/important, then a data recovery program shall be implemented. The data recovery program shall be implemented in accordance with the recommendations for data recovery as provided in tiie testing report required under Mitigation Measure I, il Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 67 August 1998 City of Carbbad XV. RECREATIONAL No Impact XV(a). The proposed project will not result in additional residential development and tiierefore would not increase tiie demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities. XV(b). The proposed project is located adjacent to tiie proposed Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course. The project will not constrain the golf course as tiie golf course was designed witii anticipation of tiie constraction of tiiis roadway. The proposed project is also located in an area tiiat is planned to be utilized for a City park. The roadway will provide the prunary access to tiie park, and therefore would not affect the park. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 68 August 199S XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE No Impact (c). No environmental effects have been identified tiiat will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings either directiy or mdirectly. Less Than Significant Impact (b). The proposed project, in conjunction with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future projects will not resuh in a significant cumulative impact to any of the issues discussed on the preceding pages. The project impacts to geology, hydrology/water quality, and archaeological and cultural resources are site specific, and when combined with other cumulative projects will not result in a significant cumulative impact to these issues. The project will impact six acres of coastal sage scrab, which represents less tiian one percent ofthe coastal sage scrab in the city (0.002%) and therefore does not contribute to a cumulative impact to this resource. PotentiaUy Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated (a). The proposed project has the potential to reduce approximately 6 acres of coastal sage scmb, which is a sensitive habitat. The project will also impact one archaeological site, which may be a sigmficant site. The project site is also located in an area with geological formations identified as "moderate" and *1iigh" potential for paleontological sensitivity. The implementation of tiie mitigation measures identified in this Initial Study will reduce tiie impact to a less tiian significant level. Based on the foregoing discussion, the City of Carlsbad has determined that the Faraday Avenue Extension may have a sigiuficant unpact on the environment, and a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been prepared. Mitigation Measures have been identified for the following issues: Geology Biological Resources Hydrology/Water Quality Archaeological and Paleontological Resources il Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 69 August 1998 IM Mitigated Negative Declaration m m MTTIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION Project Address/Location: Nortii of Palomar Airport Road and west of College Boulevard in Local Facilities Management Zones 8 and 13 Project Description: Extension of Faraday Avenue from existing westeriy tenninus to Cannon Road (under constraction) The City ofCarlsbad has conducted an environmental review of the above described project pursuant to the GuideUnes for Implementation ofthe California Environmental Quality Act and the Envfronmental Protection Orduiance of the City of Carlsbad. As a result of said review, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (declaration that tiie project will not have a significant unpact on the environment) is hereby issued for tiie subject project. Justification for this action is on file in the Planning Department. A copy ofthe Mitigated Negative Declaration with supportive documents is on file in the Planning Department, 2075 Las Pahnas Drive, Carlsbad, Califomia 92009, Comments from the pubUc are invited. Please submit comments in writing to the Planning Department within 20 days of date of issuance. If you have any questions, please call Christer Westman in the Planning Department at (760) 438-1161, extension 4448. DATED: June 12,1998 CASE NO: 3593 CASE NAME: Faraday Avenue PUBLISH DATE: June 12,1998 MICHAEL J. HOLZMILLER Planning Director m il m m m m m m m m m m m m Sources Consulted SOURCES CONSULTED mm 1, Lead Agency City ofCarlsbad m 2075 Las Pahnas Drive Carlsbad, CaUfomia 92009 m Contact: Christer Westman, Associate Planner " 2, Project Applicant " City ofCarlsbad Ml Community Development Department 2075 Las Pahnas Drive Carlsbad, CaUfomia 92009 Contact: Sherri Howard, Project Manager 3. Project Engineer m m m m O'Day Consultants 2320 Camino Vida Roble Suite B Carlsbad, Califomia 92009 Contact Chuck Collins John Sfrohminger 4. John Boaiman, P.E. Linscott, Law & Greenspan 8989 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 135 San Diego, Califomia 92108 Responsibility: Preparation of fransportation analysis. 5. Craig Reiser Meikel & Associates, Inc. 3944 Murphy Canyon Road,Suite C106 San Diego, Califomia 92123 (619) 560-5465 ResponsibiUty: Preparation of biological assessment. Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 70 August 1998 6. Dennis Gallegos Carolyn Kyle Gallegos & Associates 5671 Pahner Way. Suite A Carlsbad. CaUfomia 92008 (760) 929-0055 Responsibility: Preparation of archaeological assessment. 7. Joe Franzone Leighton & Associates, Inc. 3934 Murphy Canyon Road, SuiteB205 San Diego.Califomia 92123 Responsibihty: Preparation of geology assessment. Documents City ofCarlsbad General Plan, City ofCarlsbad, .^ril 20,1994. City of Carlsbad Zonfrig Orduiance. City ofCarlsbad, August 1994, A Guide to tiie Farmland Ms^ping and Monitoring Program, CaUfomia Department of Conservation, November 1994. The Impacts of Farmland Conservation in CaUfomia (JSA 89-164), Jones & Stokes, Inc.. January 24,1991. Agua Hedionda Land Use Plan, City ofCarlsbad, 1982. City ofCarlsbad Local Coastal Program, City ofCarlsbad, October 9,1996. City ofCarlsbad Cultural Resources Guidelkies, RECON, December 1990. Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 5 and 8, City of Carlsba4 June 18,1987. Soil Survey. San Diego Area Califomia (U.S. Deparbnent of Agriculture, December 1973. Final Master Environmental Impact Report for tiie City of Carlsbad General Plan Update (City ofCarlsbad, March 1994). Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course EIR Biological Constraints Analysis (Merkel & Associates, Inc., October 21,1997). Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 71 August 1998 m Comments and Responses COMMENTS AND RESPONSES TO COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION The Draft Expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was circulated for a 20-day public review period in accordance with the requirements of the Califomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Public Resources Code Section 21092. The 20-day public review and comment period began on July 2,1998 and ended on July 22,1998. The following agencies submitted comment letters on the proposed project: 1. Sheiyl Barret - U.S. Fish and WildUfe Service Gail Presley - Department of Fish and Game July 29, 1998 (Joint Letter) 2. Mark Steyaert - City of Carlsbad July 13,1998 m m m m Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension City of Carbbad m Final Mitigated Negative Declaration 72 August 1998 il il tl Bl ti Bl Bl Bi Bl •! il il ii II It II II II II us Fish & Wildlife Service Carlsbad Field OfTicc 2730 Loker Avenue, Wesi Carlsbad. CA 92008 (760)431-9440 FAX (760) 431-9624 CA Dept. ofFish&Ganic HI6Ninth Street PO Box 944209 Sacramento. OA 94244-2090 (916)653-9767 FAX (916) 653-2588 Mr. Chrisicr Westman City ofCarlsbad 2075 Palmas Drive Carlsbad. Califomia 92009 (U\ 4t> 6Ke»'rI (le«J>v^ JUL 2 9 1993 Subject; Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Faraday Avenue Extension; CDP 98-39 Dear Mr. Westman: Thc U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and California Department of Fish and Game (Department), collectively the wildlife agencies, have completed their review ofthe Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND) for the Faraday Avenue Extension. The "Drafl Expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension" and "Expanded Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Mitigation Momloring Program for the Faraday Avenue Roadway Extension" prepared by Cotton/Beland/Associttes (June 1998) and associated biotechnical report prepared by Merkel & Associates. Inc. (June S, I99S) were consulted as part of thts review as well as the City ofCarlsbad's draft Habitat Management Plan (HMP; December I. 1997) and Uie Final Enviromnental Impact Report for the Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course (March 1998). Ms. JuUc Vanderwier, from the Service's Carlsbad Field Office, also met with you and Ms. Sherri Howard to discuss this project on July 27,1998. The Faraday Avenue extension project site is located in (he northwest quadrant ofthe City of Carlsbad (City), south and east of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, north of Macano Canyon and Palomar Airport Road, and east of El Camino Real. It is one of four City projects being implemented or currently planned for this area, the other three being Cannon Road (Reaches I and 2), Veteran's Memorial Park, and a municipal golf course. The Faraday Avenue project would extend existing Faraday Avenue approximately 5,400 linear feet from its westerly terminus to connect with future Cannon Road. With the exception ofa small portion of privately-owned land at the westem end of the proposed project area, the 72-fooi wide right-of- way for the road is under City ownership and identified as open space in the City's General Plan (1994). Faraday Avenue has been designed to be a "split" roadway which will result in a linear and vertical separation of the two 26-foot wide travel lanes in several locations. Sidewalks and parking will be provided only on the north side of Faraday Avenue, however, an eight-foot wide bike lane will be provided on both the north and south and will also provide for emergency parking. Consifuciion is anticipated to commence in July 1999 and be compleled by December 1999. Bi Bi Bi BIti Bl Bl Bl Bl Bl il ll II il il II ii II li A-l Mr. Christer Weslman 2 As identified in thc biotechnical report, the majority ofthe right-of-way is currently under agricultural uses, however, native plant communities identified within the projecl area include Diegan coasUl sage scrub, southern maritime chaparral, non-native grassland, southem willow scrub, and mulefat scrub. A number of species considered to be sensitive occur on-site, including the federally-listed threatened coastal Califomia gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica; gnatcatcher). Project implementation would result in the direct, pennanent toss of approximately six acres of Diegan coastal sage scmb (and one gnatcatcher pair), one-half acre of non-native grassland, and an unspecified amount ofagricultural and disturbed lands. No direct impacts to southern maritime chaparral or riparian/mulefat scrub communities are antietpated. Additionally, the following species would also be directty or indirectly affected by habitat loss: orange-throated whipuil {Cnemidophorus hyptrythns bttdingit), white-tailed kite {Elanus caeruUus), Cooper's hawk {Accipiter cooperi), Califomia homed lark {Eremophila alpestris actia). loggerhead shrike {Lanius ludovicianus), southem rufous-crowned sparrow {Aimophila ruficeps canescsra), San Diego black-Uiled jackrabbit {Lepus californicus bennettii). northvrtstem San Diego pocket mouse {Chaetodipus fallax fallax). San Dicgo desert woodrat {Neotoma lepida intermedia), Califonua adolphia {Adolphia californica), Palmer's grapplinghook {Harpagonellapalmerf), westem dichondra {Dichondra occidentalis), Nuttall's scrub oak {Quercus dumosa). and ashy spikemoss {Selaginella cinerascens). Mitigation measures provided in the ND propose to compensate for direct project impacts to coastal sage scnib and the gnatcatcher at a ratio of 2:1. Mitigation il proposed lo be •ecompllshed on thc adjacent park land or through the purchase of mitigation credits within the Carlsbad Highlands Conservation Bank. Wilh the exception of restricting constructton activiUes to that period outside ofthe breeding season, no mitigation is proposed for potential indirect impacts to gnatcatchers or for the isolation of small patches of coasul sage scrub. Indirect impacts to least Bell's vireo {yireo bellii pusillus; vireo), whidi has been doctimented lo occur in Macario Canyon, would consist of annual monitoring for vireo presence or absence every breeding season prior to construction, along with the identification of nest sites, in order to avoid construction-related noise impacts. Construction on segments of the roadway that arc located adjacent to nesting vireos vrould not begin until after August I, when the nesting cycle is completed. Based upon our review ofthe information provided in the draft ND, the wildlife agencies provide the following comments and recommendations: I. The wildlife agencies concur with the proposal to mitigate for direct impacts lo coastal sage scrtib and one pair of gnatcatchers tt a ratio of 2:1. It should be noted, however, that the construction of l^araday Avenue will isolate several small patches of coastal sage scrub: one south ofthe road and adjacent to golf hole 13. another south ofthe road adjacent to golf hole 15, and the last at the westem end ofthe site. It is our opinion that these isolated patches vnll be too small to support a pair of gnatcatchers and, therefore, their acreage should be added to the total impact acreage for coastal sage scrub and mitigation measures proposed. While wc concur thai it is biologically advantageous to use lands within adjacent Veteran's Memorial Park (Park) as mitigation, il is not clear where in the Park this would occur, if mitigation proposed wmuld be through preservation A-1. Thc 6 acres of coastal sage scrub impact quantified in the Mitigated Negative Declaration does not include the acreage ofthe three isolated patches of coastal sage scrub described by the commentor. The proposed project will directly remove 5.28 acres of coastal sage scrub as a result of project construction and grading. The irolated patches of coastai sage scrub total 1.99 acres. The total project impact, accounting for the remaining coastal sage scrub areas that become isolated by roadway construction is 7.27 acres. Mitigation Measure 1 proposes restoration at 2:1 on city-owned property or through purchase of off-site mitigation at 2:1 &om the Carlsbad Higjilands Mitigation Bank. Due to the uncertainty of plan development and approvals of adjacent uses (the golf course and the fiiture park) the City intends to utilize the remaining coastal sage scrub acreage at the Carlsbad Highlands Mitigation Bank for mitigation of 6 acres of the impacted acreas. There are currently approximately 12 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat available at the Carlsbad Highlands Mitigation Bank. This acreage would satisfy the mitigation requirements for the direct impacts ofthe proposed project. The remaining 1.27 acres would then need to be purchased from an altemative off-site mitigation bank, or be mitigated through on-site restoration. The City agrees with the commentor that the resolution of golf course impacts and mitigation issues has not occurred and that a corridor between holes 13 and 15 of the golf course has not been guaranteed. Mitigation Measure 1 identifies possible locations for coastal sage scrub restoration on-site in the event that off-site purchase was not an option for the City, or in the event that the project impacts exceeded the available acreage from Highlands Mitigation Bank and purchase from another mitigation bank is not feasible. The exact location(s) for coastal sage scrub restoration, if required, would then be defined and a management plan prepared through further consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of Fish and Game as part ofthe 4(d) permit process. Further constraints related to the possible location of on-site restoration include the City's Growth Management Plan park requirements. The City must maintain a minimum of 100 acres for park use at this location. A portion of this area may be utilized for passive open space and could provide coastal sage scrub restoration and enhancement opportimities. However, because ofthe uncertainty of golf course mitigation and park plans, identiflcation of coastal sage scrub restoration areas is premature as the locations may identifled now may not be compatible with the restoration requirements of the golf course and adjacent projects. Off-site mitigation acreage is available to the city and is the logical altemative for the proposed project given the aforementioned considerations. fl il tl fl tt il tl Bl Bl Bl il il fl II II il II 11 II A-1 A-2 A-3 Mr. Christer Wesiman 3 of existing coastal sage scrub, restoration of coastal sage scrub, or a combination of both; or how this would afTeci conslruction of the Park. The ND should provide a map indicating where on the Park property coastal sage scrub preservation/restoration is proposed, and how the City intends lo manage the mitigation site lo sustain ils biological values. In order to ensure the continued existence of the gnatcatcher population in this region of Carlsbad, a live-in and dispersal corridor between habitat north of Palomar Airport Road and Agua Hedionda L.agoon must be provided. The wildlife agencies have been working concunently with thc City on thc proposed municipal golf course. While we have tentatively concurred that restoration of agricultural lands between proposed golf holes 13 and 1S could be used as partial mitigation for golf course impacts to coastal sage scrub, this use is contingent upon a number of other factors. One ofthe most important of Ihese is the City's ability, through implemenUtion of its HMP. to ensure connectivity through the golf course site, Kelly Ranch, and the Kirgis property to Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The majority of these lands are City-owned and. therefore, the responsibility for conservation planning in this area should be done now, in coordination with the wildlife agencies. It should be noted, however, Ihat resolution of golf course impacts and mitigation issues has not yet occurred. As such, a corridor has not been guaranteed and il is therefore premature to assume that these agricultural lands between the proposed golf holes will be restored lo coastal sage scrub. If Ihe required conidor can be assured in the City's HMP. the vnldlife agencies would be supportive of coasial sage scrub restoration in this area of the Park to initiate ihis effort. Without such an assurance, mitigation which relies on Ihis premise may not be appropriate. While the wildlife agencies eoncur with the mitigation ratio proposed in the ND, we remain concemed about the cumulative impacts to coastal sage scrub and gnatcatchers in this region ofthe City. Construction of Ihe proposed project and the proposed municipal golf course, combined with impacts from Cannon Road Reaches I and 2, and the future development of Kelly Ranch, will result in cumulative impacts to coastal sage scrub and gnatcatchers which are significant and only mitigttable through the applicalion of good preserve design, which entails avoidance and minimization of impacts to coastal sage scrub and gnatcatchers wherever possible along with a limited amount of habitat restoration. The ND does not provided an analysis of cumulative impacts or this proiect's relationship to the HMP; this analysis should be included. Because ofthe cumulative elTecls of tlie projects being implemented or planned in this area, the vnldlife agendes strongly recommend that a combination of conservation and restoration of coastal s^e scrub within the Parfc be used to compensate for both direct and indirect Impacts which will result from the extension of Faraday Avenue. The biological technical report references an amount ofthe City's five percent 4(d) allocation ofcoasul sage scrub from August 1997. Please provide information on Ihe amount ofthe five percent currently avaijabic. It is our understanding that thc City will lilcely have exhausted ils five percent by the time it would be needed for the Faraday Avenue extension projecl. Absent the 4(d) process, there are only two options in which A-2. The proposed roadway alignment has been designed to minimize the biological impacts to the extent feasible. The project will avoid any wetland impacts to the unnamed drainage in Macario Canyon. The project-specific impacts to coastal sage scrub can be mitigated to a less than significant level, and the project's contribution to cumulative biolo^cal impacts is not significant The project will impact 6 acres of coastal sage scmb which is less than one percent (0.002%) ofthe approximately 3,127 acres of coastal sage scrab remaining in the city. An analysis of cumulative impacts to biological resources is provided on Tables 4,5, and 6 ofthe Drafl Mitigated Negative Declaration. As indicated in the Drafl Mitigated Negative Declaration, no cumulative impacts are anticipated. As indicated in response A-1 the City will allocate the remaining 12 acres of coastal sage scmb habitat fiom the Carlsbad Highlands Mitigation Bank to this project to satisfy the mitigation requirements. A-3. 'Hieacreageiwnainingunderthe City's five percent4(d) allocation is 11.91 acres as of August 1998. The City has reserved 6 acres specificaUy for the proposed project, and as such the take associated vrith the proposed project can be addressed through the 4(d) process. The remaining 4(d) acreage afler the 6 acres is allocated to the proposed project is 5 91 acres The City acknowledges that absent the 4(d) process, the project would need to be processed through a section IO(aXlXb) pennit. or through approval of a Habitat Conservation Plan. A-4. Mitigation Measure 2 addresses the potential indirect impact to nesting viret) sites during grading or brushing activities. Mitigation Measure 2 has been revised as indicated below and is included in the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program: 2. For each spring prior to constraction, a protocol survey for the least Bell's viieo shall be conducted in the riparian woodland of Macario Canyon. Surveys have been conducted for the 1998 breeding season and no fiirther surveys shall be required should construction begin in tbe year 1999. The purpose of any additional surveys is to identify tiie locatitm of any nesting sites in OTder to avoid construction related noise impacts. Construction of segments of the roadway that are located in the vicinity of nesting birds shall nut begin until aftLi' Augujt I. w4ien Oil, iiuiting cyi-lL ij tumplcted. be restricted to the period outside tbe breeding season, which extends from March 15* through September 30^, annually. 7 fl il 11 il fl II ri ii II il ii il II till I I II 1} II A-3 A-4 A-5 A-6 Mr. Chrisicr Wcsiman 4 the Service can autiiorize "take" of the gnatcatcher and its habiUt: through a section 10(a)(1)(b) perniit pursuant to ihe Endangered Species Act, as amended (Act) which would require the preparation and approval ofa Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), or the project could be processed as pait of an approved City HMP. As it is not anticipated ihat construction would commence until July 1999, the latter is recommended by the wildlife agencies. The use of seclion 7 is not an available meihod which can be used lo authorize lake ofa federally-listed species for this project as ihere is no known federal agency involvement. Grading or brushing activities in, or adjacent to, coastal sage scrub (or other habitat occupied by the gnatcatcher) musl be restricted to that period outside ofthe breeding season for this bird, which is considered to be February 15 through August JQ, annually. Similarly, such activities which would occur adjacent to nesting vireos should be restricted !o that period outside of their breeding season which is considered lo be March 1S through September 30, annually. The ND indicates that road runoff will be directed to vegeUted areas to filter pollutants. These areas should be identified in the ND as the wildlife agencies are concemed about a degradation of water quality in Agua Hedionda Lagoon due to roadway and automobile- generated pollutants. If coastal sage scrub restoration is pan ofthe final biological mitigaiion plan, we request the opportunity lo review and provide comment on the restoration and monitoring plans prior to approval and implementation. The Service and Department appreciate the opportunity to review this ND for the Faraday Avenue extension and your cooperation in meeting with us and providing, in advance, the materials necessary lo accomplish this task. If you have any questions regarding Ihe contenU of this letter, please conUct Julie Vanderwier (Service) at (760) 431 -9440 or David Lavi,rhead (Department) at (619) 467-4211. Sincerely, Sheryl Assistant [^eld Office Supervisor U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sherri Howard, City ofCarlsbad Don Rideoul, City ofCarlsbad Ron Rcmpcl.CDFC '^'^ Gail Presley NCCP Program Manager Depanment of Fish and Game Additionally, Mitigation Measure 3 has been added to the Final Mitigated Negative Declaration to address potential impacts fix}m brushing and grading activity to gnatcatcher occupied habitat. Mitigation Measure 3 reads as follows: 3. Gradii^ or brushing activities in, or adjacent to, coastal sage scmb (or other habitat occupied by the gnatcatcher) must be restricted to that period outside ofthe breeding season for this bird, which extends from February 15* through August 30* anntially. Surveys have been conducted for the 1998 breeding season and no fiirther surveys shall be required should constmction begin in the year 1999. The puipose of any additional surveys is to identity the location of any nesting site in order to avoid constmction related noise impacts. A-5. Figure 8 of the Drafl Mitigated Negative Declaration depicts the direction and amount of drainage flows anticipated after the proposed project has been completed. As indicated in Figure 8. the primary <]rainage pattems vnll be maintained through the use of culverts that will allow the water to pass tmder the roadway. The locations of the drainage outlets for roadway mnofPstorm drainage have not been identified at this time. The locations ofthe drainage outlets will be determined during fmal design and preparation ofthe drainage control plan for the project. The proposed project will be required to comply with NPDES practices and policies, as an NTOES peraiit will be required A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan will be required to be implemented as a condition ofthe permit as well. A majority ofthe project site and upland areas are utilized for agricultural operations that utilize fertilizere, pesticides, and herbicides on a routine basis. Currently, there are no controls to reduce sediment loads from agricultural mnoff, nor chemicals associated with pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Implementation ofthe proposed project will remove this area fiom agricultural production, and it is expected that the impact to adjacent water bodies will be less with implementation ofthe proposed project than tmder the existing conditioa Pollutant loads fiom future roadway mnoff are not anticipated to be significant. A-6. Comment noted. The City anticipates further coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of Fish and Game will be required should restoration be required as part ofthe biological mitigation plan. HI-6-98-CA-029 fl il il ii Bi il Bi ii ti ii ii ii ii il il ii ii i i ii B-1 July KT. 1998 TO: ASSOCIATE PLANNER, WESTMAN From: Park Oevelopinenl Coordinalor FARADAY AVE. INITIAL STUDY COMMENTS Comment on: Mlllgallon Monllorlnq Program Checkllsl: DQ. A: 'MUlQallon Measures': fi] Tills document recommends 'optimal mitigation'* ol Ihe coasial sage Impacts within Ihe park site norlli of the proposed road. Currently, because ol Ihe golt course project and mitigation for Cannon Rd„ only 100 acres (+/•) ot Valeran's Memorial Park (VMP) remains out ol 288 acres of City praparty previously dedicated as parkland. Ttie Parks and Recreation Bement of Ihe General Plan allocates 100 acres of VMP (25 acres / each quadrant) toward meeting the CIt/s park requirements. I( mlllgatlon lor Faraday takes away from the remaining 100 acre park stte, we may not be able to meet the City's standards as cun-ently planned. We recommend the "mitigation alternative" outtined in ihe chart to go oil site lo the Carlsbad Highlands Mitigation Bank and purchase the required mitigation acreage. B-1. Comment noted. The City vrill pursue purchase ofofT-iite mitigation fivm the Carlsbad Highlands Mitigation Bank as the method to mitigate impacts ttom the Faraday Avenue project as the preferred method of mitigation. Mark Sleyaerl Assoclale Civil Engineer. Howard Recrealion and Park Planning Manager Senior Managemenl Analyst, CSD Appendix A Geotechnical Study Leighton & Associates, Inc. il LEIGHTON AMD ASSOCIATES, INC. GeotecMcol and Environinentat Ingbwerlng Consultants May 28,1998 To: 0*Day Consultants 2320 Camino Vida Roble, Suite B Carlsbad, Califomia 92009 ProjectNo. 4980118-001 Attention: Mr. Chuck Collins Subject: Geotechnical Reconnaissance Faraday Avenue Extension, Carlsbad, Califomia m m Enclosed is the Geotechnical Reconnaissance for the Faraday Avenue Extension for inclusion into the Environmental Impact Report as requested. Please note that the Geologic Maps have been labeled Figures 1 through 4. We are currently in the process of preparing our geotechnical mvestigationof the site and will issue this document shortly. If you have any further questions or requests, please do not hesitate to contact this office. We appreciate this opportunity to be of service on this project. Respectfully submitted, LEIGHTON AND ASSOCIATES, cc: . Franzone, RCE 3 of Engineering Mr. Tim (jnibus Cotton Beland, Associates 6310 Greenwich Drive, Suite 220 San Diego, Califomia 92122 Michaftl R'Stewart, CEG 1349 (Kcp. 12/31/99) Director of Geology 3934 MURPHY CANYON ROAD. SUITE B205. SAN DIEGO, CA 92123 (619) 292-8030 • (800) 447-2626 FAX (619) 292-0771 m GEOTECmCAL/SOILS ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Geologic Conditions - - The majority of the project site is presently developed as agricultural fields and has been partially graded and disturbed in order to facilitate the agricultural activities onsite. Topographically, the site is characterized by numerous ridges and intervening ravines and valleys that intersect a main northwest trending drainage that flows into Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Elevations along the proposed alignment range from approximately 20 feet mean sea level (m.s.l.) at the extreme northwest comer of the site in the main drainage, to approximately 265 feet mean sea level (m.s.l.) near the ridgeline along the eastem edge of the alignment. Natural slopes on the site range from relatively steep (steeper than 1:1, horizontal to vertical) to relatively gentle (less than 3:1, horizontal to vertical). Existing improvements are generally related to past and present agricultural activities on the site. Improvements associated with the agricultural fields include underground irrigation lines and valves and minor cuts and fills associated with access roads. Other onsite improvements include: access roads associated with several utility easements, and a pair of relatively small earthen dams constructed to impound water for irrigation purposes. Non-agricultural vegetation on-site ranges fi'om a relatively thick growth of grasses and weeds on the undisturbed hillsides to shrubs and thick weeds in the ravines. Riparian trees and shrubs grow quite heavily in the main drainage trending northwest-southeast across the site. The majority of the proposed alignment transects hillside agricultural fields. Regional Geologv The subject site is located within the coastal subprovence of the Peninsular Ranges Geomorphic Provence, near the westem edge of the southern Califomia batholith. The topography at the edge of the batholith changes from mgged landfoims developed on the batholith to the more subdued landfoims which typify the softer sedimentary formations of the coastal plain. Site Geologv As encountered during our investigation(s), and our review of geotechnical reports applicable to the subject site (Appendix A), the majority of the proposed alignment is underiain by the Tertiary Santiago Formation. The Jurassic-aged Santiago Peak Volcanics is the bedrock unit in the extreme southeast section of the alignment. Surficial units on-site consist of alluvium, coUuvium, topsoil, and imdocumented fill soils. The approximate areal distributions of the units are shown on the Geologic Maps (Figures 1 through 4) and briefly discussed below. Jurassic Santiago Peak Volcanics (Map Symbol - Jsp) The Jurassic aged Santiago Peak Volcanics crop out in the southeast portion of the subject site. Typically the unit is hard and extremely resistant to erosion and forms topographic highs. Most of the rocks are dark greenish gray where fresh but weather grayish red to dark reddish brown. The soil developed on the Santiago Peak Volcanics is the color of the weathered bedrock and supports the growth of dense chapanal. If deep removals are planned in this area, localized heavy ripping or blasting may be required. "~ Santiago Formation (Map Symbol - Ts) MM* The bedrock unit underiying the majority of the site is the Tertiary-aged Santiago Formation. In general, the unit consists of massive to weakly bedded sandstone with interbedded clayey siltstone and silty claystone. ^ The sandstone encountered consisted primarily of light gray, light brown, and light yellow-brown, moist, dense, silty, fine- to occasionally medium-grained sandstone. The sandstone was generally fnable, slightly micaceous and weakly bedded to massive. Well cemented sandstone beds were occasionally encountered ^ during this and previous investigations on adjacent sites and may require heavy ripping during grading. The siltstone typically consisted of brown and olive-green gray, moist, stiff, clayey siltstones that were 4n fissile to indistinctly bedded and contained calcium carbonate, manganese-oxide and iron-oxide staining. The claystone typicaUy was gray to brown, moist, stiff to hard, fine-grained, sandy to silty claystone that " was moderately sheared. Where encountered, the upper 6 to 12 inches of the Santiago Formation appears to ^ be moderately weathered, porous and potentially compressible. This layer should be removed and recompacted in areas of stmctural fill placement or settlement sensitive improvements. m Alluvium (Map Symbol—Qal) UK Alluvium was encountered during our investigation of the proposed alignment in the majority of the drainages and the low lying areas adjacent to and along the proposed alignment. As encountered, the alluvium generally consisted of potentially compressible, moist to wet, loose to medium dense silty sands, g| sandy silts, and sandy clays. Within the main northwest trending drainage, the alluvium is relatively thick as evidenced by approximately 20-50 feet of alluvium encountered in borings excavated for the adjacent golf Ml course geotechnical investigation. Ml In many of the smaller side canyons, alluvium was encountered and mapped. However, these areas were ^ not accessible with the drilling equipment utilized in this investigation. Based upon our work on adjacent properties and our experience with similar conditions, alluvial depths in these areas can be expected to range * up to 10 +feet. * Unsaturated alluvial soils are considered potentially compressible and not suitable for the support of il structural loads or additional fill soils in areas of settlement sensitive improvements. These soils should be removed and recompacted in areas proposed for stmctural improvements as part of site grading. 4M CoUuvium / Slope Wash (Map Symbol - Qcol) * Holocene aged coUuvium / slope wash was encountered mantling the lower valley slopes, in areas ^ undisturbed by agriculmral activities. As encountered, the coUuvium / slope wash typically consisted of poorly consolidated surficial materials derived from nearby soil and decomposed bedrock sources. This m reworked debris is deposited along the flanks of the lower valley slopes by the action of gravity and surface ^ water. Generally, the material was light brown to dark brovm, damp to moist, medium dense, silty to clayey sand that was generally 5 to 15 feet in thickness although locaUy it may be deeper. The coUuvium / slope ^ wash was typically porous and anticipated to be potentially compressible under the toad of existing fills or improvements. In places, it is difficult to distinguish the sandier colluvial soils from the underlying * weathered Santiago Fonnation. Topsoil (Unmapped) tm Topsoil was encountered essentially covering the entire site but was not mapped. The topsoil was found to be generally light brown to dark brown, damp, loose to medium dense, silty sands with minor amounts of clay. The topsoil was generally ± 3 feet in thickness and contains moderate amounts of decomposed organics. Where disturbed by the previous agriculmral activities, the topsoil may locaUy be up to 5 feet thick. This unit was evaluated to be compressible under the loading of fill soils or other improvements. UndocumentedFill (Map Symbol - Af) mm ^ Undocumented fill soil is present on the site in various locations. The major undocumented fill areas consisted of earthen embankments for agriculmral ponds, unimproved roads, end-dumped debris piles, and •« utility trench backfiU. Our site reconnaissance indicated that potentially compressible alluvium was left in place beneath these fill areas. In addition, our literamre review did not indicate that any documentation or testing was completed for these areas. Undocumented fill soils were also noted in several other locations ^ within the subject site. As encountered, the undocumented fill consisted of numerous soil types, but typically the fill soils were light brown to medium brown and gray, moist to very moist, loose, silty sands and clayey sands. These soils should be removed to expose competent materiai in areas of proposed fill ^ soils or improvements. Geologic Stmcmre • The bedrock imits encountered on the site were generally massive to weakly bedded. However, based on il our professional experience in the area, bedding of the underlying Santiago Formation is anticipated to be relatively gently dipping (i.e. 5 to 10 degrees) to the west. m m m m Ground Water Ground water was encountered within several of the onsite drainages in the lower elevations of the site particularly in the main northwest trending drainage located west of the proposed alignment. The presence of ground water in these areas would most likely limit the removal of alluvium and undocumented fill that would be required for strucmral improvements proposed for these areas. Perched groundwater conditions were also encountered in several of our borings on-site commonly at the contact between tiie relatively impermeable Tertiary Santiago Fonnation and the relatively porous overlying soils. However, ground water is not anticipated to be a constraint to site development provided the recommendations provided in the project geotechnical investigation and during the course of grading are implemented. Mass Movement Based on our review of the previous geotechnical reports, available geologic literamre and maps, and aerial photographs, several feamres indicative of mass movements (such as landslides, surficial slumps, etc.) were observed within the areas proposed for development. In the central and north-central portion of the proposed alignment an area has been m^ped as a landslide complex based on topographic expression and data gathered during our subsurface investigation. Geologic mapping of excavations in this area should be performed during site grading. Localized zones of weak claystone/siltstone material are present in the Santiago Formation and may create localized areas that are prone to slope instability if exposed in a cut m m m m slope. Accordingly, all cut slopes should be mapped by an engineering geologist during site grading. Additional recommendations for slope stabilization can be provided as needed during site gra(ling. Faulting and Seismicitv Our discussion of the faults on the site is pre&ced with a discussion of Califomia legislation and state poUcies conceming the classification and land-use criteria associated with faults. By definition of the Califomia Mining and Geology Board, an active fault is a fault which has had surface displacement within Holocene time (about the last 11,000 years). The State Geologist has defined a potentially active fault as any fault considered to have been active during Quatemaiy time (last 1,600,000 years) but that has not been proven to be active or inactive. This defmition is used in delineating Fault Rupmre Hazard Zones as mandated by the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fauh Zoning Act of 1972 and most recently revised in 1994. The intent of this act is to assure that unwise urban development does not occur across the traces of active faults. Base on our review of the Fault-Rupture Hazard Zones, the subject site is not located within any Fault-Rupmre Hazard Zone as created by the Alquist-Priolo Act (Hart, 1994). However, several inactive fault zones have been mapped in a number of places within and adjacent to the subject site (see attached Geologic Maps, Figures 1 through 4). These inactive fault zones are not considered to be a constraint to site development. The location of the proposed development can be considered to lie within a seismically active region, as can • all of southem Califoraia. The subject site lies within Seismic Zone 4 as outiined in Section 1629 ofthe 1997 edition of the UBC. The Rose Canyon Fault Zone which is located approximately 4.5 miles to the ^ west of the site is considered to have the most significant seismic effect at the site from a design standpoint, if A maximum probable earthquake of moment magnimde 5.9 on the fault could produce a peak horizontal ground acceleration of approximately 0.30g at the site. The slip rate of the fault is estimatetl at 1.5 mm/yr. (State of California, 1996) and die soil profile type is Sc (per Table 16-J of tiie 1997 UBC). m Seismic Considerations m gl The principal seismic considerations for most stmcmres in southem Califomia are surface mpturing of fault traces, damage caused by ground shaking and/or seismically induced liquefaction or dynamic settlement. ^ The probability of damage due to ground mpmre is considered minimal since active faults are not known to cross the site. Ground lurching due to shaking from distant seismic events is not considered a significant hazard, although it is a possibility throughout the southem Califomia region. Ground Shaking The seismic hazard most likely to impact the site is ground shaking resulting from an earthquake on one of ** the major regional faults. As discussed above, a maximum probable event on the Rose Canyon Fault Zone m (considered the design earthquake for this site) could produce a peak horizontal acceleration at the site of 0.30g. M Liquefaction/DvnamicSettianent Liquefaction of cohesionless soils can be caused by strong vibratory motion due to earthquakes. Research and historical data indicate that loose granular soils underlain by a near-surface ground water table are most susceptible to liquefaction, while the stability of most silty clays and clays is not adversely affected by vibratory motion. The Santiago Formation is generally not considered liquefiable due to its high density characteristics. From our preliminary field smdy, it appears that the area most likely susceptible to liquefaction is the main ** drainage area. Accordingly, as the proposed aUgnment does not infringe upon the main drainage, it is our professional opinion that the proposed roadway alignment has a low potential for liquefaction. Grading Due to the uneven terrain of the project site, grading will be required in order to achieve the design grades. m In certain areas of the proposed alignment, this will require that significant cuts and/or fills be made in order to achieve the design grade. M It is our professional opinion that development of the proposed alignment will not be precluded by the soil and geologic conditions at the site. However, remedial measures will be required to ensure stable grading. <• The presence of loose, potentially compressible surface deposits in the form of topsoil, alluvium, coUuvium, ^ and undocumented fill soils will require special consideration durmg grading. In addition, ground water was observed as mnoff in the major drainages and was encountered as seepage in several of our borings. M Remedial measures will likely be required to address the groundwater conditions. Loose unconsolidated deposits on the project site should be removed and densified, and subdrains installed where required to reduce the build-up of a shallow groundwater condition. The Safety Element of Carlsbad General Plan establishes requirements for the preparation of geotechnical smdies for various land uses. Implementation of the Safety Element of the Carlsbad General Plan requires " the compilation of site-specific geotechnical reports for development projects, use of appropriate IV constmction techniques during development as recommended by a registered engineer, and implementation of standards for grading and constraction to mitigate geologic hazards during and after development. These ii strategies will be implemented as development moves forward on the project site. In addition, the fmal (H grading plan must comply with the City of Carlsbad Grading Ordinances. Due to site conditions, supplemental measures will be required to reduce the geologic impact from grading to less than significant. ^ Earthquake Hazards m m m m m m While no active faults are known to traverse the subject site, earthquakes along regional faults could produce groundshaking at the site. AU development must conform to the most recent version of the Uniform Building Code (UBC), which requires building techniques to prevent stmctural failure during earthquakes. With the implementation of the UBC requirements, the risk of property damage and injury due to earthquakes will be no greater than the risk encountered in other populated areas of southem Califomia. Cumulative Impacts il Geologic conditions vary across the subject site, but all development in the region is potentially subject to groundshaking from an earthquake on one of the active regional faults. As all new development must be M constmcted according to State-mandated requirements for seismic safety, cumulative geotechnical and soil m impacts will not be significant. LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE Impacts related to site geotechnical and soil conditions will be potentiaUy significant. While the on-site geologic conditions will not preclude the planned development, remediation measures will be necessary to ensure geologic stability and public safety. MITIGATIONMEASURES The following mitigation measures are required to reduce the geotechnical and soil impacts to less than significant. 1. Information and recommendations provided in the Leighton and Associates, Inc., project geotechnical /soils report shall be incorporated into plans for site grading and constmction. 2. All grading and subsequent development plans shall be reviewed by a certified engineer and/or engineering geologist prior to finalization to determine the need for additional measures and/or analysis. During the review, special consideration shall be given to the loose, potentially compressible surface deposits in the fonn of topsoil, alluvium, slopewash, undocumented fill soils, and landslide debris. Such materials will require remedial grading where encountered. LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATtON Impacts related to geotechnical and soil conditions will be reduced to less than significant with the implementation of the required mitigation measures. m APPENDIX A REFERENCES Abbott, P.L., ed., 1985, On the Manner of Deposition of the Eocene Strata in Northem San Diego County; San Diego Association of Geologists Fieldtrip Guidebook. AprU 13, 1985. Albee, A.L., and Smith J.L., 1966, Earthquake Characteristics and Fault Activity Southem Califomia in Southem CaUfomia, Association of Engineering Geologists, Special Publication, dated October 1966. Bolt, B.A., 1973, Duration of Strong Ground Motion, Proc. FifUi Worid Conference on Earthquake Engineering,Rom,PaperNo.292,pp. 1304-1313.dated June 1973. Bonilla, M.J., 1970, Surface Faulting and Related Effects, m Wiegel, R., Ed., Earthquake Engineering, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall, Inc., pp. 47-74. Califomia Division of Mines and Geology, 1975, Fault Map of Califomia, Scale 1"=750,000'. Eisenberg, L.I.. 1983, Pleistocene Teiraces and Eocene Geology, Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe Quadrangles, San Diego County, Califomia, San Diego State University Master's Thesis (unpublished), p. 386. m ^ jggj^ Pleistocene Faults and Marine Terraces, Northem San Diego County in Abbott, P.L.. m Editor, On the Manner of Deposition of the Eocene Strata in Northern San Diego County, San Diego Association of Geologists, Field Trip Guidebook, pp. 86-91. •m ^ Geotechnics, 1992, Phase 1 Geotechnical Investigation, Carlsbad Ranch, Carlsbad, CUilifomia, Project No. 0054-0001-00, dated September 25,1992. ^ Greensfelder, R.W., 1974, Maximum Credible Rock Accelerations from Earthquakes in Califomia, Califomia Division of Mines and Geology, Map Sheet 23. m Hannan, D.L., 1975. Faulting in the Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Vista Areas, Northem San Diego County, Califomia io Ross, A. and Dowlen, R.J., eds., Smdies on the Geology of Camp Pendleton and Western San Diego County, California, San Diego Association of Geologists Field Trip Guidebook, pp. 56-60. Ni Hart, 1988, Fault-Rupmre Hazard Zones in California, Alquist-Priolo Special Smdies Zones Act of 1972 with Index to Special Smdy Zones Maps: Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and m Geology, Special Publication 42. « Hart, E.W., 1992, Fault-Rupmre Hazard Zones in California, Alquist-Priolo Special smdies Zones Act of ^ 1972 with Index to Special Smdy Zones Maps: Department of Conversation, Division of Mines and Geology, Special PubUcation42. m mi m APPENDIX A (Continued) Hileman, J.A.. Allen, C.R., and Nordquist, J.M., 1973, Seismicity of the Southem Califomia Region, 1 Januaiy 1932 to 31 December 1972: Califomia Instimte of Technology Seismology Laboratory, Pasadena, Caiifomia. Intemational Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), 1997, Unifonn Building Code. , 1997, Uniform Building Code, Volume I-Administrative, Fire- and Life-Safety, and Field Inspection Provisions; Volume Il-Stmcmral Engineering Design Provisions; and Volume Ill- Material, Testing and Installation Provisions: ICBO. Jennings, C.W., 1975, Fauh Map of C^ifomia: Califomia Division of Mines and Geology, Geologic Map No. 1, Scale 1:750,000. , 1992, Preliminary Fault Activity Map of Califomia: Califomia Division of Mines and Geology, Open File Report 92-03, Scale 1:750,000. Joyner, W.B., and Boore, D.M., 1982, Prediction of Earthquake Response Spectra, in Proceeding 51** Annual Convention, Stmcmral Engineers Association of California; Also U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 81-977, p. 16. Lamar, D.L., Merifield. P.M., and Proctor, R.J., 1973. Earthquake Recurrence Intervals on Major Faults in Southem Califomia, in Moran, D.E., Slosson, J.E., Stone, R.O., and Yelverton, C.A., Eds., 1973, Geology, Seismicity, and Environmental Impact. Association of Engineering Geologists, ^ Special Publication. m Leighton and Associates, Inc.. 1985, Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Proposed Huntington Palomar ^ Business Park, Carlsbad. CaUfomia, ProjectNo. 4841363-02, dated April 5, 1985. ^ ^ 19g7^ PreUminary Geotechnical Investigation, Portion of Lot H of Rancho Agua Hedionda, Partition Map No. 823, Northeast Comer of Interstate 5 and Cannon Road, Carlsbad, • California, ProjectNo. 8870059-01,dated February 17,1987. 1989a, Preliminary Geotechnical Investigation, Proposed Carltas Rancho Agua Hedionda Regional Shopping Center, Northeast of Interstate 5 and Cannon Road, Carlsbad, Califomia, ProjectNo. 8891551-01,dated September29,1989. 1991, Supplemental Geotechnical Evaluation, Proposed CoUege Business Park, Carlsbad Tract 85-17, Carlsbad. California, Project No. 8841363-04, dated January 16. 1991 revised September24,1991. 1992, City of Carlsbad Geotechnical Hazards Analysis and Mapping Smdy, 84 Sheets, dated November, 1992. APPENDIX A (Continued) , 1994b, Preliminary Geotechnical Evaluation for Tentative Map Purposes. Calsbad Ranch, Carlsbad, Califomia, ProjectNo. 4930489-04, dated July 5,1994. , In-house unpublished data. Lindvall, S.C. Rockwell, T.K., and Lindvall, C.E., 1990, The Seismic Hazard of San Diego Revised: New Evidence for Magnimde 6+ Holocene Earthquake on the Rose Canyon Fault Zone: Proceedings of Fourth U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Volume I, pp.679-688. Moore and Taber. 1987. Report of Geotechnical Services, Carlsbad Tract No. 81-46, Airport Business Center Unit No. 1, City of Carisbad, Califomia, JobNo. 285-256, dated February 25,1987. Ploessel, M.R., and Slosson, J.E., 1974. Repeatable High Ground Accelerations From Earthquakes - Important Design Criteria, Califomia Geology, V. 27. Reichle, M.S., and Kahle, J.E., 1990, Plarming Scenario for a Major Earthquake, San Diego-Tijuana MetropoUtan Area: Califomia Division of Mines and Geology, Special Publication 100. Rick Engineering, 1987. Site Development Plan, College Business Park, Carlsbad Tract No. 85-17, Scale l"=100',JobNo. 8495C. dated May 1, 1985, Revised September4,1987. , 1985, Site Development Plan, College Business Paric, Carlsbad Tract No. 85-17, Scale 1"=100', JobNo. 8495C, dated May 1.1985, Revised September 4,1987. Schnabel, R., and Seed, H.B., 1973, Accelerations in Rock from Earthquakes in the Westem United States, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, V. 63, No. 2, pp. 501 -516. Seed, H.B., and Idriss, I.M., 1982, Ground Motions and Soil Liquefaction During Earthquakes, Monogram Series, Earthquake Engineering Research Instimte, Berkeley, Califomia. Seed, H.B.. and Idriss, I.M., and Kiefer, R.W., 1968, Characteristics of Rock Motions During Earthquakes, Joumal of Soil Mechanics and Foundations Division, ASCE, V. 95, No. SM5, Proc. Paper 6783, pp. 1199-1218. Singh, A., 1970, Shear Strength and Stability of Man-Made Slopes, in Joumal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundations Divisions, ASCE, No. SM6,pp. 1879-1892. , 1982, Recent Slope failures. Ancient Landslides and Related Geology of the North-Central Coastal Area, San Diego County, Caiifomia, Califomia Division of Mines and Geology, Open File Report 82-12, LA. -, 1963, Geology and Mineral Resources of San Diego County, Califomia: Califomia Division of Mines and Geology, County Report 3,309p. APPENDIX A (Continued) •m U.S. Department of the Navy, 1969, Civil Engineering. DM-5. mm . 1982. Foundations and Earth Stmcmres, DM 7.2. mm , 1986, Soil Mechanics, DM7.1. United States Department of the Interior Geologic Survey, 1968, 7.5-Minute Encinitas Quadrangles, Scale ^ 1:24,000, Photo Revised 1975. United States Department of the Interior Geologic Survey, 1996. Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment ^ fortiie State of California, Open File Report96-706. M Wilson, K.L., 1972, Eocene and Related Geology of a Portion of the San Luis Rey and Encinitas ^ Quadrangles, San Diego, Califomia. ^ Ziony, J.I.. and Yerkes, RF., 1985, Evaluating Earthquake and Surface-Faulting Potential in Ziony, ed., 1985, Evaluating Earthquake Hazards in the Los Angeles Region - An Earth - Science *i Perspective: U.S. Geological Survey, Professional Paper 1360. pp. 43-91. m m pcol/ GEOLOGIC MAP Faraday Avenue Alternate 8 Split Carlsbad, California Engr./Geot JOF/flf^ Drafted By KAM Date May 1998 1045 889 Figure No. 1 BEST COPY FOR LEGEND SEE FIGURE NO. 1. GEOLOGIC MAP Faraday Avenue Alternate 8 Split Carlsbad. California Proiect No. 4980118-001 Scale T'zlOO' Engr./GeoL ^^^^ Drafted By KAM Date ^998 1 1 1045 «89 Figure No.3 I I I I I I I n i: G D y I li c m Appendix B • Traffic Study Z Linscott, Law & Greenspan Engineers TRAFFIC STUDY FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION CARLSBAD. CALIFORNIA Prepared by: Ml m m m m LINSCOTT LAW & GREENSPAN ENGINEERS 8989 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 135 San Diego, CA 92108 (619) 299-3090 il May 18, 1998 JPK/JB/jh 3-976113 TABLE OF CONTENTS il DESCRIPTION PAGE Na Introduction 1 Existing Street Systems 1 Existing Traffic Volumes 6 Buildout (Year 2015) Traffic Volumes (Without Faraday Avenue Extension) 6 Buildout (Year 2015) Traffic Volumes (With Faraday Avenue Extension) 6 Significance Criteria 6 Traffic Analysis Methodology 12 Existing Operations 14 Buildout Operations (Without Faraday Avenue Extension) 14 Buildout Operations (With Faraday Avenue Extension) 14 Conclusions 16 APPENDICES A Intersection Count Sheets B Signalized Intersection Calculation Sheets 6113T0C LIST OF TABLES TABLE PAGE NO. DESCRIPTION NO. 1. Existing Daily Traffic Volumes 7 2. Signalized Intersection Operations 13 3. Peak Hour Street Segments 15 4. ADT Comparison.... 17 LIST OF EXHIBITS TABLE PAGE NO. DESCRIPTION Na 1. Vicinity Map 2 2. Project Area Map 3 3. Existing Conditions Diagram 5 4. Existing Traffic Volumes 8 5. Buildout (Without Faraday Avenue Extension) Traffic Volumes 9 8. Buildout (With Faraday Avenue Extension) Traffic Volumes 10 7. Future Conditions Diagram 11 6113.T0C LINSCOTT LAW ^ GREENSPAN ENGINEERS TRAFFIC STUDY FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA INTRODUCTION The following traffic study has been prepared to determine and evaluate the potential traffic impacts on the surrounding circulation system due to the proposed extension of Faraday Avenue from its current terminus to Cannon Road within the City of Carlsbad. Exhibit 1 is a vicinity map showing the general project location. Exhibit 2 shows a more detailed project area map. Future on-street traffic volumes were estimated and the traffic impacts were analyzed at several key intersections and street segments in the project area. Included in this traffic study is the following: • Existing street system description; • Future traffic volume estimation; • Intersection and street segment capacity analysis both with and without the extension of Faraday Avenue; and • Conclusions Faraday Avenue is generally an east-west facility that runs from Orion Street to its current terminus, approximately one mile west of College Avenue. It is proposed to extend Faraday Avenue northwest to Cannon Road. In general, the purpose of this traffic study is to determine the traffic impacts (both positive and negative) of extending Faraday Avenue and to recommend its ultimate configuration. EXISTING STREET SYSTEM According to the City of Carlsbad Street Design Criteria Table, Prime Arterials should be 106 feet wide in 126 feet of right-of-way (R/W), providing six thru lanes with bike lanes or curbside parking and an 18 foot wide raised median. Major Arterials should be 82 feet wide in 102 feet of R/W, providing four thru lanes with bike lanes or curbside parking and an 18 foot wide raised median. Secondary Arterials should be 64 feet wide in 84 feet of R/W, providing four thru lanes with curbside parking or a raised median with no parking. Four-Lane Collectors should be 48 feet wide in 68 feet of R/W, with a painted centerline and no parking. Two-Lane Collectors should be 40 feet RIVCRSDe COUNTY SOURCE: LLG Engine«ra. 1997 MILES 1 LINSCOTT LAW GREENSPAN ENGINEERS VICINITY MAP FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION rifiiiiitaiitiiitifiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii O SOURCE: Thomas Bros. Mops NO SCALE LINSCOI I LAW eV GRLLNSI'AN PROJECT AREA MAP ENGINEERS FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION m m LINSCOTT LAV\' GREENSPAN ENGINEERS wide in 60 feet of R/W. providing two thru lanes with a painted centeriine and curbside parking. The following is a brief description of the existing roadway system in the project area. Exhibit 3 shows an existing conditions diagram. Interstate 5 (1-5) is a north/south facility which extends from the United States/Mexico border, the length of California and beyond. In the vicinity of the project, 1-5 provides four thru lanes in each direction. There is an interchange at Palomar Airport Road and Cannon Road in the project vicinity. Palomar Airport Road is classified as a Prime Arterial, tt runs east/west and generally provides three thru lanes in each direction with bike lanes. Within the project vicinity, Palomar Airport Road is signalized at the 1-5 ramps, Paseo Del Norte, College Boulevard, Palomar Oaks Way, Camino Vida Roble, El Camino Real, and El Fuerte Street intersections. The interchange with 1-5 is a diamond configuration with a westbound to southbound loop on-ramp. The posted speed limit is 55 mph. Cannon Road is classified as a Major Arterial. It runs east/west and provides two lanes in each direction. Cannon Road currently terminates just east of Paseo Del Norte. It is planned to extend Cannon Road eastward to El Camino Real as a four lane roadway in the near future. El Camino Real is classified as a Prime Arterial. It runs north/south and generally provides three thru lanes in each direction with bike lanes. V\/ithin the project vicinity, El Camino Real is signalized at the Palomar Airport Road, Faraday Avenue and College Boulevard intersections. The posted speed limit is 55 mph. College Boulevard is classified as a Major Arterial. It runs north/south and generally provides two thru lanes in each direction with no bike lanes. Within the project vicinity. College Boulevard is signalized at Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real. m ^ Paseo Del Norte provides four lanes of divided travel. Bike lanes exist on both sides of the street, and curbside parking is prohibited. The posted speed limit is 45 miles per m hour. A signal exists at Paseo Del Norte and Palomar Airport Road. m Faraday Avenue is classified as a Secondary Arterial. It runs east/west and provides * two thru lanes in each direction with no bike lanes. The terminus of Faraday Avenue is m approximately one mile west of College Boulevard. Within the project vicinity, Faraday Avenue is signalized at College Boulevard and El Camino Real. The posted speed limit is 40 mph. Faraday Avenue currently carries about 1,400 Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volume west of College Boulevard and 7,000 ADT east of College Boulevard. m iifiiiiiiiiitiiitiiiri lllll llllllllll Ul PALOUAR AIRPOBT RD LEGEND _ - Traffic Signal -JT - STOP Sign 4D - Four lane divided roadway NO SCAL£ LINSCOTT LAW 6v GREENSPAN EXISTING CONDITIONS DIAGRAM ENGINEERS FARADAY AVENUE E)aENSION LINSCOTT LAV\^ <S< GREENSPAN ENGINEERS EXISTING TRAFFIC VOLUMES Table 1 shows a summary of the existing daily (ADT) traffic volumes on the street segments in the project area. These volumes were obtained from City of Carisbad count records and reflect the most recent available counts. Manual turning movement intersection counts were obtained from the City of Carisbad and the 1997 Carlsbad Traffic Monitoring Program Report. Linscott, Law & Greenspan (LLG) supplemented these counts with AM/PM peak hour turning movement counts in May 1997 at the intersection of Faraday Avenue/College Boulevard. The following intersections were included in the analysis. • Cannon Road/Paseo del Norte • College Boulevard/Palomar Airport Road • College Boulevard/Faraday Avenue • College Boulevard/El Camino Real Exhibit 4 shows the existing AM/PM peak hour and daily traffic volumes. Appendix A contains the intersection manual count sheets. BUILDOUT (YEAR 2015) TRAFFIC VOLUMES Buildout (Year 2015) traffic volumes were used to analyze the street system both with and without Faraday Avenue. The buildout traffic volumes were obtained from the traffic study prepared for the Lego Family Park by Kaku Associates and from the SANDAG Series 8 Traffic Model. Two intersections utilized turning volumes from the Kaku report (Cannon Road/Paseo del Norte and Palomar Airport Road/College Avenue). The remaining intersection volumes were obtained from the SANDAG model. The SANDAG model was run both with and without the extension of Faraday Avenue. Exhibits 5 and 6 show the buildout traffic volumes without and with the extension of Faraday Avenue, respectively. Exhibit 7 shows the future geometries at the studied intersections. These geometries were obtained from the Carlsbad Local Facilities Management Plan - Zone 13 which il was prepared in October 1995. SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA A traffic impact is considered to be significant if the project causes an intersection or street segment LOS to decrease to worse than LOS D during the peak hour, as outiined LINSCOTT L/\V\' 6< GREENSPAN ENGINEERS TABLE 1 EXISTING DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES mm mm STREET SEGMENT DATE 24-HOUR VOLUME (BOTH DIRECTIONS) m m Palomar Airport Road w/o College Boulevard 1996 39,700 m e/o College Boulevard 1997 26,630 Ml College Boulevard n/o Palomar Airport Road 1997 12,680 m n/o Faraday Avenue 1996 49,000 «i El Camino Real s/o College Boulevard 1996 20,000 m n/o College Boulevard 1996 23.900 Mi m Faraday Avenue w/o College Boulevard 1996 1,400 m m e/o College Boulevard 1996 7,000 m m Tab1.6113 5/18/98 ri ftl fti fti fti fti II II II II tl lllllllllllllll 00 PALOi£AR AIRPOBT RD NOTE: — ADT's are shown midblock - AM/PM Peak hour volumes are shown at the intersections NO SCALE LINSCOLT LAW \ GREENSPAN ENGINEERS EXISTING TRAFRC VOLUMES AM/PM PEAK HOURS & ADTs FARADAY AVENUE EXFENSION li 11 ft I fti fi II ( llllilllllllllllllllll NOTE: — ADT's are shown midblock — AM/PM Peak hour volumes ore shown at the intersections 18,200 52,600 .. PALOUAR AIRPORT RD 23,300 NO SCALE LINSC OT L LAW 6v GREENSPAN ENGINEERS BUILDOUT TRAFRC VOLUMES (WITHOUT FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION) AM/PM PEAK HOURS & ADT's FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION fl fti ftl ftt fti fti fti fti ii II il il li II li II l] II II NOTE: — ADT's ore shown midblock — AM/PM Peak hour volumes are PAWUAB AIRPORT RD NO SCALE LINSCOTT LAW cK GREENSPAN ENGINEERS BUILDOUT TRAFFIC VOLUMES (WITH FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION) AM/PM PEAK HOURS & ADT's FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION II ft i fti fti ftt ft i fti fti fti fti ft i II i 1 ill! II II I i I i LEGEND (S) - Traffic Signal <55 -cr - STOP Sign V/^( / ^ 4D — Four lane divided roadway * - LLG proposed lane configuration PALOUAR AIRPORT RD SOURCE: Cadsbad LFMP Zone 13 (October 1995) NO SCALE LINSCOTT LAW GREENSPAN FUTURE CONDITIONS DIAGRAM ENGINEERS FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION m m outlined in the City's Growth Management Plan. For intersections or street segments which are currently operating worse than LOS D, a project impact will be considered significant if the project causes the Intersection Capacity Utilization (ICU) value at an intersection to increase by 0.02 or greater or the volume-to-capacity ratio at a segment to increase by 0.02 or more. The "project" is the extension of Faraday Avenue. The potential impacts of the project are measured against the buildout without Faraday Avenue extension condition. TRAFFIC ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY The traffic analysis assesses the key intersections and street segments in the project area. The following intersections and several street segments are analyzed in this report. All of the intersections are signalized. • Cannon Road/Paseo del Norte • Canon Road/Faraday Avenue • Cannon Road/El Camino Real • College Boulevard/Palomar Airport Road • College Boulevard/Faraday Avenue • College Boulevard/El Camino Real Two different methodologies were utilized to analyze the signalized intersections and street segments, as outlined below. The signalized intersections were analyzed using the ICU method, which is required by m the City of Carlsbad. The ICU procedure is based on an article in the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal (August 1978) and assumes the traffic flow • characteristics of signalized intersections. It computes the Level of Service (LOS) for H the total intersection based upon a summation of volume to capacity (V/C) ratios for the key conflicting movements. The ICU numerical value represents the percent of signal ^ green time, and thus, the capacity required to serve the intersection traffic. The LOS ift for signalized intersections varies from A (free flow, little delay) to F ("jammed" conditions). Table 2 shows a summary of the signalized intersection operations during the AM and PM peak hours. Appendix B provides a more detailed explanation of the H ICU methodology, a fui! description of LOS and the signalized intersection calculation sheets. m • The key street segments in the project area were analyzed on a peak hour basis. A volume to capacity ratio (V/C) is calculated for each direction of the street segment • during the peak hour. The City of Carlsbad assumes a one-direction capacity of 1,800 12 LINSCOTT LAW GREENSPAN ENGINEERS TABLE 2 SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION OPERATIONS INTERSECTION PEAK EXISTING BUILDOUT BUILDOUT 1 Ml INTERSECTION HOUR WITHOUT WITH FARADAY AVENUE FARADAY AVENUE mm ICU LOS ICU LOS ICU LOS m Palomar Airport Road/College Boulevard AM 0.61 B 0.76 C 0.76 C m Palomar Airport Road/College Boulevard PM 0.72 C 0.87 D 0.86 D m College Boulevard/Faraday Avenue AM 0.37 A 0.72 C 0.70 B - College Boulevard/Faraday Avenue PM 0.47 A 0.80 C 0.80 C m College Boulevard/El Camino Real AM 0.47 A 0.83 D 0.83 D College Boulevard/El Camino Real PM 0.66 B 0.97 E 0.98 E Cannon Road/Paseo Del Norte AM 0.53 A 0.86 D 0.85 D PM 0.55 A 0.87 D 0.88 D mm Cannon Road/Faraday Avenue AM DNE DNE DNE DNE 0.64 B Cannon Road/Faraday Avenue PM DNE DNE DNE DNE 0.68 B mm Cannon Road/El Camino Real AM DNE DNE 0.70 B 0.70 B mm PM DNE DNE 0.82 D 0.80 C ICU = Intersection Capacity Utilization LOS = Level of Service DNE = Does Not Exist 0.00 0.61 0.71 0.81 0.91 ICU to to to to to > 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 1.00 LO_S A B C D E F Tab2.6113 5/18/98 13 m m m LINSCOTT LAW (S: GREENSPAN ENGINEERS vehicles per lane per hour. A LOS is determined by using v/c thresholds. Table 3 shows a summary ofthe street segment operations. The following conditions are analyzed and discussed in the following sections of the report: • Existing • Buildout without Faraday Avenue extension • Buildout with Faraday Avenue extension m EXISTING OPERATIONS m Table 2 shows a summary of the existing signalized intersection operations in the m project area. This table shows that each intersection is calculated to currently operate MB at LOS C or better during both the AM and PM peak hours. Table 3 shows a summary of the existing peak hour street segment operations in the m project area. This table shows that each segment is calculated to currently operate at LOS A during the peak hour. BUILDOUT (WITHOUT FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION) OPERATIONS Table 2 shows that all key intersections in the project area are calculated to operate at LOS D or better in the buildout without Faraday Avenue scenario, with the exception of College Boulevard/El Camino Real intersection during the PM peak hour (LOS E). Table 3 shows that aH street segments in the project area are calculated to operate at LOS B or better during the peak hour. m BUILDOUT (WITH FARADAY AVENUE EXJENSION) OPERATIONS " Table 2 shows that a continued LOS D or better is calculated at the key intersections H (with the extension of Faraday Avenue to Cannon Road). A continued LOS E is calculated at the College Boulevard/El Camino Real intersection during the PM peak hour. In general. ICU values at the studied intersections remained the same or improved slightly with the extension of Faraday Avenue. Table 3 shows that a continued LOS B or better is calculated at all street segments in the project area during the peak hour with the extension of Faraday Avenue. V/C 14 LINSCOTT L.\W ^ GREENSPAN ENGINEERS TABLE 3 PEAK HOUR STREET SEGMENT OPERATIONS STREET SEGMENT #LANES DIR EXISTING' BUILDOUT WITHOUT BUILDOUT WITH 1 STREET SEGMENT FARADAY AVENUE FARADAY AVE NUE EXISTING FUTURE VOL V/C LOS VOL V/C LOS VOL V/C LOS Patomar Airport Road 2,977 0,55 w/o College Boulevard 3 3 EB 2,626 0.49 A 3,076 0,57 A 2,977 0,55 A w/o College Boulevard 3 3 WB 2,643 0.49 A 2,413 0,45 A 2.320 0,43 A e/o College Boulevard 3 3 EB 1,698 0.31 A 2,159 0,40 A 2,066 0,38 A e/o College Boulevard 3 3 WB 1,830 0.39 A 2,175 0,40 A 2,088 0.39 A Cannon Road e/o Paseo Del Norte 2 2 EB 182 0.05 A 1,690 0,47 A 1,640 0,46 A 2 2 WB 304 0.08 A 1,818 0,51 A 1,687 0.47 A e/o Faraday Avenue 2 2 EB -. 1,690 0.47 A 1,543 043 A e/o Faraday Avenue 2 2 WB ---1,818 0.51 A 1.810 0.51 A e/o El Camino Real 2 2 EB -731 0,20 A 728 0.20 A 2 2 WB ---1,059 0,29 A 1,056 029 A College Boulevard 1,310 0,36 n/o Palomar Airport Road 1 2 2 NB 1.011 0.28 A 1,689 0.47 A 1,310 0,36 A n/o Palomar Airport Road 1 2 2 SB 911 0.25 A 1,084 0,30 A 1.346 0,37 A n/o College Boulevard 2 2 NB 1,152 0,32 A 1,153 0.32 A n/o College Boulevard 2 2 SB 1,829 0,51 A 1.831 0.51 A n/o El Camtno Real 2 2 NB _ _ 1,165 0,32 A 1.162 0.32 A 2 2 SB ---2.201 0.61 B 2.208 0,61 B El Camino Reai s/o College Boulevard 2 3 NB 1,715 0.48 A 1,152 0,21 A 2.004 0,37 A s/o College Boulevard 2 3 SB 1.348 0.37 A 1,829 0,34 A 2,566 0,48 A n/o College Boulevard 2 3 NB 2,155 0,60 A 1,871 0,35 A 1.778 0,33 A n/o College Boulevard 2 3 SB 1,775 0.49 A 2,027 0.38 A 1.927 0,36 A w/o Cannon Road 2 3 NB _ . 2,306 0.43 A 2,202 0,41 A 2 3 SB ---2,356 0,44 A 2,248 042 A Faraday Avenue 0.11 s/o Cannon Road 2 2 NB ------405 0.11 A SB ------185 0.05 A s/o College Boulevard 2 2 NB _ -1,012 0,28 A 1.017 0.28 A s/o College Boulevard SB ---779 0.22 A 783 0.22 A m m m m " Source: 1996 Carlsbad Traffic Monitoring Program, JHK & Associates, VOL = Volumes DIR = Direction 0.0 to 0.61 to 0,71 to 0.81 to 0.91 to > 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00 1.00 Tab3,6113 5/15/98 15 LINSCOTT LAW GREENSPAN ENGINEERS values at the studied street segments remained the same or decreased with the extension of Faraday Avenue. Table 4 shows a Buildout ADT comparison of the studied street segments, without and with the Faraday Avenue extension. This table shows that an average 6% decrease in traffic is calculated on El Camino Real and a 5% decrease is calculated on Palomar Airport Road assuming Faraday Avenue is built. This indicates that there is a net benefit to extending Faraday Avenue. CONCLUSIONS This report assessed the potential traffic impact of extending Faraday Avenue to Cannon Road. Approximately 5,900 vehicles per day are expected to travel along the extended portion of Faraday Avenue. Consequently, average daily traffic volumes along Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real are expected to decrease (5% on Palomar Airport Road, 6% on El Camino Real). It is concluded that the extension of Faraday Avenue will be of a net benefit since it will result in a decrease in traffic on parallel routes such as El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road. No significant impacts are calculated due to the extension of Faraday Avenue. It is planned to construct the extension of Faraday Avenue as a 52 foot wide, two lane roadway. Based on the anticipated buildout volumes, this will be an adequate configuration. It is recommended that the following lane configuration be planned at the future Cannon Road/Faraday Avenue intersection. Eastbound: Westbound: Two thru ianes One right-turn lane Two thru lanes One left-turn lane Northbound: One left-turn lane One shared left/right-turn lane (20 feet wide) 6113.rpt 1 6 LINSCOTT LAW 6< GREENSPAN ENGINEERS TABLE 4 TRAFFIC VOLUME COMPARISON WITH AND WITHOUT FARADAY AVENUE mm STREET SEGMENT BUILDOUT ADT WITHOUT FARADAY AVENUE BUILDOUT ADT WITH FARADAY AVENUE PERCENTAGE INCREASE/DECREASE WITH FARADAY AVENUE Palomar Airport Road w/o College Boulevard 46.800 43,900 - 6.2% e/o College Boulevard 31,400 30,500 - 2.9% - Cannon Road e/o Paseo Del Norte 18,200 18.200 0% mm e/o Faraday Avenue 23,300 23,000 - 1.3% — e/o El Camino Real 17,700 18,000 + 1.7% College Boulevard n/o Palomar Airport Road 27,700 29.700 + 7.2% mm n/o Faraday Avenue 32.200 33,000 + 2.5% """" n/o El Camino Real 38,800 38,500 - 0.77% El Camino Real s/o College Boulevard 56,200 51,000 - 9.3% n/o College Boulevard 44,400 41,900 - 5.6% w/o Cannon Road 52,600 50,000 -4.9% Faraday Avenue s/o Cannon Road DNE 5.900 _ «• s/o College Boulevard 17,800 20,100 + 12.9% w * Source: SANDAG Series 81 Fraffic Model (April 20, 1998). V/C LOS DNE = Does Not Exist 0.0 to 0.60 0.61 to 0.70 0.71 to 0.80 0.81 to 0.90 0.91 to 1.00 > 1.00 A B C D E F Tab4.6113 5/18/98 17 Appendix C Biology Report IMerl^el & Associates, Inc. Faraday Avenue Extension City of Carlsbad, California MiSiA # 97-104-01 Prepared for Cotton/Beland/Associates, Inc. 6336 Greenwich Drive, Suite F San Diego, Califomia 92122 Ph: (619) 625-0056 Fx: (619) 625-0545 ftl m m Prepared by Merkel & Associates, Inc. 3944 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite C106 San Diego, Califomia 92123 Ph: (619) 560-5465 Fx: (619) 560-7779 Junes, 1998 ^^^^^ Yj^fi/^. Merkel, Principal Consult^t Biologist/^ Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Mericel & Associates, Inc. TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY 1 INTRODUCTION 1 LOCATION 1 GENERAL PHYSIOGRAPHY 3 METHODS 3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 4 VEGETATION 4 FLORA 7 ZOOLOGICAL RESOURCES 7 Invertebrates 7 Amphibians 7 Reptiles 7 Birds 8 Mammals 8 SENSITIVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 10 SENSITIVE VEGETATION 10 SENSITIVE PLANTS IDENTIFIED ON-SITE 10 SENSITIVE PLANTS KNOWN FROM THE REGION BUT NOT OBSERVED ON-SITE 13 SENsmvE WILDLIFE IDENTIFIED ON-SITE 13 SENSITIVE WILDLIFE WHICH MAY OCCUR ON-SITE 17 EXPECTED BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS 27 RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS 32 LITERATURE CITED 33 FIGURES Figure 1. Vicinity Map 2 Figure 2. Vegetation and Sensitive Resources 5 APPENDICES Appendix 1. Floral Checklist Appendix 2. Faunal Checklist Appendix 3. Sensitivity Guidelines June 5. 1998 ( Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel &. Associates, Inc. Faraday Avenue Extension, City of Carlsbad Merkel & Associates, Inc. June 5. 1998 SUMMARY A biological survey was conducted at the Faraday Avemie extension study area. The route will connect the current westem terminus of Faraday Avenue in Macario Canyon, with Cannon Road currently under construction at the southem periphery of Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The road extension proposed for the soufli and west-flanking slopes of the canyon would mn through an area which is now primarily agricultural lands. However, the extension mcludes a tract of Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb. Limited impacts are proposed for several CEQA sensitive plant species: NuttaU*s Scrab Oak {Quercus dumosa). Palmer's Grapplinghook (Harpagonella palmeri)^ Western Dichondra {Dichondra occidentalis), and Califomia Adolphia {Adolphia califomica). Also impacted is the Califomia Gnatcatcher {Polioptila califomica califomica) which inhabits sage scmb proposed to be removed for road construction. Five gnatcatcher use areas were located within &e study area; only one area will be directly impacted. Engineering constraints and the presence of a proposed golf course downslope confines the route to approximately the proposed configuration, limiting options for redesign. 6 acres of Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb will be impacted by the road. INTRODUCTION m A biological survey at the Faraday Avenue Extension site, wifli an emphasis on acquiring information on sensitive biological resources, was conducted by Merkel & Associates. Inc. (M&A) at the request of Mr. Tim Gnibus of Cotton/Beland/Associates of San Diego. The present work focuses on initial li surveys for sensitive plants and animai resources; including a contemporary assessment of the ^ biological resources present on the property. LOCATION The Carlsbad site (Figure 1) occupies unsectioned pueblo lands in flie Agua Hedionda region, and includes portions of lands proposed for a still unnamed Macario Canyon Park upslope to the north. « The lagoon and its peripheral salt marsh lie off-site to the northwest; while Evans Point, a landmark il promontory, is off-site to the northeast. The southem perimeter is boimded by the city-owned, proposed Carlsbad Golf Course property and flie riparian corridor at the base of Macario Canyon. The " current westem terminus of Faraday Avenue reaches the site's eastem boundary and is proposed to * continue northwestward to intersect with Cannon Road at a later date, intersecting just east of the bridge which will span the canyon moufli. June 5. 1998 M&A# 97-104-01 Project Vicmity Map Source: USGS 7,5' San Luis Rey, CA Quadrangle Figure 1 Merkel & Associates. Inc. in Faraday Avemie Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. GENERAL PHYSIOGRAPHY The varied topography of the site provides a complex exposure of slopes and steep drainages. Las Flores loamy fme sand, Salinas clay loam, and Diablo Clay occupy the lower slopes associated with sage scmb and agricultural lands. Loamy alluvial land of flie Huerhuero complex is found on tiie upper slopes near the ridgeliite and is more closely associated with chaparral (Bowman 1974). A low elevation of 44 feet (MSL) occurs in disturbed fields near flie westem terminus. High elevation within flie study area occurs on the eastem slopes at 148 feet (MSL). No major drainages are present within tiie study area; the alignment crosses seasonal runnels and watercoin-ses (Non-wetland Waters of the U.S.) which are dry except during and immediately after rains. Underlying geology for the site is mapped primarily as Tertiary Marine deposits; Quatemary nonmarine terrace deposits are situated in the northwest (Rogers 1965). METHODS The field investigations were performed by Merkel & Associates biologists. Vegetation communities were initially plotted on a 1" = 265' scale. Investigations included substantial ground-tmthing. All plant communities, soil types (U.S. Soil Conservation Service maps), and slope exposures were surveyed on-foot. Plant identifications were either resolved in the field or were later determined through verification of voucher specimens. Botanical and zoological surveys were performed by Craig H. Reiser. Follow-up rare plant mapping in the field was performed by Diana M. Emlet with graphics by Vanessa Lee. Presence of wildlife species was determined through direct observation (aided by 7 x 35 power binoculars), identification of avian songs or call notes, and indirect signs (burrows, tracks, scat, etc.). A floral checklist of species observed is provided in Appendbt 1; a faunal checklist of species observed is provided in Appendix 2. Scientific nomenclamre used in this report is from the following references: vegetation and wildlife habitat, Holland (1986); flora. Skinner and Pavlik (CNPS) (1994), and Hickman (1993); rare plants. Reiser (1994); butterflies, Garfli and Tilden (1986); fish, American Fisheries Society (1980); amphibians and reptiles, Collins (1990); birds, American Ornithologists' Union (1983, 1989); and mammals, Jameson and Peeters (1988) and Hall (1981). Other biological surveys conducted in tiie immediate area were reviewed for the presence of sensitive biological resources (Merkel & Associates 1996, 1997, 1998). Survey Schedule The site was visited by M & A biologist according to the times and conditions shown in Table 1. June 5, 1998 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. TABLE 1. SURVEY DATES, TIMES, WEATHER CONDITIONS -DATE TIME STAFF CONDITIONS tm m March 19, 1998 1100-1400 C. Reiser. 80% overcast; winds approx. 5 mph; tenqjeratures ranging from 65^^ F. to 70° F April 28, 1998 1200-1400 C. Reiser. sunny; negligible winds; temperatures ranging from 75" F. to 85° F m m May 1, 1998 0900-1400 D. Emlet sunny; winds mild; temperatures ranging from 80° F. to 85° F May 6, 1998 1200-1600 C. Reiser 10% cloud cover; winds mild; ten:^)erature approximately 70 ° F m m m m GENERAL SURVEY LIMITATIONS Complete biological inventories of large sites require numerous field hours during different seasons, which may include nocmmal sampling for some animal groups such as owls and small mammals. Amphibians, reptiles, migratory birds, many mammals, and aimual plants are groups which can be difficult to inventory depending on the season dining which the field survey is conducted. Other species naturally occur in low densities and are readily missed. Through a review of previous survey reports, museum records, and other pertinent literature ~ as well as knowledge of flie habitat requirements and distribution pattems of individual species ~ the probability of a given species being present on a site can often be fairly accurately predicted. For sensitive species such as breeding birds or aimual plants which may be significanfly impacted by a proposed project, focused smveys targeting individual species or groups are often required. Where determinations could not be made regarding highly sensitive species due to seasonal or other restrictions, additional surveys are recommended. Fortunately, extensive surveys of both the proposed Carlsbad Golf Course site to title south and KeUy Ranch property to the north have recentiy been conducted by M&A; and this infonnation, where applicable, was able to supplement the site assessment. Although a number of additional migratory bird species are expected to occur on the site during the spring and fall seasons, such species are generally not of high sensitivity and their presence is unlikely to affect impact assessment or recommendations. m m BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES VEGETATION A mix of sage scmb, and to a lesser extent chaparral, comprise the native vegetation on the canyon hillsides (Figure 2). Also found here are extensive tracts of agricultural fields on the milder slopes. June 5. 1998 Faradav Avenue Extension M&A 97-104411 Merkel & Associates, Inc. Some sage scmb fmger canyons are presentiy being illicitiy utilized by migrant laborers as housing sites and are being degraded as areas are cleared for camping activities. Sensitive plant and animal resources found on-site are mapped in Figure 2. Diegan Coastal Sage Scrub The generally good to high quality si^e scmb retains a typical regional blend of shmb and herbaceous components. The subtiy varying topography and to a lesser extent soil types allows for some micro- habitat opportunities, resulting in a limited shmb, bulb, and herbaceous perennial flora. The most common elements include Califomia Sagebrush {Artemisia califomica). Flat-top Buckwheat {Eriogonum fasciculatum), and Laurel Sumac {Malosma laurina). The sage scmb quality varies significantly from location to location depending primarily on tiie level of historical human activities present at each locale. Weedy elements, mcluding sizeable u-acts of Eurasian grasses and areas heavily degraded by invasive herbs, are clustered around tiie existing agricultural fields. As one moves fiirflier away from tiie agricultural fields a more pristine environment remains, and tiie native understory components increase in bofli number and variety. In areas of sandstone is found an interesting microflora including species such as Woolly Indian Paintbrush {Castillejafoliolosa), Junegrass {Koeleria macrantha) usuaUy seen at more inland locations. Lady Fingers {Dudleya edulis). Small-flowered Evening Primrose {Camissonia intermedia), Larkspur {Delphinium parryi). Triangular Fruit-sedge {Carex triquetra), and an abundance of Westem Dichondra {Dichondra occidentalis). This assemblage of plants is not typical of sage scmb in tiie region. Southem Maritime Chaparral Chamise {Adenostoma fasciculatum) is tiie dominant shmb tiu-oughout tiiis habitat which is lower- growing and more open than flie typical phase of Chamise Chaparral found further inland. The chaparral also contains some coastal elements associated witii Soufliem Maritime Chaparral; but aside from flie presence of a handfiil of NuttaU's Scmb Oak {Quercus dumosa), it lacks tiie diagnostic plant species associated witii fliat sensitive vegetation type. Sandstones are well displayed on flie higher flanks of the hillside, and it is wifliin fliese areas fliat this chaparral is concentrated. Also present m the chaparral is tiie distinctive Spanish Bayonet {Yucca schidigera), witii its prominent spike of flowers, as well as Lemonadeberry {RJius integrifolia). Ground Pink {Linanthus dianthiflorus) and Giant Needlegrass {Achnathemm coronatum). Non-Native Grassland Limited tracts of grassland occupy portions of tiie westemmost study area near tiie proposed link with Cannon Road. The dominant plants here are Eurasian grasses {Bromus species) which have substantially displaced tiie native flora due to flieir ability to profusely sprout early in flie spring and out-compete the slower growing natives. June 5. 1998 Faradav Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates. Inc. Agricultural Lands This artificial habitat was recently planted witii bell peppers, and was subsequentiy disced followmg fall harvest. The agricultural lands displace habitat which may have formeriy supported sage scmb. Use of herbicides and pesticides here deters all but flie hardiest of weedy species and insects. Southern Willow Scrub/Mule Fat Scrub A stock pond wifli vestigial wetiand elements is found nortii of the agricultural fields. A few Arroyo WUlow {Salix lasiolepis) are present along wifli some Mule Fat {Baccharis salicifolia). Anoflier very small stand of Mule Fat occurs where a minor drainage backs rainfall up behind an agricultural road. FLORA One-hundred and nmety-eight (198) species of plants were identified wifliin flie Faraday Avenue study area during flie spring surveys; of fliese. sbcty-four (68) are non-native (Appendix 1). They represent bofli a moderate number of species for flie area, and underscore tiie high level of prior site disturbance given the number of weedy, invasive plants. ZOOLOGICAL RESOURCES Invertebrates Alfliough the host plant {Plamago erecta) of flie federally endangered Quino Checkerspot {Euphydryas editha quino) is present, flie level of site disturbance and rarity of fliis butterfly indicate it is unlUcely to occiu: within tiie study area. No Qumo butterflies were observed dm-ing 1998 focused surveys of tiie proposed Carlsbad Golf site to tiie soufli and flie Kelly Ranch site to tiie nortii Amphibians Aside from a BuUfrog {Rana catesbiana) bellowing from a shallow stock pond, no amphibians were observed. The site is expected to support regionally common species such as Pacific Choms Frogs {Pseudacris regilla), Westem Toads {Bufo boreas), and Garden Slender Salamanders {Batrachoceps major). The high level of site disturbance, particularly in and around the agricultural fields, and the observed regular use of pesticides in fliese fields, is expected to limit flie suitabUity for native amphibians in all but the eastern sage scmb portion of tiie study area. Reptiles M&A staff observed a variety of reptUe species during extensive recent studies of flie adjacent proposed Carlsbad Golf property to flie soutii were Soutiiem Pacific Rattlesnakes {Crotalus viridis helleri). Common Kingsnake {Lampropeltis getulus). Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata), and Two-striped Aquatic Garter Snake (Thamnophis hammondi) were among the species found. All of tiiese snakes are lUcely present witiiin flie study corridor for Faraday Avenue. Found on flie Faraday site, generally in higher quality open sage scmb, were both the Westem Fence Lizard {Sceloporus occidentalis) and tiie Side-blotched Lizard {IJta stansburiana). June 5, 1998 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. Several additional snake species are expected to inhabit flie site including flie Gopher Snakjp {Pituophis catenifer), Califomia Striped Racer {Masticophis lateralis), and Red Diamond Ratflesnake {Crotalus ruber) (L. Klauber ui^iublished field notes from fliis region). Orangeflu-oat WhiptaU lizards {Cnemidophorus hyperythrus) are occasional denizens of the sage scmb. Birds Thirty-flu-ee species of birds were noted during flie current survey series (Appendbt 2). Most of fliese are associated wifli sage scmb, chaparral, and disturbed lands. They do not include a niunber of species expected only sporadically during spring and fall migrations. Most of flie common species associated with sage scmb were observed including the Coastal Califomia Gnatcatcher, Wrentit {Chamaea fasciata). Spotted Towhee {Pipilo megalonyx), Soufliem Califomia Rufous-crowned Sparrow {Aimophila ruficeps canescens), and Bewick's Wren {Thryomanes bewickii). Species noted flying over flie site included many White-fluroated Swifts {Aeronautes saxatalis) and Cliff SwaUows {Hirundo pyrrhonota). The niunber of hunting raptors seen was not substantial, primarily the ubiquitous Red-tailed Hawk {Buteo jamaicensis) and an occasional American Kestrel {Falco sparvarius). Birds in the grasslands included KUIdeer {Charadrius vociferus), both Cassin's Kingbird {Tyrannus vociferans) and flie related Westem Kingbud {Tyrannus verticalis), and Homed Larks {Eremophila alpestris). Mammals Signs of the common mammals of the region were seen within the study area. Observations included scat from Coyote {Canis latrans) and Gray Fox {Vrocyon cinereoargenteus), dust bath areas for Pacific Kangaroo Rat {Dipodomys agilis), burrows of Botta's Pocket Gopher {Thomomys bottae), and nests of Desert Woodrat {Neotoma lepida). Califomia Ground Squurel {Spermophilus beecheyi). Desert CottontaU {Sylvilagus audubonii), and San Diego Black-taUed Jackrabbit {Lepus californicus bennettii) were direcfly observed. Also expected are the Desert Shrew {Notiosorex crawfordi) and Bobcat {Lynx ncfus). Bats reported from the region include Westem Pipistrelle {Pipistrellus hesperus) and Brazilian Free-tailed Bat {Tadarida brasiliensis) (Bond 1977). Spring 1997 trapping results from SJM Biological Services on tiie adjacent southem property at the proposed Carlsbad Golf site noted a number of rodent species not readUy observed. The rodents caught were flie San Diego Pocket Mouse {Chaetodipus fallax), flie Cactus Mouse {Peromyscus eremicus). Deer Mouse {Peromyscus maniculatus). Dusky-footed Woodrat {Neotoma fuscipes), and Western Harvest Mouse {Reithrodontomys megalotis). June 5, 1998 8 IPI li m Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Mgyfa/ & Associates, Inc. Wildlife Movement Corridors Corridor Tvpes The allowances made for habitat linkages and wUdlife corridors are of substantial in^rtance in flie viability of regional planning efforts. Understanding flie biological and planning context of habitat linkages is critical when considering a Subregional Plan which is effectively a distinct overlay on ottier existing planning. In some instances, flie presence of a utUity corridor may serve to link habitat patches and ensure flie long-term persistence of habitat connections. In oflier instances, surface features or prolonged constmction activities may permanendy or ten^orarUy block corridors. As a result, flie consideration of habitat linkages at tiie Faraday Avenue site is of paramount inqjortance. Wildlife corridors are defmed as areas of confmed wUdlife movement. Depending upon the species considered, corridors function in a variety of ways and may function differentiy over the course of a year. For the purposes of general discussion, wUdlife corridors can be broken down into three categories: regional corridors, local corridors, and short corridors. Regional corridors are especially inqrartant to dispersing individuals (i.e., juvenUes). which use these corridors to fmd unoccupied ranges and mates. This effectively links otiierwise distinct populations and serves to maintain genetic diversity. There is a high degree of habitat fragmentation in coastal soufliem Califomia, particularly m Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb vegetation. This fragmentation has allowed regional wildlife corridors to receive considerable attention by resource agencies and conservation groups, and has been a focus of regional conservation planning. In regional planning, attention often focuses on large, wide-ranging species such as flie Mountain Lion {Felis concolor). The reasoning is that if a preserve plan can accommodate tiie needs of wide-ranging species, it wUI allow sufficient cormectivity to meet the lesser needs of oflier species. For planning purposes, widtiis of 600 to 1,000 feet are generally considered to be necessary for wUdlife corridors on an average basis to provide essential buffering of wUdlife activities. Narrower or wider corridors may also function depending upon flie particular physiography, adjacent land uses, and corridor lengths. Local corridors are much shorter than the regional corridors and pemiit movement between discrete vegetation patches, thereby forming "habitat linkages." These corridors allow two or more small connected patches of habitat to function as a larger block of habitat. The larger interconnected block enables viability and promotes population stability through regular genetic interchange, even though each individual habitat patch may be too small for the long term survival of a wUdlife population. Habitat linkages must permit unobstmcted movement of flie species to serve effectively as wildUfe corridors. This becomes an important consideration wifli respect to connectivity between preserve areas, particularly where additional urban development is to occur on a limited basis. Depending upon tiie particular parameters of flie linkage, connectivity may also be made by utilities corridors, emergency access routes, and recreational trail facilities. Local corridors are generally considered to require widths of 50 to 400 feet or more to function for wildlife movement. These parameters vary depending upon the corridor lengths, species using the corridor, cover, and topogrjq)hy. June 5, 1998 9 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merfcgf & Associates. Inc. Short corridors function lUce tiieir larger counterparts, but typicaUy serve flie daily needs qf individual species. These corridors allow aiumals to move flirough unsuitable habitat to access beddmg sites, watering sites, and foraging areas. Given their frequent and regular use, such areas of concentrated wildlife movement are often referred to as "travel routes." On-site Corridors The recent development in flie surroundmg off-site lands has limited the potential for corridor connectivity wifli flie site. The heavy usage for agricultural purposes of flie Macario Canyon 8" bottomlands, around tiie primary on-site drainage, has also substantiaUy reduced flie canyon's wUdlife ^ utility. Light mdustrial and commercial uses off-site along Faraday Avenue to flie east, flie Legoland development to the west, new residential constmction northward near El Camino Real, and expansion of various commercial activities along Palomar Airport Road have aU inqiacted the viabUity of potential ^ wildlife movement routes. A tenuous north/south wUdlife corridor remains through tiie eastem portion of tiie study area. At present, tiie site's primary connectivity is from remaining sage scmb on the soutiiern flanks of Macario Canyon northward to areas proposed for Macario Canyon Park and still further north into tiie Kelly Ranch area. The riparian vegetation stretching across the bottomlands of Macario Canyon still provides a viable avian riparian wildlife corridor fliat roughly parallels the road ~ downslope. SENSmVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES SENSITIVE VEGETATION Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb is a "threatened" natural community and occurs primarUy in the eastern reach of the road alignment on-site. This shmb is typical of many areas utUized by Califomia ^ Gnatcatchers throughout coastal San Diego County. The limited level of disturbance on-site, except near the illegal residences of migrant workers, is of relatively good quality habitat. m m m m SENSITIVE PLANTS IDENTIFIED ON-SITE Five plant species of varying sensitivity were observed growing on the Carlsbad site. Additional mformation on site localities for tiie region are avaUable in The Rare Plants of San Diego Countv (Reiser 1996). Califomia Adolphia [Adolphia califomica Wats.l LISTING: CNPS List 2 R-E-D Code 1-2-1 State/Fed. Status ~ None RHAMNACEAE Dec.-Apr. Global Rank G3 State Rank S2.1 DISTRIBUTION: Coastal San Diego County; Baja Califomia, Mexico HABrrAT: This short shrub is often intennixed wifli Diegan Coastal Sage Scrab, but occasionally occurs in peripheral chaparral habitats, particularly hillsides near creeks. The Califomia Junes, 1998 10 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates. Inc. Adolphia (sometimes called Califomia Spmebush) is usually associated wifli^ xeric locales where shrub canopy reaches four or five feet in height. During late summer and fall it may be vutually leafless, and tiierefore not parent from a distance; however, its spiny stems are readily noted at close range. Hie San Miguel and Friant soils are bofli quite amenable to Califomia Adolphia. Associates: Ferocactus viridescens, Artemisia califomica. Nassela lepida. STATUS: California Adolphia is substantially declining due to urban growth; stUl healfliy populations are extaiU. This spiny species is sometimes a dominant shrab on hillsides, and such sites should be protected. Alfliough Adolplda is not uncommon in coastal San Diego County, a decade of continued urbanization could significanfly reduce the populations now extant. Califoraia Adolphia should be considered for native revegetation projects in suitable habitat. Site: High densities of Califomia Adolphia grow in die finger canyons where the sage scrab is stUl present. Numbers wifliin the study are at least in die many hundreds. Adolphia often grows in dense fliickets and counting individual primary stems is somewhat deceptive. Cumulatively fliese numbers, allied widi stUI larger populations upslope and off-site along flie ridgeline, make the site population botanically significant. However, inq)acts specifically from the road alignment are not considered significant. Nuttall's Scrub Oak [Quercus dumosa Nutt. in part] LISTING: CNPS List IB R-E-D Code 2-3-2 State/Fed. Stams ~ /Former C2 FAGACEAE Feb.-Mar. Global Rank G2 State Rank S1.1 DISTRIBUTION: San Diego County, Orange County, Santa Barbara County; Baja Califomia, Mexico HABITAT: Coastal chaparral with a relatively open canopy cover is the preferred habitat in flat terrain; on north-facing slopes this shrub may grow in dense stands. Chesterton fme sandy loams are mapped for the Miramar Naval Airbase population. It often has a Rl rounded, almost "pruned" aspect which is quite different flian the more erect growing §1 Quercus berberidifolia. In addition, the leaves tend to be smaller, more spinose, and quite undulate. Associates: Ceanothm verrucosus. Xylococcus bicolor, Arctostaphylos •R glandulosa. ssp. crassifolia. M STATUS: Nuttall's Scrub Oak is substantiaUy declining in San Diego County due to urban expansion along the coast. Taxonomic work is necessary to determine the frequency of * intergradation between this species and the common Quercus berberidifolia. Obvious •1 hybrids between the Coast Scmb Oak and Quercus engelmannii are found at a number of locales in coastal San Diego County. Sizeable portions of larger populations are * recommended for protection, if Site: Scrab oaks were concentrated in a few minor canyon swales near the current terminus of Faraday * Avenue. A few ouflying and isolated shrabs occur on-site to the west, fli ^ Western Dichondra [Dichondra occidentalis House] ** LISTING: CNPS List 4 R-E-D Code 1-2-1 ^ State/Fed. Status ~ /List 4 CONVOLVULACEAE Mar.-May ii June 5, /99S H m Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. DISTRIBUTION: HABITAT: STATUS: Global Rank G3 State Rank S3.2 San Barbara County, Ventura County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Santa Catalina Island, Santa Cruz Island, San Miguel Island, Santa Rosa Island; Marin County (questionable); Baja California, Mexico. Soufliem Mixed Chaparral, Chamise Chaparral, Diegan Sage Scmb, rocky outcrops in grasslands, and especiaUy recentiy exposed areas of post-bum habitat may be occupied by tfiis small, cryptic perennial herb. It often grows almost completely hidden at the base of leafy shrabs. Soil tolerances for Dichondra appear variable wifli Loamy aUuvial land of flie Huerhuero complex utilized at Torrey Pines, Hambright gravelly clay loam in flie San Onofre Mountains, and a variety of other types elsewhere. Associates: Ceanothus verrucosus. Cneoridium dumosum. Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia. Westem Dichondra is slowly declming in coastal southem Califomia and is a borderline species for mclusion on flie CNPS list. Sites wifli very high densities are noteworthy; in such circumstances substantial portions of these populations should be protected. Site: This plant is locally common in die understory of flie sage scrab and chaparral in flie smdy corridor. Palmer's Grappling Hook [Harpagonellapalmeri Gray = Pectocaryapalmeri (Gray) Veno] m m LISTING: CNPS List 2 R-E-D Code 1 -2-1 State/Fed. Status ~ /Species of Concem BORAGINACEAE Mar.-Apr. Global Rank G4 State Rank S3.1 DISTRIBUTION: Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Diego County, Santa Catalina Island; Arizona; Baja Califomia, Mexico HABITAT: Clay vertisols wifli open grassy slopes or open Diegan Ck)astal Sage Scrab are typical habitats for tiiis inconspicuous annual. Diablo clays are favored along flie coast; Sloping gullied land is m^ped for Table Mountam. Associates: Plagiobothrys coUinus var. gracilis, AdolpMa caUfornica. Nasella pulchra. STATUS: Palmer's Grappling Hook is declining throughout southem California. Many historical sites are likely extirpated by urban development and agricultural discing. Surveys in annual grasslands niust be careful to examine clay areas otherwise dominated by Eurasian grasses, and not presume only non-native elements are present. This annual caimot be reliably censused except during the spring and early summer before it has decomposed; it is likely under-reported during biological surveys. Significant portions of all sizeable populations should be protected; substantial portions of mid-sized populations should be protected within dedicated biological open spaces. Site: Approximately tfiirty grapplinghooks were seen in clay soils at two locations high up on the slopes. This population is localized and of limited biological significance. Ashy Spike-moss [Selaginella cinerascens A. A. Eat.] LISTING: CNPS List 4 R-E-D Code 1-2-1 State/Fed. Status ~ None SELAGINELLACEAE March Global Rank G4G5 State Rank S3S4 DISTRIBUTION: San Diego County, Orange County; Baja Califomia, Mexico June 5. 1998 12 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 f^erkel & Associates, Inc. HABFTAT: Undisturbed chaparral and Diegan Sage Scrab are often utilized by fliis prostrate perennial groundcover. It is a good indicator of site degradation as it rarely inhabits disturbed soils. Many soil types are utilized wifli Redding cobbly loam apparendy an optimal soil type near Miramar. Associates: Ceanothus verrucosus, J^sonia parryi, Artembia califomica. STATUS: Ashy Spike-moss is substantially declming due to urban expansion along the coast. Nevertheless, it still occurs at several thousand locales, and is not recommended for CNPS listing. This plant is a locally common groundcover in some areas of sage scrab on-site. Its presence is not considered botanically significant. SENSITIVE PLANTS KNOWN FROM THE REGION BUT NOT OBSERVED ON-SITE A number of addhional sensitive plants are known from tiie region. In particular. Thread-leaf Brodiaea {Brodiaea filifolia), which is known from a variety of locations in the vicinity of flie study area, was not found. Also known from flie region are San Diego Thornmint {Acanthomintha ilicifolia). Small- flowered Microseris {Microseris douglasii var. playcarpha), and Small-flowered Moming Glory {Convolvulus simulans) which all grow on cracked clay soils such as flie Diablo clays present in flie study area. Conspicuous shmbs such as Summer Holly {Comarostaphylos diversifolia), Del Mar Manzanita {Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia), and Coast White Lilac {Ceanothus vermcosus) were not seen. Most of the potential habitat for Orcutt's Brodiaea {Brodiaea orcuttii) in the bottomlands of Macario Canyon is too disturbed to support fliis species. The additional regionally sensitive species not yet addressed, Encinitas Baccharis {Baccharis vanessae), Del Mar Sand Aster {Corethrogyne filaginifolia var. linifolia), and San Diego Golden Star {Muilla clevelandii) are not expected given flieu: known ranges to flie soufli and east of flie study area. Blochman's Dudleya {Dudleya blochmaniae) and Lewis's Evening Prunrose {Camissonia lewisii') were not seen. Prostrate Spineflower {Chorizanthe procumbens) and Decumbent Goldenbush {Isocoma menziesii var. decumbens) have a good potential to occur m low, biologically insignificant numbers on-site. Bofli species were seen a short distance upslope and off-site. SENSITIVE WILDLIFE IDENTIFIED ON-SITE A few sensitive animals were found on-site and are discussed below: Orangethroat Whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus beldingi) Listing: USFWS - Former Category 2 CDFG - Species of Special Concem Distribution: Limited m its California distribution, this lizard ranges northward to Corona Del Mar m Orange County and Colton in San Bemardino County, then southward to westem Riverside County, San Diego County, and to Loreto in southem Baja California, Mexico. June 5, 1998 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. m Habitat: Areas of sage scrab, open chaparral, and peripheral edges of riparian zones and washes are all habitats utilized by fliis lizard. Bare ground coverage may be extensive with soils generaUy wcU drained, and consisting of moderately deep to very deep, loose sandy loams. Topography is generally level to mUdly slewing, and flie Qrpical range of fliis species is from tiie immediate coast up to elevations of iq)proxiniately 3400 feet. Flat-top Buckwheat is consistenfly found in habitats favored by the Orangethroat WhiptaU. Hatchlings are usuaUy observed during August and September; from October through December, only juvenile lizards are typically observed foraging on the surface, although unseasonaUy warm weaflier can bring adults out in flie winter. Individuals generaUy emerge from a winter hibernation (reportedly from soufli-facing slopes) in late March flirough ^ril; most young have readied adult size by mid June. Termites {Reticulitermes hesperus) comprise a majority of aU prey items consumed. Colonies of fliis termite are usually situated in close proximity to moist soil or in wood connected to it. Spiders are an important altemate food source. Status: This species is stiU relatively common m areas where good habitat occurs; however, vast areas of former habitat in the coastal lowlands have been converted to urban and agricultural development. Site: Orangethroat Whiptails were observed at one location in the sage scrab. This lizard is eq)ected throughout the sage scmb on-site. White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) LISTING: CDFG (1992) - Special Animal CDFG (1991) - FuUy Protected DlSTMBUTlON: The kite's range extends along die Pacific Coast northward into Oregon and southward into northem Baja Califomia, Mexico, wifli California's central vaUey and coastal plain as centers of activity. Northeastem, mainland Mexico populations may occasionaUy wander northward into flie United States. A disjunct population occurs in southem Texas. Local breeding birds are primarily situated on the coastal plain, with a few pairs nesting at inland, foofliill locafl<»is. This species is quite uncommon at higher elevations and on the desert; coUecting records indicate it was historicaUy uncommon in San Diego County prior to large-scale urban expansion. HABIIS: The kite hover hunts in grasslands, agricultural fields, and occasionally areas of low- growing and open sage scrab. Prey items include voles and rodents; as weU as some birds, reptUes, amphibians, and invertebrates. Marshes and grassy bottomlands, where large clumps of Sycamore trees are adjacent to foraging habitat (e.g., Tijuana River Valley) are favored sites for winter roosts. Nests are generaUy in treetops which are camouflaged below, bul open above (Ehrlich et. al. 1988). Local egg dates are March 1 flirough May 30 (Unitt 1984). STATUS: The southern Califomia coastal plains occupied by kites are undergoing large-scale and rapid habitat conversion due to residential ttevelopment. WhUe historic population fluctuations have made their present status difficult to determine, the numbers of breeding individuals are tiiought to be declming locally, and wintering populations may be diminishing as well due to loss of winter foraging habitat and roost sites. Site: This raptor was observed hunting along the northwestem boimdary of the site. Kites are also regularly seen on the northem side of Evans Point near marsh habitat (C. Reiser, pers. obs.). Presence of fliis species in limited numbers on-site is lUcely correlated widi die substantial stand of undeveloped lands stUl present within the smdy area. Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) LISTING: CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem DISTRIBUTION: Cooper's Hawks are found throughout die United States. In southem Califomia they are resident and breed in cismontane areas, but are usually only seen on the deserts during June 5. 1998 14 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104^1 Merkel & Associates. Inc. m migration periods from late September flirough April (Unitt 1984). hi San Diego County this hawk may stiU be found in low numbers at various locations where it is often associated with oak and riparian habitat. HABITS: GeneraUy found in open woodlands and forest margins, but may be seen soaring overhead. Nests in deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and woodlands. In coastal San Diego County Cooper's Hawks typicaUy occur in mature npzrian habitat along creeks and streams with an abundance of Coast Live Oaks or mature wUlows. Hunts in short bursts within and between tree canopy. Local egg dates are March 31 through May 28 (Unitt 1984). STATUS: This hawk has declined throughout Califomia as a breedmg species. Habitat destmction in lowland riparian areas is a major threat to this species; as well as direct or indirect human disturbance at nest sites. Site: One Cooper's Hawk was observed perched just downslope and off-site in riparian habitat in Macario Canyon Creek. The species has also been seen nearby at die eastem end of Agua Hedionda Lagoon (C. Reiser, pers. obs.). Presence of this species in limited numbers himting on-site is lUcely correlated wifli the substantial stand of undeveloped lands stUl present widiin the smdy area. California Homed Lark {Eremophila alpestris actia) Listii^: Distribution: Habitat: Status: USFWS (1991) - Former Category 3c CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Several subspecies of Homed Larks occur throughout North America. Although several oflier subspecies are reported to occur and may breed in San Diego County, E.a. actia is reported to be the most common on the coastal slope. Sandy shores, bare ground, grassland, open agricidtural land, and open scrabland. Common breeding resident, abundant migrant and winter visitor in southem Califomia. Site: Rocks of Homed Larks were seen m die agricultural fields. This species is expected to occur on an aimual basis in open terrain on-site. Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Listing: USFWS (1991) - Former Category 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Distribution: Occurs throughout the United States, south-central Canada and northem Mexico. The northern populations are migratory. Habitat: Open country with scattered trees or odier perch sites. Status: Apparendy continuing to decline throughout its range, possibly due to pesticides and/or other factors. Resident popiUations are augmented by an infiux of wintering individuals m the fall. m Site: Isolated shrikes or less commonly pairs, are still regularly found m larger blocks of open terrain in coastal San Diego Cotmty. One shrike was observed on-site on the periphery of the agricultural fields. Coastal Califomia Gnatcatcher {PolioptHa califomica califomica) Listing: USFWS (1993) - Threatened (Date listed; 25 March 1993) CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Distribution: Currenfly occurs in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties south to Baja Califomia, Mexico. Almost extirpated from Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bemardino counties. Habitat: Diegan and Riversidean Sage Scrab. Also occurs in Maritime Succulent Scrab, and less commonly in open chaparral. Status: Seriously declining due to loss of habitat. Between 85% and 90% of this species' habitat has been lost to urban or agricultural development. The United States population is estimated to be between 1,200 and 2,000 pairs (Atwood 1990). The Califomia subspecies June 5. 1998 15 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Assodates, Inc. (P.C califomica) has a very narrow coastal range m Baja California, Mexico from the United States border south to the vicinity of Bl Rosario. San Diego County is die center of abundance within the United States for this species. Site: A male Califomia Gnatcatcher was observed on-site during 1998 near die presem western terminus of Faraday Avenue in sage scrab habitat. Three additional gnatcatchers were found in the fmger canyons north of the agriculmral fields. The entire eastem block of sage scrab widiin the study area should be considered capable of supporting gnatcatchers, aldiough the souflieastemmost area includes a lot of Black Sage and is not optimal. A pair of gnatcatchers was also seen in spring 1998 in a disturbed swath of sage scrab near the northwestem terminus with Caimon Road. Cumulatively, five gnatcatcher use areas have been observed ua the smdy area. Southern California Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps canescens) LISTING: USFWS (1991) - Fonner Category 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concern DISTRIBUTION: Coastal soufliem Califomia from Santa Barbara County soufliward into Baja California, Mexico. A related race is found in Arizona. Most of flie soufliem Califomia birds are clustered on the coastal plains and into the foothills, with a few birds noted in the higher transmontane desert of San Diego County. HABITS: Utilizes sparse, low scrab, often intennixed with grasses. Terrain may be steep and include rocky outcrops with arid phases of sage scrab or lower growmg and somewhat open chaparral. Nests are m scrapes flush widi die groimd or less commonly a few feet upward in shmbs. This sparrow is a foliage gleaner and wUl also eat various seeds. Egg dates for the region are March 17 through June 7 (Unitt 1984). STATUS: This sparrow is a fairly common but localized resident throughout cismontane southem California. Site: This species is well distributed m sage scrab and sparse chaparral throughout the smdy area. Its presence on-site is of limited biological significance. San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus cattfomicus bennettii) Listmg: USFWS (1991) - Former Category 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concern Distribution: Coastal population from Point Conception - Mount Pifios east to Pasadena, western Anza- Borrego Desert, Jacumba soufli to San Qumtin Baja CaUfomia, Mexico. Habitat: Generally found in open or semi-open country. Thick chaparral and forested habitats are unsuitable. Status: Declining. Site: This species stUl regularly occurs in larger tracts of native sage scrab and ch^arral in the region. Its presence on-site is not significant. Northwestem San Diego Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus fallax fallax) Listing: USFWS (1991) - Former Categoiy 2 CDFG (1992d) - Species of Special Concem Distribution: San OnoftQ north to Claremont, northeast lo Banning, then south to Jacumba and on into Baja California to San Quentin, Mexico. Habitat: Coastal sage scrab. Status: Unknown, possibly declining due to extensive urban and agriculmral development. Site: This species was found during 1997 trappmg of the Golf Course property just off-site (S. Montgomery, pers. comm.). This species is stiU regularly found throughout the region. It is expected in simUar habitat on-site, and its presence is not considered biologically significant. June 5. 1998 16 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates. Inc. San Diego Desert Woodrat (Neotoma lepida intermedia) Listing: Distribution: Habitat: Status: USFWS (1991) - Former Category 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concern Coastal soudiem California and Baja Califomia from San Luis Obispo soufli to San Bemardino Mountains, Redlands, and continuing soufli flirou^ Julian and Dulzura and on into Baja Califomia, Mexico to the Siena San Pedro Math:. A disjunct population also is reported from the PorlerviUe area in Tulare County. Sage scrab and chaparral, often associated with rock outcrop. Unknown, but believed to be declinmg due to loss of habitat. Site: This species was found during 1997 tr^ping of die Golf Course property just off-site (S. Montgomery, pers. comm.). This species is still regularly found tiiroughout die region. It is expected in simUar habitat on-site, and its presence is not considered biologically significant. SENSITIVE WILDLIFE WHICH MAY OCCUR ON-SITE A number of additional, sensitive anunals may potentially utUize the site: San Diego Fairy Shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegensis) USFWS (1997) - Endangered Species is currentiy known primarUy from San Diego County: Otay Mesa, Del Mar Mesa, Muramar NAS, Keamy Mesa, Anoyo Sonento, La JoUa, Mission TraUs, Carlsbad, San Marcos, and Ramona. Oflier populations are reported from Valle de las Palmas, Baja Califomia Norte, wifli several sites in Orange County. Seasonally astatic pools and swales, predominately on mesas. Usually found in shaUow (< 30 cm) pools wifli a water temperature of 10-26° C. SubstantiaUy declining in die region through loss of habitat. Listing: Distribution: Habitat: Status: Site: No vemal pool habitat was seen in die smdy area. Habitat for fliis species is not considered present. Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) Listing: USFWS (1997) - Endangered Distribution: Found among foofliUls and coastal mesas of westem Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties; south to northem Baja California, Mexico. Habitat: Larva utUize native Plantago species such as Plantago erecta. Populations may also feed on and utUize as larval hosts plants in the family Scr(^hulariaceae. Status: Declining. Native habitats have been affected by local development and prolonged drought in southern California. The elimination of small, isolated colonies due to these factors adversely affects die entire subspecies through the loss of island patches between larger colonies which serve in dispersal. This also limits the abUity to re-establish open patches of nearby habitat. Annual fluctuations in numbers make quantitative assessment difficult, bul die limited numbers collected over die last decade suggest die southem Califomia subspecies may be near extinction. Site: The host plant of tfiis butterfly is present on-site; but, die relatively high level of human activity may be prohibitive. A spring survey in die flight period (late February dirough early March) would be necessary lo make a more defmitive assessment. None of these butterflies were observed during focused surveys on the adjacent proposed Carlsbad Golf Course site or on KeUy Ranch in 1998. June 5. 1998 17 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. Hermes Copper (Lycaena hermes) , USFWS (1991) - Fonner Category 2. Western San Diego County to northwestem Baja Califomia, Mexico. Restricted to Soufliera Mixed Chaparral, Diegan Sage Scrab, and to die westem portions of Laguna Mountains. Colonies are associated widi die larval host plant Redberry (Rhamnus crocea). Adults feed on nectar from Flat-topped Buckwheat. Declining. Colonies appear to be stable, but occupy half ils former range. Fire and development m San Diego County threatens existing and additional colonies. Listing: Distribution: Habitat: Status: Site: The host plant of diis species occurs m small numbers on-site. This butterfly is considered to have a poor potential to occur on-site due to the high level of human activity and paucity of the host plant. A spring survey in the flight period would be necessary to make a more defmitive assessment. Western Spadefoot (Scaphiopus hammondii) Listuig: CDFG - Species of Special Concem Distribution: Tehama County, die foodiUls and Coast Ranges soutfi of San Francisco Bay, the Central Valley soufliward into northwestern Baja CaUforma, Mexico. Habits: Primarily found in the lowlands (below 3,000 feet), frequenting washes, river floodplams, alluvial fans, playas, vemal pools, and alkali flats. Shows some preference for sandy or graveUy soils in grasslands, open ch^arral, sage scrab, and pme-oak woodlands. Eggs laid in smaU, cylindrical masses hatch in two days or less with metamorphosis m four to six weeks. Tadpoles can be carnivorous; they are olive or gray above. The adults are noctumaUy active, dieu- skm color ranges from pale green to grayish, diey reach two and a half inches in length, and have a short wedge-shaped, black "spade" on the inner side of the hind foot. Pupils of eyes have a vertical, cal-lUce slit unlike other frogs and toads; there are no paroloid glands, smaU teeth are present, and breeding adults make a short, snore-lUce caU or a cat-Uke purr. A chorus of spadefoots may sound lUce die sawmg of wood. Spends dry periods in self-made or small mammal bunows. May be found in bunows to three feet deep during periods of severe weaflier. Breeds from January duxni^ May. The eyes of spadefoot tafjwles are distinctive and quite close togetiier on top of the head (Stebbins 1985). Status: Found in a number of isolated populations in southern Califomia. Populations are declining due to loss of habitat and general development of flatter terrain which retains seasonally ponding basms. May occupy minuscule microhabitat areas which are easUy overlooked, particularly during the dry season. Best searched for after substantial rains. Site: These toads are known to disperse seasonaUy into native vegetation areas surrounding vemal pools and were found on-site at the proposed Carlsbad Golf Course property to the soudi. The lUcelUiood of there presence in the smdy area is considered low. Arroyo Toad (Bufo microscaphus californicus) Listing: USFWS - Endangered CDFG - Species of Special Concern Distribution: Found in the Coast Range from near Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo County, soufliward into northwestem Baja California, Mexico; also present in the Transverse Range. A desert population occurs along tfie Mojave River near Needles in San Bemardino County. Arroyo Toads occur on the lower San Luis Rey River from east of Pala to Bonsall, Habits: Occupies seasonally active streambeds and intermittent creeks in semi-arid lowlands. Prefers flat, moderately open, sandy embankments with nearby wiUows, cottonwoods, or sycamores. Voice is a long, melodious trill which rises and then precipitously falls. Hops June 5. 1998 18 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. m radier flian walks lUce die California Toad; also has a more elongated paraloid gland and lacks die light stripe down die back of die latter. Tadpoles have an olive gray or tan color, and are often mottled widi blackish or brownish spots. Breeds fi^m March flu-ough July; may be active mio September. Eggs resemble tangled strings; adults reach three inches in lengdi (Stebbins 1985). Status: Much of fliis toads former habitat, sandy riverine floodplains, has been dismrbed. Populations are now sporadicaUy distributed and generally are found witfiin only very limited reaches of major southland rivers and streams. Most of these occur as sporadic remnant populations along short stretches of high-quality streamside habitat in otherwise disturbed drainages. Site: The primary off-site creek downslope does nol support optimal habitat for this species. Disturbance levels are much too high given the adjacent agriculmral activities. It is nol expected lo occur in die smdy area. CaUfomia Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii) Listing: Distribution: Habits: Status: USFWS - FederaUy Endangered (1993) CDFG - Species of Special Concem Shasta County soudiward along die Coast Ranges to flie Rio Santo Domingo in northwestem Baja California, Mexico. Also found in die Sierra Nevada. One viable population occurs on die Santa Rosa Plateau. Twenty-nine historical reports for locations diroughout San Diego County are all apparendy extirpated. Once reported from near the Carlsbad coast. Slow moving streams, ponds, marshes, and lake shores; often near cat-taUs or in good riparian cover. Disperses after rains and can be found far from water. Breeding period of one to two weeks between January and April. CaU is an acceleratmg and smttering, gulteral series of notes, often ending in a growl-lUce sound. A chorus of Red-legged Frogs may sound lUce a continual low chkken-lUce clucking, or die word "want" said repeatedly. TypicaUy diis frog's skm is tinged red on die lower abdomen, and yellow overlain by red on the underside of the hind legs; can grow to five inches in lengdi (Stebbins 1985). Eggs are in grape-lUce clusters or fl^ masses at die water's surfiice. Tadpoles transform in diree and a half to seven montfis; usuaUy between July and September; they are yeUowish brown or dark brown above and have a pinkish uridescence on their belly. Breeds from late November tiu-ough March. Cannoi tolerate even moderately brackish waler. Probably do not reproduce untU three lo four years old (Jennings, Hayes, and HoUand uiq>ublished petition). This subspecies is severely declming and rare or extmct over large portions of its former range in soudiem CalUbraia and die Siena Nevada. Only one extant population is known south of Ventura County on ihe Santa Rosa Plateau. LocaUy common at the tum of the century and sold for food. Loss of habitat does not entirely account for severe population declines. Site: This species is lUcely extirpated from tfie region. Southwestern Pond Turtle (Clemmys marmorata pallida) Listing: Distribution: Habitat: Status: USFWS (1991)-Category 1 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem CDFG (1991) - Fully Protected This subspecies, C. m. pallida, occurs from die Monterey area soutii into Baja Califomia, Mexico. Highly aquatic, prefers ponds, creek pools, and marshes wilh rocky or muddy bottoms. Declining. In southem Califomia, i.e., Los Angeles County soudi, this mrtle is becoming quite rare due to die general destruction of lowland riparian areas and human dismrbance. The expansion of non-native, predatory fish and Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) are June 5, 1998 19 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Mericel & Associates, Inc. additional probable factors in the decline of Southwestem Pond Turties. , Site: The site's small stock pond does not support diis species. This species is not expected on-site. San Di^o Homed Uzard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainwUei) Listing: USFWS (1991) - Former Categoiy 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem CDFG (1991) - FuUy Protected Distribution: Ranges from soudiem Kem County, soudiem Ventura County and die Los Angeles basin sou^ward through Orange, San Bemardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties into northem Baja Califomia, Mexico, at San Vicente. Habitat: Openings in chamise chapanal, sage scrub, montane forest, and grasslands are all utilized by diis homed lizard. GeneraUy il is found in relatively level or gentiy sloping terrain, and near die coast it shows some affmity for ancient aUuvial terraces and floodplains. Vegetative understory is often sparse in its habitat. It sometimes occurs along seldom used dirt roads where native species of harvester ants, its typical prey item, are particularly prevalent. Distinctive scats fiUed with ant remains can be diagnostic even if these lizards are nol observed. This lizard utilizes a sit-and-wail approach to foraging. JuvenUes are found from July to September. Most feeding activities are confined to die moming hours, starting £q)proximately two hours after simrise. The San Diego Homed Lizard generally emerges f^om wmter hibemati(m in late March and is particularly active in the spring from AprU 15 to May 15. Some populations may aestivate during warm periods of late July; hibernation occurs in September or early October widi die onset of markedly colder weather. DaUy activity may peak in the late moming, or again later m the afternoon, with reduced activity during particularly hot temperatures (Stebbins 1985). Status: DecUning, primarUy due lo habitat destruction and habitat degradation. Pet collection has also contributed to their decline, as this species is easUy collected. Site: This species is lUcely present on-site in limited numbers. Suitable habitat areas occur at a variety of locations in sage scrab and chaparral. Coronado Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus interparietalis) Listmg: USFWS (1991) - Former Categoiy 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Distribution: Found in nordiwest Baja California, Mexico including the Coronado Islands northward through coastal San Diego and Orange counties and into the Los Angeles region. Habitat: Occurs in a variety of habitats including grasslands, sage scrab, and pine-oak forests. Often found beneadi logs, leaf litter, and odier surface debris. OccasionaUy one fmds this lizard in disturbed grasslands beneadi debris. The Coronado Skink feeds on a variety of invertebrates including earthworms and spiders, as well as insects and their larvae. Juveniles hatch in July and August. Skinks may be found earlier in the year dian some other n^ive lizards; observations in January are not uncommon (Stebbins 1985). Status: The Coronado Skink has a limited range and much of its coastal habitat has been developed for urban uses. Nevertheless, it can stiU be locally common. The closely related subspecies E. s. skiltonianus is poorly differentiated from the more southern E. s. interparietalis and more taxonomic smdy is probably warrented. The former may intergrade widi the later in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Site: This species likely occurs in limiled numbers on the periphery of mesic areas. Its presence on-site in limited numbers would not be considered biologically significant. June 5. 1998 20 Mericel & Associates, Inc. m m Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 . Coastal Whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus) Listing: USFWS (1991) - Former Category 2 Distribution: This subspecies is found from Santa Barbara County soufliward flirough the nortiiem two- thirds of Baja Califomia, Mexico. Habitat: Semi-open areas and suimy microhabitals in sage scrab, ch^arral, open woodlands, peripheral edges of r^iarian zones and washes, as weU as desert and odier arid habitats are all utilized by diis whiptaU. During extremely hot portions of thc day this lizard, which actively stalks its prey, may seek refuge in burrows or deep shade to control their thermoregulatory requirements. Diets of this species may consist primarUy of termites, but its prey items, including beeties, may vary substantiaUy due to availabiUty. Variations in annual rainfall may substantiaUy intact population numbers. No preference for specific plant species have been reported. JuvenUes may generally be observed from July flirough October; adults are rarely encountered from September through February (Stebbins 1985). Status: This species is relatively common m areas where good habitat occurs; however, vast areas of former habitat in the coastal lowlands have been converted to urban and agriculmral development. Site: This species has some limited potential to occur on-site; however, its presence would not be biologically significant. SUvery Legless Lizard (Aniella nigra argentea) Listuig: CDFG (1991) - Species of Special Concern Distribution: This legless lizard ranges along coastal California from San Francisco soutii to northem Baja California; a closely related subspecies is found from Monterey Bay to Morro Bay. Habitat: This nocmmal Uzard is seldom seen on die surface. It shows a preference for areas of leaf liner and loose soU along washes, beach sand dunes, open scrab and woodland, and sandy benches along aUuvial fans. JuvenUes are present from September to November. Prey items are usuaUy found amid leaf Utter and include various smaU insects and insect larvae. There are indications dial some females may not breed each year, and low fecundity and reproductive potential may be factors limiting local populations (Stebbins 1985). Status: Poorly understood, but apparendy declinmg due to habitat loss. Use of pesticides on agricultural lands has reportedly decimated some populations. Site: The sandy tenain favored by tfiis species occurs at several locations within the study area and this cryptic species has a limited potential on-site. Most of its potential habitat is expected to remain in biological open space off-site and downslope along the Macario Canyon creek. Coast Patchnose Snake (Salvadora hexalepis virgultea) Listing: USFWS (1991) - Former Category 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Distribution: The Coach Patchnose Snake ranges from die Santa Barbara area south lo near the San Quentin region in Baja California, Mexico. It is found from the westem desert edge to the coast. In San Diego County L. Klauber's field notes for this species have sightings concentrated in the foothiUs from Ramona south to Dulzura. Habitat: This diumal to crepuscular snake is found in sage scrab and chaparral from the coast up to approximately 6000 feet m elevation. Lizards, especially whiptaUs (Cnemidophorus species) are a favored prey item. The Coach Patchnose Snake is generally active from March through early October. Reportedly it has excellent climbing ability which it can utilize whUe foraging. During a Klauber cumulative census covering sixteen years, many more patchnose snakes were observed in the foothills and inland valleys than near the coast, or in the mountains and westem desert edge. Status: Uncommonly encountered, reportedly this snake is most active late in the afternoon and June 5. 1998 21 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates. Inc. early evening when few surveys are in progress. Moreover, the stripmg on this snake superficiaUy resembles several otfier species in the region, and it may be misidentiffcd, and therefore under-reported. Site: This snake was seen in similar chf^Kural habitat in a nearby area of Carlsbad earlier in the spring (C. Reiser, pers. obs.). Il has a good potential to occur in low numbers on the property. Its presence on-site in lunited numbers would not be considered biologicaUy sigmficant. San Di^o Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus similis) Listing: Distribution: Habitat: Status: USFWS (1991) - Fonner Category 2 Spotty distribution. This ringneck snake is found m coastal San Diego County south to northern Baja Califomia, Mexico. It occurs from sea level to 7000 feet. L. Klauber's field notes for San Diego County show concentrations of sightings along the immediate soudiem coast where much urban development now occurs, then from Mission VaUey east to Dehesa and Barona; as weU as at scattered locales in the mountains. Given the intensity of Klauber's coUection over many decades, there is a pronounced dearth of sightings in interior northem portions of die County. Mesic habitats in chaparral, sage scrub, and oak woodlands - often witii high numbers of boulders - are a preferred habitat of this small snake. Several were observed swiinming in Santa Ysabel Creek near Pamo Valley and anotiier was seen in a small pond on a creek near Barona (C. Reiser, pers. obs.). Presumed to be d«;lining given the number of historical coUections from locales which are now largely urban. Site: The high level of sile disturbance may be a key factor in limiting the presence of this species on the property. If present on-site, il is expected to occur in low, inconsequential numbers. Two-striped Garter Snake (Jhanmophis hammondi) Listing: USFWS (1991) - Former Category 2 CDFG (1992) - Special Animal CDFG (1991) - Sensitive Distribution: This garter snake ranges north as far as the Carmel Valley, then into tiie Soudi Coast Ranges west of the San Joaquin Valley, further soudi to the Peninsular Range and the southem Calilfomia coast, and then into Baja Califomia, Mexico, to the vicinity of El Rosario and El Matate. It is also found eastward lo a few of die more prominant desert streams such as die Mojave River and San Felipe Creek; as well as on Santa Catalina Island. L. Klauber's field notes for San Diego County record many locales distributed virtuaUy throughout the coastal, footfiiU, and montane regions. Eastem range observations are from Senlenac Canyon, Borrego Palm Canyon, and Jacumba. Habitat: The Two-striped Garter Snake is found in the vicinity of creeks, rivers, and freshwater marshes. It occasionaUy is found m stock ponds and in the spring frequents vernal pools and adjacent mesic areas. Peripheral habitats can include chaparral, sage scrab, and woodlands, but there is usually at least a seasonal source of water nearby. This diumal snake usually emerges from a winter hibernation in die spring, but may be out during warmer winter tempcrauires. Prey items include fish and their eggs, tadpoles, and earthworms (Stebbins 1985). Status: Once common in soudiem Califomia; at present, this garter snake is declining due to wetiand habitat disturbance. Predation of young snakes by Bullfrogs and non-native fish may also affect populfUion levels. Site: The high level of site dismrbance may be a key factor in limitmg die presence of this species in die smdy area. One garter snake was seen m 1998 off-site and downslope in the Macario Canyon creek habitat. Most of its potential habitat is expected lo remain off-site in biological open space. June 5. 1998 22 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Mericel & Associates, Inc. m Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber ruber) Listing: USFWS (1991) - Fonner Category 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concern Distribution: Widiin ils Umited United States range, diis species is confmed primarily to areas from die Peninsular Ranges westward to die coast. Northem Red Diamond Rattiesnakcs are found from extreme soudiem Los Angeles County and near Pioneertown in Morongo VaUey, southward into Baja California, Mexico. L. Klauber's field notes record sites ahnost tiiroughout die coastal slope of San Diego County. Sightings are fewer near Camp Pendleton al die northwestem comer of the County and are extremely sparse at higher elevations. On the deserts are a number of records, particularly near locales with boulder- strewn low mountains such as in Senlenac Canyon. The Narrows, Borego Palm Canyon, Vallecito, and Dos Cabezas. Habitat: This snake frequents rocky outcrops and areas of heavy brush or ragged tenain m chamise chaparrz^, sage scmb or desert scmb on bodi coastal and desert slc^, usuaUy below 4000 feel, ft has been observed near 5000 feet on Palomar Mountain. This relatively docUe and potentially long-Uved ratdesnake is active aU year, but numbers of observations are higher in AprU and May coinciding widi mating activities. Young are bom from late July dirough September. Prey items are primarUy squirrels, rabbits, and lizards. Status: The Northem Red Diamond Rattiesnake is stiU fairly common where extensive areas of habitat remain. This and other species of rattiesnakes are frequentiy persecuted by humans. This species is considered sensitive because of its limited United Slates range. Site: This snake is expected in lunited numbers in areas of Chamise; and may also occur in sage scrab habitat. Its presence on-site in Imuted numbers would not be considered biologically significant. Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Listing: CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Distribution: This harrier is widespread across North America, but is a very localized breeder. Typically winters southward to nortiiem South America and the Caribbean; very linuted nesting in southem Califoraia. Primarily seen in San Diego County between September and March. May stiU nest during die summer in areas such as Tijuana River VaUey, Proctor Valley, Sonento Valley, and tfie coastal plain of Camp Pendleton (Unitt 1984). HABrrs: Coastal salt marsh, freshwater marsh, grasslands, and agricultural fields may be utUized by the harrier. Nests in areas of dense, low-growmg vegetation or on die ground; has a relatively flimsy nest of sticks and grass. Eats birds, amphibians, large invertebrates such as grasshoppers, and smaU mammals such as voles. Generally hunts by sound unusually low to the groimd, surprising its prey by coming upon it quickly and suddenly; regularly seen skimming low. over fields and marshlands. Females wUl exclude males from better hunting habitat outside of die breeding season (Ehrlich et. al. 1988). Egg dates locaUy are AprU 5 to May 11 (Unitt 1984). STATUS: This raptor has greatiy declmed as a breeder in soudiem California due lo fragmentation and loss of open habitat. Site: This raptor may occasionaUy hunt for rodents in die grasslands on-site. It is not expected to nest on- site. Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) Listing: CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Distribution: Fairly common winter resident in southem California; may occasionally breed m the Transverse and Peninsular ranges in woodland and montane coniferous forest. Very limited breeding potential on Cuyamaca and Volcan mountains (Unitt 1984). Generally seen locaUy from mid-September through March. Winters as far south as Panama and the Caribbean. June 5. 1998 23 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates. Inc. m Habits: During its migration this species is observed foraging du-oughout die coastal,^foothUl, and mountain zones. Has highest proportion of birds as prey items of any other species of raptor m soutiiem Califomia (Ehrlich et. id. 1988). UsuaUy nests near trunks of large trees in deciduous forest. Formerly nested in southem Califomia mountain ranges. Summer sightings of Shaip-shinned Hawk are rare, and its cunent breeding status is uncertain. HistoricaUy has shown some problems widi egg-tiiinnuig. presumably associated with pesticide use. Site: This r^tor is expected to regularly hunt the site during its migration periods as il passes dirough coastal San Diego County. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Listing: Bald Eagle Act (1940) CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem CDFG (1991) - FuUy Protected Distribution: This eagle is found throughout the western United States and southern Canada. It is an uncommon resident in cismontane southern Califomia. Approximately thirty to forty breeding pairs may stUl be active in San Diego County. Some bu-ds wmter soudiward to the northem Mexican highlands. Habits: Golden Eagles have extensive foraging territories that can cover large tracts of montane, foodiUl, or coastal habitat. They show some preference for open country. Prey items rely heavily on rabbits, but mclude a number of small mammals and canion (Ehrlich et. al. 1988). Nests are typically on isolated rock ledges, or less commoidy in large trees such as oaks. Egg dates locally are from February 6 through April 26 (Unitt 1984). Status: The soudiem Califomia population is slowly declining. This species was once a relatively common breeding bird. Nest sites are particularly susceptible to abandonment if human activity regularly occurs nearby. Historical tenitories which have been abandoned are concentrated along the coast where urban development has been most unpactive. Site: The property may occasionaUy be hunted by Golden Eagles that have been observed at Batiquitos Lagoon (C. Reiser, pers. obs. 1997); however, it is not expected to comprise a significant foraging area for this species. Tri-colored Blackbird (Agelmus tricolor) Listing: Distribution: Habitat: Status: USFWS (1991) - Former Category 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Endemic to California and a smaU area of extreme soutiiem Oregon. LocaUy common m coastal San Diego County; one colony is also known from Jacumba on the high desert. This species is semi-nomadic during the non-breeding season. Large concentrations have been found on die lower San Luis Rey River, Whalen Lake, Sweetwater River, and near San Pasqual. Breeds in large colonies in extensive fresh water marshes where cat-laU and bulrash are common. During winter this blackbird occasionlly forages m cultivated lands and on lawns. Slowly declining due to habitat loss, primarily from drainage or dewatering of larger ponds. Site: This songbird is lUcely present occasionally in die brackish marsh habitat downslope with cat-taUs and bulrush. Habitat on-site is very poorly developed. Least BeU's Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) Listing: USFWS (1993) ^ Endangered (Date listed: 2 May 1986) June 5, 1998 24 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. CDFG (1993) - Endangered (Date listed: 10 February 1980) Distribution: Santa Barbara County soudiward to Baja Califomia Norte, Mexico. The majority of die breeding population is found on major drainages on Camp Pendleton; along the Sweetwater, Tijuana, Otay, San Diego, and San Luis Rey rivers in coastal San Diego C:ounty; and in die Prado Basin of westem Riverside County. A few breeding territories have been recorded at die western edge of die desert such as at die Lower WUlows in Coyote Creek on the Anza-Borrego Desert. Residents arrive m late March and depart by September (Unitt 1984). Habits: Restricted as a breeder to riparian woodlands. Nests primarUy in wUlow fliickets but occasionally utUizes other riparian trees and bushes; nests are generaUy about one meter above tfie ground. Primarily insectivorous, bul may eal some fraU (Ehrlich et. al. 1988). Local egg dales are May 7 dirough July 12 (Unitt 1984). Status: Stable but still potentiaUy declining due to habitat destraction and nest parasitism by the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater). Populations have increased considerably in the past several years, presumably due lo intensive trapping of cowbirds at vireo breeding sites. The 1996 estimate was 1500-1600 territories, up significantiy from tiie 300 territories estimated in 1986. Site: This species is present downslope in the riparian off-site habitat. Habitat within the smdy area is not capable of supporting this species. PaUid Bat (Antrozous pallidus) Listing: Distribution: Habitat: Status: CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Found tiiroughout Califomia widi the exception of the northwest portion of the state and the higher elevations of tiie Sierra Nevada Mountains above 6000 feet. Occi^ies a variety of habitats. These relatively large bats typicaUy feed on large terrestrial arthropods. The coastal subspecies prefers grassland and oak woodlands for foraging. Roosts in crevices in trees, rocks, and buUdings. Declines m the coastal population are attributed to loss of foraging habitat. Site: Littie information is avaUable about the foraging activities of this species in coastal portions of the County; il may occasionally hunt the site for insects. Pacific Little Pocket Mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) Listmg: USFWS (1991) - Endangered 1997 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concern Distribution: Restricted to die coastal strip of southem Califomia from die vicinity of the U.S./Mexico border northward to El Segundo, Los Angeles County (WUliams 1986). Habitat: Areas of fme, sandy substrate. Status: Declining. Presumably has suffered considerable amounts of habitat loss due to urbanization of coastal areas. Site: Aldiough only known from a few sites, die erosive sandstone habitat high on die ridgelme and barely entermg the smdy area has potential habitat for this species. A focused trapping survey off-site at the proposed Carlsbad Golf property during die appropriate season did not fmd diis species (S. Montgomery, pers. comm.). Dulzura CaUfomia Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus californicus femoralis) Listing: USFWS (1991) - Former Calegory 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Distribution: Coastal soudiem California from die north of the Santa Margarita River, north to Temecula, soutfi to Aguanga, Dulzura. and on into Baja Califomia. Mexico. Junes. 1998 25 Faradav Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Mericel & Associates. Inc. mm Habitat: Sage scrab and chaparral habitats. . Status: Unknown. Site: This species is typically found further mland in chapanal sites. It is nol expected on-site. m Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona) mm M Listing: USFWS (1991) - Former Category 2 CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem m Distribution: Southem third of Califomia, occurring primarily on the coastal side of the mountains. Habitat: Reported in various habitats including scrablands, chaparral, riparian areas, and desert. Status: Declining. Localized populations. " Site: Littie is known about the status of diis carnivorous rodent in coastal San Diego County. It is rarely ii tt-apped, but diat may be an artifact of gram baits typically being used ratiier dian live msects. This subspecies may be much rarer tiian presumed in tiie historical literature. Not enough information is avaUable to assess its potential *• presence/absence. m American Badger (Taxidea taxus) mm Listuig: CDFG (1992) - Species of Special Concem Distribution: From Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada, soudiward tiu-ough central and western United States and into Baja Califomia and central Mexico. In California occurs throughout the ^ Slate except in die nordiwestera comer. Areas of greatest abundance are in the M northeastem region and along the south central coast area with moderate populations occurring in the southeastem desert areas, eastem southem Siena Nevada, and southern —' San Joaquin Valley. Habitat: Found in grasslands, open scrab, and mountain meadow habitats with fiiable soils. *" Status: Cunent status unknown but the species has experienced drastic declines in CaUfornia within die last century. Agriculture and urban developments have been the primary causes of decline and extirpation of populations in Califomia. Mi Site: The mammal is largely absent from most of the coastal plain of San Diego County due to extensive urbanization and loss of habitat. It may survive in low numbers on the adjacent prq)Osed Carlsbad Golf site given ^ the extent of avaUable habitat. an Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) • Listmg: City of Carlsbad - HMP Target Species Distribution: Found tiu-oughout Califomia. " Habitat: Occurs in a variety of habitat types including sage scrab, chaparral, riparian, grassland and M woodlands. Status: Declming in footiiiUs due to urban development. mm Site: Deer may wander onto the site via Agua Hedionda Lagoon, but ongoing agricultural activities, presence "* of the police firmg range, and limited cover discourage such use. Additional Species Some additional regionally sensitive species lack appropriate habitat to support them to any significant ^ measure on-site. Included here is tiie Cactus Wren {Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus sandiegensis), Townsend's Westem Big-eared Bat {Plecotus townsendii pallescens), and Califomia Mastiff Bat {Eumops perotis californicus); as well as several avian species occasionally found around Agua ^ Hedionda Lagoon. June 5. 1998 26 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. EXPECTED BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS Tables 1,2, and 3 summarize the expected biological unpacts from the proposed project: TABLE 1. VEGETATION IMPACTS Vegetation Type Status On-Site Impact Significance Diegan Coastal Sage Scrab LocaUy common at scattered locations where not previously unpacted by agricultural activities Loss of proximately 6 acres of primarily good quality sage scrab witiiin disturbance corridor Significant under CEQA and NCCP conservation measures for sage scrab Southem Maritime Chapanal Primarily upslope of die proposed road on the periphery of die study area No direct impacts Not significant Non-native Grasslands Localized on-site with concentrations near the westem terminus of die road Loss of approximately 0.54 acres of non-native grassland within disturbance corridor Questionable. Increasingly the loss of such tracts of ntm-native grasslands are being detennined to be significant due to loss of raptor foraging habitat Soufliera WUlow / Mule Fat Scrab Concentrated m a disturbed stock pond and a minor artificial basm No direct impacts Not significant Agricultural Lands Concentrated on lower flanks of Macario Canyon; where substantiaUy comprismg the impact footprint of die road Not quantified Not cumulatively significant Disturbed Lands Undeveloped roads Not quantified Not biologicaUy significant TABLE 2. SENSFTIVE PLANT SPECIES ON-SITE m Species Sensitivity Status On-Impact Sigiuficance m Site m California Adolphia CEQA LocaUy Primary populations Not individually or common at off-site to north higher cumulatively sigiuficant; m several on the slope and near large populations stiU locations; ridgeline; impacts are present regionally in areas population expected to be under proposed as open space estimated at 20% of population over 1000 observed m shrabs and extending m off-site June 5, 1998 27 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. Palmer's Grapplinghook CEQA Two small populations of less than 30 plants Population m open space Not individually «r cumulatively significant given the protection of plants on-site mm mm m Westem Dichondra CEQA Large population scattered throughout area upslope of agricultural fields Loss of under 20% of observed population; numbers cannot be quamified due lo cryptic nature of this species and growth in mats of many mdividuals Not Significant; this population is part of a still relatively widespread coastal distribution for this species i 1 1 1 1 1 NuttaU's Scrab Oak Federal Species of Special Concem Lightiy scattered in clusters or as few isolated shrabs elsewhere on-site Loss of under 30 shrabs Not individually or cumulatively significant; primary p(^idations off-site to nordieast where growmg by diousands in protected locations rm m Ashy Spike-moss CEQA Locally common Loss of substantial population Not individually or cumulatively significant; sensitivity listing should be removed to reflect ils regional abundance mm TABLE 3. SENSITIVE ANIMAL SPECIES ON-SITE IM Species Sensitivity Status On-Site Impact Significance MM •m Orangethroat WhiptaU CDFG protected Well represented in sage and chapanal Loss of a number of mdividuals Not individuaUy or cumulatively significant; substantial habitat retained in local open space IM While-taUed Kite CEQA Occasionally hunts site Loss of foraging habitat Loss of habitat not cumulatively significant mm mm Cooper's Hawk CDFG Species of Special Concem OccasionaUy hunts site Loss of foraging habitat Loss of habitat nol cumulatively sigmficant Iiii Califomia Homed Lark CEQA Expected to be common in agricultural fields / open grasslands in winter Loss of foraging and loafmg habitat Not individually or cumulatively significant June 5, 1998 28 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. Loggerhead Shrike CDFG Bud Species of Special Concem Forages in low numbers in open tenain Loss of foraging habitat Not individually er cumulatively significant California Gnatcatcher FederaUy Threatened Uplo5 potential use areas identified One use area directiy impacted Significant; smdy area retains in concert with proposed Carlsbad Golf Course site lo south one of larger single populations of gnatcatchers widiin the City of Carlsbad Southem Califomia Rufous-crowned Sparrow CDFG Bird Species of Special Concem Found in moderate numbers throughout sage and chaparral Loss of breeding territories Not incUviduaUy or cumulatively significant; tiiis species stUl locally common m the region San Diego Black- taUed Jackrabbit CDFG Mammal Species of Special Concem Found in low numbers throughout the sage and chapanal Loss of habitat Not individually or cumulatively significant Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse CDFG Mammal Species of Special Concem Found at trap sites Loss of a number of individuals Not individually or cumulatively significant; this species stiU locally common in the region San Diego Desert Woodrat CDFG Mammal Species of Special Concem Found at trap sites; present m moderate numbers throughout the sage and chapanal Loss of a number of mdividuals; over 40 acres of habitat Nol mdividually or cumulatively significant; this species stiU locally common in the region m HABITAT LINKAGES AND WILDLIFE CORRIDORS Local Corridor Impacts Examination of Figure S-1 in tiie pending Carlsbad HCP (City of Carlsbad draft 1994) shows flie existing distribution of remaining native vegetation and non-native grasslands in the City. Clearly the site's primary connectivity is wifli Agua Hedionda Lagoon in the northwest and wifli flie Kirgis and Kelly Ranch properties to the norfli. This latter connection would be degraded by current road designs, insofar as heavy road use would pose substantial road kills and deter some mammal and reptile movement fron north to south. Habitat for sage scmb animals and corridor utility for tiiis specific group is expected to be impacted by the design, given the unavoidable impacts to a broad linear swath of sage scmb vegetation in concert with substantially increased edge effects from road activity. Under the City of Carlsbad's proposed Habitat Management Plan, extensive corridor linkages are June 5. 1998 29 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Mericel & Associates, Inc. recommended m Preserve Planning Areas such as fliat which encompasses a portion of the road study area. It is recognized tiiat this may not always be achievable under existing conditions. NCCP 4(D) FINDINGS The foUowmg are flie components of the sage scmb Section 4(d) loss giudelines as per Section 4.2.g of flie CSS NCCP Process Guidelmes (CDFG; November, 1993). The City of Carlsbad is a participant m fliis process which aUocates loss of sage scmb habitat under an mterim plan prior to the development and subsequent approval of regional habitat management plans such as the HMP. As of August 23, 1997, flie City retamed 59.91 acres of sage scmb which could be utilized as take under the existing agreement. 4.2.g (1) (a) The habitat loss does not cumulatively exceed the 5% guideline. 4.2.g (1) (b) The habitat loss will not preclude or prevent connectivity between areas of high habitat value. 4.2.g (1) (c) The habitat loss will not preclude or prevent preparation of the subregional NCCP. 4-2.g (1) (d) The habitat loss has been minimized and mitigated to the maximum extent practicable. 4.2 (g) (2) Habitat loss wUl not appreciably reduce the Ukelihood of survival and recovery of listed species in the vrild. 4.2 (g) (3) Habitat loss is incidental to othenvise lawful activities. Under the criteria given, 6 acres of impacts to coastal sage scmb as proposed for the Faraday Road extension project do not exceed avaUable take allowances remairung with flie City of Carlsbad. CARLSBAD AREA SUBREGIONAL HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN The Carlsbad HMP (December 1997; stiU pending City approval) states tiiat "tiie Core 4 PPA, located in west-central Carlsbad, includes Agua Hedionda Lagoon and upland habitats immediately east of the lagoon. Critical vegetation communities within this Core include saltmarsh, freshwater marsh, and riparian scmb. Major areas of coastal sage scmb are also present, as are small patches of grassland, soufliera maritune chaparral, soufliem mixed chaparral, and coastal sage scmb/chaparral. Critical populations of salmiarsh skipper butterfly, light-footed clapper raU, westem snowy plover, Califonua least tem, and Belding's savannah sparrow occur in the estuarine habitats associated with Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The coastal wefland is also critical for American peregrine falcon and Califomia brown pelican. A major population of wart-stemmed ceanotiius [i.e.. White Coast Ceanothus] is associated wifli soufliem maritime chaparral east of tiie lagoon (Carlsbad HMP 1997)." Core 4 has linkages to Core 2. Core 3, Core 6, and Core 8. The foUowing table summarizes proposed upland impacts to sensitive habitats on flie Faraday Avenue June 5. 1998 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates, Inc. alignment in relation to total habitat avaUable m flie Local Facility Management Plannmg Area 8 (LFMP): Table 4. LFMP 8 Impacts Habitat LFMP 8 Faraday Avenue % of LFMP in^acted from Road Habitat Acres % of total LFMP Impacts % of LFMP in^acted from Road Southem Maritime Chaparral 18.8 3% 0 acres 0% Diegan Coastal Sage Scmb 192 26% 6 acres 3.1% Non-native Grasslands 93.2 12% 0.54 acres 0.58% The HMP requfres no net loss of wetiands. Unless tiie HMP is adopted, flie Faraday Avenue project would be subject to tiie preceding NCCP requkements. If adopted by flie City and approved by federal and state agencies, flie HMP regulations goveming habitat impacts would replace 4 (d) requkements and the interim take pennits for sage scmb habitat. Califomia Gnatcatcher Impacts Numbers of gnatcatchers wifliin the study area vary from year to year. Five active use areas were identified on-site during the 1998 focused spring surveys by M&A. Four of the five observations of gnatcatchers were in locations where gnatcatcher habitat is expected to be preserved under the proposed design. Wifliout HMP approval, sage scrab impacts, and hence indkectiy gnatcatcher impacts, would requke fliat habitat losses be addressed under flie mterim 4 (d) Rule. This would restrict the City's sage scrab take allowance to whatever is stUl avaUable under flie 5% take of total sage scmb origmaUy allocated to flie City under tins mterim plan {i.e., 59.91 acres as of August 27, 1997). Witiiout HMP approval, sage scmb unpacts, and hence mdkectiy gnatcatcher unpacts, would requke that habitat losses (estimated at 6 acres) be addressed under flie interun 4 (d) Rule, This would restrict tiie City's sage scmb take allowance to whatever is stUl available under the 5% take of total sage scmb origmaUy allocated to flie City under this mterim plan. If the 4 (d) Rule is not used, a Section 7 endangered species consultation wifli flie USFWS could be necessary. If approved, flie HMP wUl focus mitigation requkements on habitat protection of gnatcatcher occupied sage scmb resultmg m City-wide June 5, 1998 31 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates. Inc. preservation of 1,978 acres of sage scmb. It wUl also conserve at least 110 of 195 m^ped gnatcatcher locations. This preservation focuses on habitat, not the specific number of mdividual gnatcatchers unpacted (which can vary year to year), and the ciUpabUity for mitigating mdividual gnatcatcher territories impacted by a project {e.g., Faraday Avenue or Kelly Ranch). RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS Sage Scrub Impacts It is recommended that sage scrab mitigation occur on adjacent parklands. The 6 acres of sage scmb dkectiy in^)acted by the road can be effectively mitigated within the study area. A 2:1 replacement ratio is recommended given the good quality habitat proposed to be removed. A gap is proposed between golf Imks 13 and 15 on the proposed Carlsbad Golf Course project to the south. This has been previously proposed as a mitigation area for tiie golf course (these links would be situated below the road). The gap provides an opportunity to connect the riparian habitat at the base of Macario Canyon below the proposed route for Faraday Avenue with sage scrab/ch^qiarral above the road and within the study area. Areas above (i.e., north) tiie road within proposed parklands would be an optimal place to provide mitigation. This would improve conidor linkage spanning the canyon in an area where open agricultural fields cunentiy deter some wUdlife movement. A mitigation altemative would be the purchase of sage scmb lands at a 2:1 replacement ratio within the Carlsbad Highland Mitigation Bank. CEQA Sensitive Plant Impacts No recommendations are made to mitigate these unpacts which are considered less tiian biologically significant. The primary populations for flie sensitive plants observed within flie study area lie outside of the area of direct impact. Lighting Recommendations Lighting of Faraday Avenue in areas of buffering native vegetation should be envkonmentally sensitive; lights should not be dkected into sage scmb and riparian habitat. Fencing Fencing utilized along Faraday Avenue should not deter mammal crossing in areas where native vegetation parallels the road. The CDFG has recommendations for road fencing which may be appropriate for the Faraday Avenue site. June 5. 1998 32 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Mericel & Associates. Inc. LITERATURE CFTED American Fisheries Society. 1970. A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. Spec. Pub. No. 6. (3rd ed.) Waveriy Press, Baltimore. 150 p. American Omifliologists'Union. 1983. Checklist of North American Birds, 6th Edition. American Ornithologists' Union. American Ornithologists' Union. 1989. Thkty-seventh Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Checklist of Norfli American Birds. Auk 106: 532-538. Bowman, R. H. 1973. SoU Survey, San Diego County, Califomia. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, SoU Conservation Service. Brown, John W., Real, Herman G.. and Faulkner, David K. 1992. Butterflies of Baja California. Lepidoptera Research Foundation, Inc. Califonua Department of Fish and Game. 1991. State and Federal Endangered and Threatened Animals of Califomia. Revised April 1991. California Department of Fish and Game. 1992. Special Animals. Califomia Natural Diversity Data Base. December 1992. California Department of Fish and Game. 1993. State and Federal Endangered and Threatened Animals of Califomia. January 1993. City of Carlsbad. 1998. Draft Habitat Management Plan. Collins, Joseph T. 1990. Standard Common and Cunent Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Reptiles (3rd ed.). The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Herpetological Ckcular No. 19. Erlich, Paul R., David S.Dobkki, and DarrylWheye. 1988. The Bkder's Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Bkds. Simon and Schuster, Inc., New York, New York. 785pp. Garth, John S., and J. W. Tilden. 1986. Califomia Butterflies. University of Califomia Press, Berkeley, Califomia. Califomia Natural History Guides 51. Hall, E. Raymond, Ph.D. 1981. The Mammals of North America. Two volumes. John Wiley & Sons, New York, New York. 1,181 pp -h Technical Appendices. Hickman, James C, ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of Califonua. University of Califomia Press, Berkeley. 1400pp. HoUand, Robert F. 1986. Preluninary Descriptions of the Terresttial Natural Communities of Califomia. Califonua Department of Fish and Game. June 5, 1998 33 Faraday Avenue Extension M&A 97-104-01 Merkel & Associates. Inc. m Merkel & Associates. 1996. Evans Point Least Bell's Vkeo SiuT^eys. Prepared for Shea Homes. Merkel & Associates. 1997. Buena Forcemain and Outfall. Prepared for Wilson Engineering. Merkel & Associates. 1998. Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course EIR Biological Constraints Analysis. Prepared for Cotton/Beland and Associates. Reiser, Craig H. 1996. The Rare Plants of San Diego County. Aquafir Press. 196 pp. Rogers, Thomas H. 1973. Geologic Map of Califomia, Santa Ana Sheet. Califomia Division of Mines and Geology, Sacramento, Califomia. Sawyer, John O. and Keeler-Wolf, Todd. 1995. A Manual of Califomia Vegetation. Califomia Native Plant Society. Skirmer, Mark W. and Bmce M. Pavlik, eds. 1994. Califomia Native Plant Society's Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascuhir Plants of California. Special Publication No. 1, Fifth Edition. Febmary 1994. Stebbins, R. C. 1985. A Field Guide to Westem ReptUes and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 336 p. Unitt, P. 1984. The Birds of San Diego County. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. Memok No. 13. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. Endangered and Threatened WUdlife and Plants; Animal Candidate Review for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species, Proposed Rule. 50 CFR Part 17. Federal Register Part VIII, November 21, 1991. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. 50 CFR Part 17.11 and 17.12. Federal Register Subpart B. August 23, 1993. June 5. 1998 34 APPENDIX 1 FLORAL CHECKLIST OF SPECDES OBSERVED FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION Merkel & Associates, Inc. Faraday Avenue APPENDIX 1. FLORAL CHECKUST OF SPECIES OBSERVED AT FARADAY AVENUE HABITAT D=Diegan Coastal Sage Scrab C=Soufliem Maritune Chaparral W=Dismrbed Riparian X—Disturbed Lands Scientific Name HABITAT CRYPTOGAMS Pteridaceae - Brake FamUy Pentagramma triangularis (Kaulf )Yats. ssp. triangularis California Goldenback Fem D SelagmeUaceae - SpUce-Moss Family Selaginella cinerascens A.A. Eat. Ashy Spike-moss D DICOTYLEDONS Aizoaceae - Carpet-weed FamUy * Carpobrotus edulis (MoUna)N.E. Brit. Hottentot-Fig X * Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. Crystalline Iceplant X * Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L. Slender-leaved Iceplant X,G Amaranthaceae - Amaranth FamUy * Amaranthus albus L. Tumbleweed X * Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats. Prostrate Amaranth X Anacardiaceae - Sumac FamUy Malosma laurina (Ton. & Gray)Abrams Laurel Sumac D Rhus integrifolia (Nutt.)Benih. & Hook. Lemonadeberry D Apiaceae - Canot FamUy Apiastrum angustifolium Nutt. Mock Parsley D Daucus pusillus Michx. Ratflesnake Weed D * Foeniculum vulgare MiU. Fennel X,G Lomatium dasycarpum (Torrey & Gray)C. & R. ssp. dasycarpum Woolly-fiiiit Lomatium C Sanicula crassicaulis DC. Pacific Sanicle D Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Acourtia ndcrocephala DC. Sacapellote, Purpleheads D Ambrosia psilostachya DC. Westcra Ragweed D Artemisia califorruca Less. Califomia Sagebrash D Artemisia dracunadus L. Tanagon D Baccharis pilularis DC. Coyote Brash D Baccharis salicifolia (R. & P.)Pers. Mule Fat W Brickellia califomica (Toney & Gray)Gray Califoraia Brickellbush D * Carduus pycnocephalus L. Italian Thistie X * Centaurea melitensis L. Tocalote,G * Chamomilla suaveolens (Pursh.)Ryd. Pineapple Weed G * Chrysanthemum corormrium L. Garland X Cirsium occidentale (Nutt.)Jeps. var. occidentale Cobweb Thistie D * Cirsium vulgare (Savi)Ten. Bull Thistie X * Conyza bonariensis (L.)Cronq. Flax-leaf Fleabane X Merkel & Associates, Inc. ff97-I04-01 A-1-1 M&A» 97-104-01 Sdentmc Name HABITAT * Conyza canadensis (L.)Cronq. Horseweed X * Cotula australis (Spreng.)Hook. f. Australian Brass-buttons W * Cotula coronopifoUa L. Brass-buttons W Encelia califomica Nutt. Califomia EnceUa D Eriophyllum confertiflorum (DC.)Gray var. confertiflorum Golden-yarrow D Filago califomica Nun. California FUago D * Filago gallica L. Nanow-lcaf FUago D Gnaphalium bicolor Bioletti Bicolor Cudweed D Gnaphalium califomicum DC. Califomia Everlasting D,C Gnaphalium canescens DC. ssp. microcephalum (Nutt.)Stebb. & KeU White Everlasting D * Gnaphalium luteo-album L. Cudweed X Gnaphalium palustre Nutt. Lowland Cudweed W Griruielia camporum Greene ssp. bracteosum (Howell)Lane Gumplant D Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh)Britt. & Rusby Matchweed D,C Hazardia squarrosa ssp. grindelioides (DC.)CIarke Saw-toothed Goldenbush D,C * Hedypnois cretica (L.)Willd. Crete Hedypnois X Hemizonia fasciculata (DC.)Torrey & Gray Fascicled Tarplant D Heterotheca grandiflora Nutt. Telegraph Weed X * Hypochoeris glabra L. Smoodi Cat's-ear D,X Isocoma menziesii (Hook. & Ara.)Ncsom var. decumbens (Gre.)Nesom Decumbent CJoldenbush D Isocoma menziesii (Hook. & Am.)Nesom var. vemonoides (Nutt.)Ncsom Coast Goldenbush D * Lactuca serriola L. WUd Letmce X,W Lessingia fllaginifolia (Hook. & Ara.)M.A. Lane var. filaginifolia Cudweed Aster D,C Osmadenia tenella Nutt. Osmadenia D Pentachaeta aurea Nutt. Pentachaeta D * Pieris echioides L. Bristiy Ox-tongue W Pluchea odorata Caw. Salt Marsh Fleabane W Rafinesquia califomica Nutt. Califoraia Chicory D * Senecio vulgaris L. Common Groundsel X * Silybum marianum (L.)Gaertn. MUk-thisflc X * Sonchus asper {h.)Wi!ii Prickly Sow Thisfle X * Sonchus oleraceus L. Common Sow Thisfle X Stephanomeria diegensis Gotflieb San Diego Wreath-Plant D Stylocline gnaphalioides Nutt. Everlasting Nest Straw D Uropappus lindleyi (DC.)Nutt. SUver Puffs D * Xanthium strumarium L. Cocklebur X,W Boraginaceae - Borage Family Amsinckia menziesii (Lehm.)Nelson & J.F. Macbr. var. intermedia (F .& M.) Fiddleneck G Cryptantha intermedia (Gray)Greene Nievitas, Cryptantha D Harpagonella palmeri Gray Palmer's Grapplinghook D Brassicaceae - Mustard FamUy * Brassica nigra (L.)Koch Black Mustard X * Hirschfeldia incana (L.)Lagr.-Fossat Short-pod Mustard X,G Lepidium lasiocarpum Toney & Gray var. lasiocarpum Sand Peppergrass D * Raphanus sativus L. Radish X * Rorippa nasturtium-ofiicinale (L.)Hayek Water Cress W * Sisymbrium irio L. London Rocket X Merkel & Associates, Inc. 097-104-01 A-1-2 M&Atf 97-104-01 Scientific Name HABITAT • Cactaceae - Cactus Fanuly * Opimtia ficus-indica (L.)MiUer Indian-fig X Opuntia littoralis (Engclm.)CkU. Coast Prickly-pear D Opuntia prolifera Engelm. Cholla D Capparaceae - Caper FamUy Isomeris arborea Nutt. Bladderpod D CaprifoUaceae - Honeysuckle FamUy Lonicera subspicata var. denudata Rehd. San Dicgo Honeysuckle D Sambucus mexicana DC. Blue Elderberry D CaryophyUaceae - Pink FamUy Cardionema ramosissimum (Weinm.)Nels. & Macbr. Tread Lightiy C Polycarpon depression Nutt. Califomia Polycarp C * Silene gallica L. Common Catchfly X * Spergula arvensis L. Stickwort Starwort X * Stellaria media L. Chickweed X Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family * Atriplex rosea L. Redscale, Red Saltbush X * Atriplex semibaccata R. Br. Australian Saltbush X Chenopodium berlandieri Moq. Pitseed Goosefoot X * Chenopodium murcde L. Nettie-leaf Goosefoot X * Salsola tragus L. Russian Thisfle X Cistaceae - Rock-Rose FamUy Helianthemum scoparium Nutt, Peak Rush-rose C Convolvulaceae - Morning-Glory FamUy Calystegia macrostegia (Greene)Brainm. ssp. arida (Greene)Bninim. Finger-leaf Morning-glory D * Convolvulus arvensis L. Bindweed X Dichondra occidentalis House Westem Dichondra D,C Crassulaceae - Stonecrop FamUy Crassula connata (Ruiz & Pav.)Berger Dwarf Stonecrop D Dudleya edulis (Nutt.)Moran Lady Fingers C Dudleya lanceolata (Nutt.)Britton & Rose Lance-leaf Dudleya D Dudleya pulverulenta (Nutt.)Britt. & Rose Chalk-lctmce D Cucurbitaceae - Gourd Fanuly Marah macrocarpus (Greene)Greene var. macrocarpus Cucamonga Manroot, Wild-Cucumber D Cuscutaceae - Dodder FamUy Cuscuta califomica Hook & Am. var. califomica Witch's Hair C,D Ericaceae - Heaih Family Xylococcus bicolor Nutt. Mission Manzanita C Euphorbiaceae - Spurge FamUy Chamaesyce polycarpa (Benth.)Millsp. Spurge D Merkel & Associates. Inc. It97-104-01 A-1-3 M&A0 97-104-01 Scientific Name HABITAT • Eremocarpus setigerus (Hook.)Bcnth. Doveweed X Fabaceae - Pea Fanuly Lotus hamatus Greene Hairy Loms D Lotus purshianus (Benth.)Clem. & Clem. Spanish-clovcr G Lotus scoparius (Nutt.)Ottiey Deerweed D Lupinus succulentus Koch Anoyo Lupine D * Medicago polymorpha L. Califomia Burclover X * Melilotus indicus (L.)All. Sourclover X Fagaceae - Oak FamUy Quercus dumosa Nutt. NuttaU's Scrab Oak C Gentianaceae - Gentian FamUy Centaurium venustum (Gray)Rob. Canchalagua C Geraniaceae - Geranium FamUy * Erodium brachycarpum (Godr.)Thcll. Short-beak FUaree X,D * Erodium cicutarium (L.)L'Her. Red-stem FUaree X,D Geranium caroliruanum L. Carolina Geranium D * Pelargonium sp. Geranium C HydrophyUaceae - Waterleaf FamUy Eriodictyon crassifolium Benth. var. crassifolium Thick-leaved Yerba Santa C Phacelia cicutaria Greene var. hispida Gray CateipiUar Phacelia D Lamiaceae - Mint FamUy * Marrubium vulgare L. Horehound X Salvia apiana Jeps. White Sage D Salvia columbariae Benth. Chia D Salvia mellifera Greene Black Sage D Trichostema lanceolatum Benth. Vinegar Weed X Malvaceae - Mallow FamUy Malacothamnus fasciculatus (Nutt.)Greene Mesa Bush Mallow, Chaparral MaUow D * Malva parviflora L. Cheeseweed, Littie Mallow X Sidalcea malvaeflora (DC.)Benth. ssp. sparsifolia CL. Hitchc. Checker-bloom D Myrtaceae - Myrtle FamUy * Eucalyptus sp. Eucalyptus X Nyctaginaceae - Four-O'Clock Family Mirabilis califomica Gray Califomia Wishbone Plant D Onagraceae - Evening-Primrose FamUy Camissonia intermedia Raven Evening Primrose C Onagraceae - continued Clarkia purpurea (Curtis)Nelson & Macbr. Large Clarkia D Epilobium canum (E. Greene)Raven California Fuchsia D Merkel & Associates, Inc. ff97-104-01 A-1-4 M&Aff 97-104-01 Scientific Name HABITAT Papaveraceae - Poppy FamUy Eschscholzia califorruca Cham. Califomia Poppy D Plantaginaceae - Plantain FamUy Plantago erecta Morris Dot-seed Plantain D * Plantago lanceolata L. English Plantain X Polemoniaceae - Phlox FamUy LinarUhus dianthiflorus {Benth.)Grcenc Ground Pink D Navarretia hamata Greene ssp. leptantha (Greeiie)Mason Narrow-throated Skunkwecd D,C Polygonaceae - Buckwheat FamUy Chorizanthe procumbens Nutt. Prostrate Spineflower C Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. var. fasciculatum Flat-top Buckwheat D * Polygonum arenastrum Bor. Common Knotweed X Pterostegia drymarioides F. & M. Graimy's Haimet D * Rumex crispus L. Curly Dock W Portulacaceae - Purslane FamUy Claytonia perfoliata Donn ssp. perfotiata Common Miner's-letmce D Portulaca oleracea L. Common Purslane X Primulaceae - Primrose FamUy * Anagallis arvensis L. Scarlet Punpcrael X,D Dodecatheon cleveUmdii Greene ssp. clevelandii Padre's Shooting Star D Ranunculaceae - Crowfoot FamUy Clematis pauciflora Nun. Ropevine D Delphinium parryi Gray Parry Larkspur D Rhamnaceae - Buckthorn FamUy Adolphia califomica Wats. Califomia Adolphia D,C Rhamrms crocea Torrey & Gray Spmy Redberry D Rosaceae - Rose FamUy Adenostoma fasciculatum Y{oo\i8L Pim. Chamise C Heteromeles arbutifolia (Ait.)M. Roem. Toyon D.C Prunus ilicifolia (Nutt.)Walp. ssp. ilicifolia HoUy-leafed Cherry D Rubiaceae - Madder Family (lalium angustifolium Nutt. Bedstraw D (jalium nunallii Gray ssp. nuttallii Nuttall's Bedstraw D Rutaceae - Rue FamUy Cneoridium dumosum (Nutt.)BaiUon Spicebush C SaUcaeeae - Willow Family Salix lasiolepis Benth. Anoyo Willow W Saumraceae - Lizard-tail Family Anemopsis califomica Hook. Yerba Mansa W Merkel & Associates, Inc. #97-104-01 A-1-5 M&Aff 97-104-01 Scientific Name HABITAT Saxifragaceae - Saxifrage FamUy Jepsonia parryi (Ton.)SmaU Coast Jepsonia D Scrophulariaceae - Figwort FamUy ArUirrhinum nuttallianum DC. ssp. subsessile (Gray)Thompson NuttaU's Snapdragon D Castillejafoliolosa Hook & Am. WooUy Indian Paintbrash D Castilleja exserta (A.A. HcUer) Chuang & Heckard Owl's Clover D Cordylanthus rigidus (Benth.)Jeps. ssp. setigerus Chuang & Heckard Dark-tip Bird's-beak D Mimulus aurantiacus Curtis San Diego Monkeyfiower D,C Scrophularia califomica Cham. & Schldl. ssp. floribimda (Grecne)Shaw Califomia Figwort D Solanaceae - Nightshade FamUy Datura wrightii Regel Westem Jimsonweed X * Solanum americarmm L. Deadly Nightshade X Tamaricaceae - Tamarisk FamUy * Tamarix sp. Tamarisk W MONOCOTYLEDONS Cyperaceae - Sedge FamUy Carex triquetra Boott. Chaparral Sedge C Eleocharis macrostachya Britt. Pale Spikc-scdgc W Iridaceae - Iris Family Sisyrinchium bellum Wats. Blue-eyed-grass D Juncaceae - Rush FamUy Juncus bufonius L. var. bufonius Toad Rush W LiUaceae - Lily Family Allium praecox Brandegee D Bloomeria crocea (Ton.)Cov. Common Goldenstar D Calochortus spleruiens Benth. Splendid Mariposa LUy D Chlorogalum parvijlomm Wats. SmaU-flower Soap^lant C Dichelostemma capitatum Wood ssp. capitatum WUd Hyacinth D Yucca schidigera Ortgies Mojave Yucca C Poaceae - Grass Family Achruxtherum coronatum (Thurber)Barkworth Giant Needlegrass C * Avena barbata Urik Slender WUd Oat X,D Bothriochloa barbinodis (Lag.)Herter Cane Bluestem D * Bromus diandrus Roth Ripgut Grass X.D * Bromus hordeaceus L. Soft Chess X,D * Bromus madritensis L. ssp. rubens (L.)Husnot Red Brome X,D * Cynodon dactylon (L.)Pers. Bermuda Grass X,W Distichlis spicata (L.)Greene Saltgrass W * Gastridium ventricosum (Gouan)Schinz & Thell. Nit Grass X * Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum (Link)Arcang. Hare Barley X Koeleria macrantha (Ledeb.)Shultes Junegrass D Merkel & Associates. Inc. ff97-104-01 A-1-6 M&Aft 97-104-01 Scientific Name HABITAT Leymus condensatus (Presl)A. Love Giant WUd Rye ' D * Lolium peretme L. Perennial Ryegrass X •* Lamarckia aurea (L.)Moench Goldentop X Melica imperfecta Trin. Coast Range Melic D Nassella lepida (A.S. Hitchcock)Barkworth FoothUl Needlegrass D Nassella pulchra (A.S. Hitchcock)Barkworth Purple Needlegrass D * Poa annua L. Aimual Bluegrass X * Polypogon monspeUensis {L.)Desf. Annual Beard Grass W Rhynchelytrum repens (WUld.)Hubb. Natal Grass X * Schismus barbatus (L.)!^;^. Mediterranean Schismus X.D * Vulpia myuros (L.)Gmelin FoxtaU Fescue X,D Typhaceae - Cat-Tail FamUy Typha latifolia L. Broad-leaved CattaU W * Denotes non-native plant taxa Merkel & Associates, Inc. ff97-104-0I A-1-7 APPENDIX 2 FAUNAL CHECKLIST OF SPECIES OBSERVED FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION Merkel & Associates, Inc. ANIMALS OBSERVED OR DETECTED AT FARADAY AVENUE Abundance: C—Commonly observed m appropriate habitat 0=Occasionally observed ki appropriate habitat U=Uncommon, one or few observed Habitat: C=Southem Mixed Chaparral D=Diegan Coastal Sage Scrab F = Flyover W=Disturbed Riparian Scmb X=Disturbed Lands COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE HABITAT REPTILES Phrynosomatidae Westem Fence Lizard Sceloporus occidentalis C D,W Side-blotched Lizard Uta stansburiana C D Teiidae (WhiptaUs and Relatives) Orangethroat Whiptail Cnemidophorus hyperythrus O D BIRDS Cathartidae (American Vultures) Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura O F Accipitridae (Hawks, Old World Vultures, and Harriers) Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus U F Red-taUed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis O F Falconidae (Caracaras and Falcons) American Kestrel Falco sparverius O D Phasianidae (Quails, Pheasants, and Relatives) Califomia Quail Callipepla califomica O D Charadriidae (Plovers and Relatives) Killdeer Charadrius vociferus O X Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Mounting Dove Zenaida macroura C D,W Cucuiidae (Typical Cuckoos) Greater Roadmnner Geococcyx califomianus U D m COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME ABUNDANCE " HABITAT Apodidae (Swifts) Ml White-fliroated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis C F Trochilidae (Hummingbkds) Anna's Hummingbkd Calypte anna C D,W Tyraimidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) IM Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans 0 D,W Cassin's Kingbird Tyrannus vociferans U X " Westem Kingbkd Tyrannus verticalis u X MB Alaudidae (l^ks) •i Homed Lark Eremophila alpestris 0 X Hirundinidae (SwaUows) •I Cliff Swallow Hirundo pyrrhonota c F Corvidae (Jays, Magpies, and Crows) m Scmb Jay Aphelocoma coerulescens 0 C.D m Common Raven Corvus corax c F,W Ml Aegithalidae (Bushtit) m Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus c W m Troglodytidae (Wrens) m Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii 0 D -Muscicapidae (Old World Warblers, Gnatcatchers, Kinglets, Thrushes, Bluebkds, and Wrentit) Ml Califomia Gnatcatcher Polioptila califomica c D mm Wrentit Chamaea fasciata c D m Mimidae (Mockingbkds and Thrashers) Northern Mockingbkd Mimus polyglottos 0 X mm Califomia Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum u C Sturnidae (Starlings) il European Starling Stumus vulgaris o F,X Emberizidae (Warblers, Spanows, Blackbirds and Relatives) Common YeUowthroat Geothlypis trichas c W m Spotted Towhee Pipilo megalonyx c D,C,W Califomia Towhee Pipilo crissalis 0 D,C S.C. Rufous-crowned Spanow Aimophila ntftceps canescens 0 D m Song Spanow Melospiza melodia c D,W Westem Meadowlark Stumella neglecta c G Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus 0 X COMMON NAME SciEjnnc NAME ABUNDANCE HABITAT Fringillidae (Finches) House Finch Lesser Goldfmch Carpodacus mexicanus C Carduelis psaltria O D,W,X D,W MAMMALS Leporidae (Rabbits and Hares) Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus auditbonii San Diego Black-taUed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus bennetii Sciuridae (Squkrels, Chipmunks, and Marmots) California Ground Squinel Spermophilus beecheyi Geomyidae (Pocket Gophers) Botta's Pocket Gopher Thomomys bottae Heteromyidae (Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats) Pacific Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys agilis O U tail drags Muridae (Rats, mice, and voles) San Diego Desert Woodrat Dusky-footed Woodrat California Vole Neotoma lepida intermedia nests Neotoma fuscipes stick nests Microtus californicus runways Canidae (Foxes, Wolves, and Relatives) Coyote Cams latrans Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Procyonldae (Raccoons and Relatives) Raccoon Procyon lotor Mustelidae (Weasels, Badgers, and Relatives) Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis scat scat tracks scat D D D D D W D D,C D,C W D APPENDIX 3 SENsmviTY GUIDELINES FARADAY AVENUE EXTENSION Merkel & Associates, Inc. Merkel & Associates, Inc. APPENDIX L PLANT AND AIMIMAL SENsrnvnr GUIDELINES Listings by USFWS and CDFG carry regulatory authority, while other listings herein are generaUy advisory in nature and serve to monitor and inform. FEDERALLY LISTED AND CANDIDATE SPECIES FE FT Cl C2 C3 Federal Endangered Species Federal Threatened Species Federal Candidate, Category 1: Federal Candidate, Category 2: Federal Candidate, Category 3: Listed as Endangered by the federal government under tiie Endangered Species Act of 1973. Taxa that are in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a significant portion of thek range. Listed as Threatened by the federal govemment under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Taxa which are lUcely to become Endangered in the foreseeable future in the absence of special protection. Taxa for which tiie USFWS has sufficient biological infonnation to support a proposal to list as endangered or threatened. Taxa for which existing information suggests listing may be wananted. but for which substantial biological infomiation to support a proposed nfle is lacking. Taxa that were once being considered for listing as Threatened or Endangered by the federal govemment but are not ciurentiy receiving such consideration. C3a Federal Candidate, Category 3a: C3b Federal Candidate, Category 3b: C3c Federal Candidate, Category 3c; CIR "Recommended" for Category 1 status U.S. Fish and WUdlife Service C2R "Recommended" for Category 2 stams U.S. Fish and WUdUfe Service Taxa which are believed extinct. Taxa which do not meet the Endangered Species Act's definition of a species. Taxa more common than previously thought, no longer being considered for listmg at this time. Taxa which cunently have no official status under the Endangered Species Act but for which sufficient biological information exists to support listing as a Category 1 species. Taxa which cunently have no official stams under the Endangered Species Act but for which sufficient biological information exists to support listing as a Category 2 species. A-1-1 Merkel & Associates. Inc. CALIFORNIA LISTED AND CANDIDATE SPECIES CE CT Califomia Endangered Species California Threatened Species CP CSA Califomia Fully Protected Species Califomia Special Animals CSC Califomia Department of Fish and Game Species of Special Concem A native Califomia taxa which is in serious danger of becoming extmct throughout all or a significant portion of its range (Fish & Game Code 2062). A native Califomia taxa which, although not presentiy threatened with extinction, is lUcely to become an endangered species in flie foreseeable future in the absence of special protection and management efforts (Fish & Game Code 2067). Taxa which faU imder special protection within the Fish & Game Codes (3511. 3700, 4800, 4900. 5000, 5050. 5515). Taxa listed as Special Animals faU imo one or more of tiie foUowing categories: • Taxa tiiat are biologicaUy rare, very restricted in distribution, or declining throughout tiiek range. • Population(s) in Califomia that may be peripheral to flie major portion of a taxon's range, but which are threatened with extirpation within Califomia. • Taxa closely associated wifli a habitat that is declining in Califomia rapidly (e.g., wetiands, riparian, old growth forests). Taxa for which sufficient information exists which wanants concem over that species status and may warrant future listmg as threatened or endangered. Protective stams falls under State Govemment Code 66474. CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY R-E-D CODE R (Rarity) 1 2 3 Rare, but found m sufficient numbers and distributed widely enough that the potential for extinction of extkpation is low at this time. Occunence confined to several populations or to one extended population. Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or present in such small numbers that il is seldom reported. E (Endangerment) 1 Not endangered. 2 Endangered in a portion of its range. 3 Endangered tiiroughout its range. A-1-2 Merkel & Associates, Inc. D (Distribution) 1 More or less widespread outside of Califomia. 2 Rare outside Califomia. 3 Endemic to Califomia. List IB: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered m Califonua or elsewhere List 2: Plants rare or endangered m Califomia, but more common elsewhere. List 3: Plants about which more information is needed. List 4: Plants of lunited distribution. A "?" under Rarity/Endangerment/Distribution is given when infonnation to allocate a code is incomplete. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SENsmvrrY LISTINGS BL Audubon Society Blue List National listmg of species which are showing (Tate 1986) patterns of decline over aU or part of thek namral range. CITES Convention on Intemational Trade m Endangered Species of WUdlife Fauna and Flora (1976) lUCN Intemational Union for flie Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources LOCAL SENsmvrrY LISTINGS (SAN DIEGO COUNTY) SDHS San Diego Herpetological Society (1980) Threatened Species or subspecies which have dramatically declined and could potentially reach flie level of endangered in San Diego County. Endangered Species which are in immediate danger of extirpation in aU or major parts of thek range m San Diego County. SDNGWS San Diego Non-Game WUdlife Subcommittee (1986) Sensitive Species Species wananting special concem and protection and may be recommended for further smdy. Ev Everett (1979) Threatened Declining Sensitive Considered sensitive in San Diego County. A species or subspecies which has undergone dramatic, non-cyclic, long-term population declines, to the point where the situation has reached the critical level throughout thek range. Many of these species have been recognized and protected by state or federal legislation. A species whose local breeding populations have been steadUy reduced, or Ul some cases extirpated. A species for which declines have not been documented, but are regarded as sensitive because of: 1) extremely localized or limited distribution, 2) sensitivity to dismrbance. 3) acmal or knpending destraction of essential habitat, or 4) lack of sufficient data on cunent or past stams which significantiy increased the potential for serious reduction of a local population. A-1-3 Appendix D Cultural Resources Report Gallegos & Associates DRAFT HISTORICAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR THE FARADAY ROAD PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Prepared for: Cotton/Beland/Associates, Inc. Prepared by: Gallegos & Associates May 1998 DRAFT HISTORICAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR THE FARADAY ROAD PROJECT CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA Prepared for: Cotton/Beland/Associates, Inc. 6310 Greenwich Drive, Suite 220 San Diego, Califomia 92122 (619) 625-0056 Prepared by: GaUegos & Associates 5671 Pahner Way. Suite A Carlsbad. Califomia 92008 (760) 929-0055 Project No. 49-97 Area Covered: 10+acres Site Previously Recorded: CA-SDI-8303 Sites Newly Recorded: None USGS 7.5' Quadrangle: San Luis Rey Key Words: Field survey, habitation site Dennis Gallegos Project Manager ^>LaiTyTift Associate Archaeologist May 1998 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION TITLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PAGE m 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.4.1 INTRODUCTION Project Description Envkonmental Setting Background - Prehistory Previous Work SiteCA-SDI-8303A,B/SDM-W-123/-1892/-2403/ -2404/-2730 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-4 1-5 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.4 2.5 SURVEY METHODS, RESULTS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS Introduction Survey Methods Survey Results Previously Recorded Site CA-SDI-8303 New Recorded Isolate FR-I-I Recommendations Summary 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-3 2-3 2-3 PJ. 49-97 MAY 1998 REFERENCES CITED FIGURE 1-1 1-2 1- 3 2- 1* LIST OF FIGURES TITLE Regional Location of Project Proposed Faraday Road Alignment as Shown on 7.5' San Luis Rey USGS Quadrangle Proposed Faraday Road Alignment and Survey Area as Shown on Development Map Cultural Resources as Shown on Development Map PAGE 1-2 1-3 1- 4 2- 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX TITLE PAGE A Record Search Requests A-1 B* Site Record Fonn for CA-SDI-8303 B-1 •Bound Separately in Confidential Appendix PJ. 49-97 ii MAY 1998 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TITLE: Historical/Archaeological Survey for the Faraday Road Project City of Carlsbad, Califomia AUTHORS: Dennis R. Gallegos and Larry Tift Gallegos & Associates 5671 Palmer Way, Suite A Carlsbad, Califomia 92008 DATE: May 1998 SOURCE OF COPIES: Soutii Coastal Information Center San Diego State University San Diego, Califomia 92182-0136 ABSTRACT: This study provides the results of a cultural resource literamre review, record search, and a linear field survey for the proposed Faraday Road alignment. The study was conducted under City of Carlsbad and CEQA guidelines. The proposed aUgnment is located north of Palomar Airport Road and west of CoUege Boulevard in the City of Carlsbad. The Uteramre review and field survey identified one previously recorded cultural resource (CA- SDI-8303) witiiin the proposed Faraday Road aUgnment. CA-SDI-8303 has not been tested to determme significance. Testing of tius site, m compUance witii City of Carlsbad and CEQA guidelines, wiU be necessaiy prior to constraction. Mitigation of constraction impacts will be necessary if this site is determined to be a significant cultural resource. Mitigation can be achieved through avoidance of constmction impacts or through completion of a data recovery program. PJ. 49-97 i i I MAY 1998 SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION GaUegos & Associates was conttacted by Cotton/Beland/Associates, Inc. to conduct a culttual resource literature review, record search, and field survey for the Faraday Road Extension. The smdy area is located in flie City of Carlsbad north of Palomar Auport Road and west of CoUege Boulevard (Figures I-l, 1-2, and 1-3). The study was conducted m compUance witii City of Carlsbad and CEQA guidelines. Record search requests are included as Appendix A. The proposed project is a westward extension of Faraday Road from its present terminus to its intersection witii Cannon Road. 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING The project site is approximately 1()± acres in size. The site is characterized by roUing hiUs and relatively steep hillsides. The majority of flie project area is currentiy being used for agriculmre, with the exception of steep slopes in flie northeast portion of the project area. Vegetation consists primarUy of agricidtural crops, except for the steep slopes in the northeast, which are dominated by coastal sage scrab. Disturbance includes discing for farming and an associated network of graded dirt roads. 1.3 BACKGROUND - PREHISTORIC Native Americans occupied San Diego County for over 9,000 years. The period from 9,000 to 1,300 years ago is referred to as the Early Period or Archaic Period. The San Dieguito are generaUy accepted as the first inhabitants of the region, occupying San Diego County as early as 9,000 years ago. The initial occupation (San Dieguito Complex) is believed to represent a group of people who entered San Diego County from the desert. These people hunted, fished, miUed plant foods, and coUected and processed shellfish. The occupation from at least 8,300 years ago to roughly 1,300 years ago is identified as tiie La Jolla Complex and Pauma Complex. Archaeological sites reflecting this occupation are coastal sheU habitation sites, inland hunting and mUUng campsites, and quarry sites. San Dieguito and La Jolla/Pauma Complex are believed by this author to be of the same culmral stock, representing a long period of occupation by one people. PJ. 49-97 1 -1 MAY 1998 Camp Pendleton Riverside County San Diego County Oceanside Carisbad &icinitas Solana Beach Del Mar LaJoUa o SanDiego Gallegos & Associates Scale: r= 10 miles Mexico PJ. 5-98 Regional Location of Project HGURE 1-1 1 , .)^- D Project Area SCAU 1:24000 0 1 MILE 1000 2000 XOO 4000 5000 GOOD 7000 FEET I KILOHETeft Gallegos & Assodates CONTOUR INTERVAL 40 FEET Project Area as Shown on USGS 7.5' San Luis Rey Quadrangle FIGURE 1-2 BEST COPY f J f I I 1 t I I 1 I I f I f I I 1 f 1 ( ) f I ff 1 I i I I I I f I I i I GaUegos & Associates 'ilMINARY AUCNMCNT *STUDY Adapted from OX>a.y Coniuttants Proposed Faraday Road Alignment and Surveyed Area as Shown on Development Map FIGURE 1-3 Occupation after 1,300 years ago (Late Period) is well documented by flie numerous Kumeyaay/Dieguefio and Luiseiio habitation sites. Artifacts and cultural pattems reflecting tiiis Late Period occupation include small projectile points, pottery, obsidian from Obsidian Butte, and cremations. The smdy area falls within Kumeyaay territory (Kroeber 1925). 1.4 PREVIOUS WORK A Uteramre review and record search was completed at the South Coastal Information Center, San Diego State Uiuversity and the San Diego Museum of Man for the current study. Six cultural resource smdies, submitted to the South Coastal Infonnation Center and the San Diego Museum of Man, have been completed within or unmediately adjacent to the study area. These smdies include: Archaeological Planning CoUaborative 1980; Scientific Resource Survey, Inc. 1982a,b; Westec 1982; Elfend Associates 1983; Michael Brandman Associates, Inc. 1983; and Kyle and GaUegos 1997. These smdies identified 67 cultural resources within a one-mUe radius of the smdy area and one culttuial resource (CA-SDI-8303) witiun tiie smdy area. Sites located wiflun a one-mUe radius include habitation. sheU middens, temporary camps, shell scatters, artifact scatters, litilic scatters, and historic resources. These sites reflect extensive prehistoric and historic use ofthe coastal area of north San Diego County where flie presence of marine and fresh water sources, plant and animal resources, and bedrock outcrops provide flie necessary resources for habitation. Previously recorded site CA-SDI-8303 located witiiin flie proposed Faraday Road alignment is described below. 1.4.1 Site CA-SDI-8303A,B/SDM-W-123/-1892/-2403/-2404/-2730 Site CA-SDI-8303 was recorded cuca 1920 by Malcohn Rogers as flie KeUy Spring site. Rogers noted that the site was located on either site of a canyon. Cultural remains noted include cobble hearths, shell, anow points, and one bow pipe with three loop handles. Rogers also noted that Dewey KeUy found an ungatiiered cremation associated with flie previously described pipe and ceramic sherds. Franklin identified a portion of what is now identified as CA-SDI-8303 in 1978 and noted tiiat tiie resource was sandwiched between SDM-W-123 and SDM-W-601. Franklin noted numerous flakes and shell over a large area. PJ. 49-97 1 -5 MAY 1998 In 1979, Hatiey revisited a portion of flie site (CA-SDI-8303A/SDM-W-2403.-2404) and noted a large quantity of shell, flaked stone implements, and an abundance of charcoal and ash. In August of 1980, Hanna relocated flie site in flie bottom and margins of a large, unnamed drainage to Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Hanna noted potsherds, miUing stones, flaked stone tools, flakes, and debitage, as weU as. dense shellfish deposits consisting of Chione sp.. Argopecten sp.. Donax sp., Ostrea sp.. Saxidomus sp.. and Protothaca sp. In September of 1980, Douglas and Weil revisited tiie site which tiiey described as a large, multi-component habitation site covering 10+ acres. Douglas and WeU noted flakes, manos, cores, and core tools, ceramics, and shellfish remains. Wade tested the site ui 1986 witii tiie excavation of backhoe trenches. Wade (1986) described tiie site complex as "composed of several elements which overlap, have been disturbed, and are spatiaUy separated" so that the exact conformation was difficult to determine. PJ. 49-97 1 -6 MAY 1998 SECTION 2 SURVEY METHODS, RESULTS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 INTRODUCTION The current smdy included completion of a field survey of tiie 10± acre Unear study area. The field survey was completed April 19. 1998 by Dennis Gallegos, Larry Tift, and MUce Caldwell for a total of 16 person hours. 2.2 SURVEY METHODS The smdy area was surveyed on foot using a 10 m interval between survey transects. Ground visibUity was exceUent in graded roads and in recentiy disced agricultural fields; however, dense vegetation obscured flie visibUity for the remaining area. Disturbance within the smdy area included agricultural activities and graded dkt roads. 2.3 SURVEY RESULTS A Uterature review and record search identified one previously recorded site (CA-SDI- 8303) witiiin the study area. The current survey relocated this site and identified an additional, unrecorded component near the previously estabUshed northeast boundary of the site. In addition, a single isolated artifact was identified in tiie centtal portion of flie study area. The site and isolate are discussed below. 2.3.1 Previously Recorded Site CA-SDI-8303 The cunent survey identified cultural materials on two adjacent ridge fingers which are not included within the previous site boundary (Figure 2-1). On one ridge finger, unmediately east ofthe current site boundary, a basin/metate fragment, a metavolcanic tool, two pieces of metavolcanic debitage and a bone firagment were noted in a dense cluster approximately 2 m in diameter. A Ught sheU scatter (l^us D) consisting of 5 to 10 pieces of marine sheU was noted in an overlaping, 20 m area. The next ridgeline to the northeast also contained a light shell scatter (Locus E) with 10+ marine shell fragments in an approximately 20 m area. These current finds indicate a modification to the previously defmed site boundary for CA-SDI-8303, extending it approximately 75 m to the northeast. PJ. 49-97 2-1 MAY 1998 Figure 2-1 Bound Separately in Confidential Appendix PJ. 49-97 2-2 MAY 1998 2.3.2 Newly Recorded Isolate FR-I-1 A single, isolated artifact was identified in a plowed field in the central project area (see Figure 2-1). Due to its location approximately 120 m west of site CA-SDI-8303, it is not considered a component of that site. The artifact is a porphoritic metavolcanic flake exhibiting retouch for use as a tool. The artifact was collected, and its location mapped and photographed. No further mitigation is required. 2.4 RECOMMENDATIONS The Uterattire review and field survey identified one prehistoric site (CA-SDI-8303) and one isolate. Isolates are identified as not significant/important and no further work is recommended or required. As per CEQA and City of Carlsbad's Cultural Resource Guidelines, site CA-SDI-8303 needs testing to determme site significance/importance. Testing provides sufficient infonnation to detennine site size, depth, content, integrity and potential to address impoitant research questions. For sites identified as significant/important, mitigation of impacts can be addressed through redesign and avoidance or through the completion of a data recovery program, wherein a sample of the prehistoric site is excavated to address research questions such as chronology, settiement and subsistence, trade and travel, and tool technology. 2.5 SUMMARY In summary, a Uterature review, record search, and field survey of tiie proposed Faraday Road study area identified one previously recorded site and one newly recorded isolate within the study area. FR-I-1 is an isolate artifact that has been coUected and curated at Gallegos & Associates. Isolates are not significant and no further work is required. Previously recorded site CA-SDI-8303, has not been tested to determine site significance/importance. The testing program should be designed to comply with City of Carlsbad and CEQA guidelines. If the site is identified as a significant culmral resource, then mitigation of impacts from proposed development is required. Mitigation can be achieved through avoidance of the site and placement in an Open Space Easement or through completion of a data recovery program in compliance with City of Carlsbad and CEQA guidelines. Conversely, if the site or fliat portion or the site is identified as not significant/important, then mitigation measures are not required. PJ. 49-97 2-3 MAY 1998 SECTION 3 REFERENCES CITED Archeological Planning Collaborative 1980 Archaeological Records Search and Field Survey, Palomar Airport Excess Effluent Pipeline, San Diego County, Califomia. On file. South Coastal Information Center, San Diego State University, San Diego. Califomia. Elfend Associates 1983 Draft Envkonmental Impact Report General Plan Amendment No. 83-2. On file. South Coastal Information Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, Califomia. Kyle. Carolyn E. and Dennis R. Gallegos 1997 Historical/Archaeological Survey for tiie Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course Project, City of Carlsbad, CaUfomia. On file. South Coastal Infonnation Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, Califomia. Michael Brandman Associates, Inc. 1983 Draft EIR 83-4 General Plan Amendment and Zone Changes, Kelly Ranch, On fUe, South Coastal Information Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, Califomia. Scientific Resource Survey, inc. 1982 Archaeological Report on Palomar Business Park, Archaeological Site: SDM-W-1893, W-1894, W-1895, W-2405, On file, Soutii Coastal Information Center, San Diego State University, San Diego. Califomia. Wade. Sue 1986 Site Record Form. On file. South Coastal Information Center. San Diego State University, San Diego, Califomia. Westec 1982 Envkonmental Impact Report, Aiiport Business Center, City of Carlsbad, Califomia. On file. South (ioastal Information Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, Califomia. PJ. 49-97 3-1 MAY 1998 APPENDIX A RECORD SEARCH REQUESTS Oiego State Univeisity Ml Sovth Coastd InfonnoHon Center Sodd Science Keseordi LoboratDrY CoHef^ of Arts ond letters SSOOCompamk Drive SonDwgoU 92162> 4537 619-594-5682 fAX:6I9'594-1358 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL RESOURCES INFORMATION SYSTEM SITE HLES RECORD SEARCH Source of Request: Date of Request: Date Request Received: Project Identification: GaUegos and Associates: Carolyn Kyle August 20.1997 August 25, 1997 Carisbad Project, #20-97 0 The South Coastal Information Center historical files show NO recorded sites within the project area nor within 1/2 mile of the project boundaries. (X) The South Coastal Information Center historical files show recorded site location(s) with the projected area and/or within one mile of the project Project maps have been reviewed. The bibliographic material for reports in your project area and/or within one mile have been included. The historic maps on file at the South Coastal Information Center have been reviewed as have thc National Register, State Landmarks, and Points of Historic Interest. If there are historic properties noted in those materials, in your area, the information has been included. IMi Archaeological/Historic Site check: GU Date: 9/11/97 -Project Map/Bibliographic check: GLJ Date: 9/11/97 mm Historic check: GLJ Date: 9/11/97 IHE CALIFORNIA SIAIE UHIVE RSIIY. Bakeislwld • Channel Mondi • ChKo • Dominguei HUk • f resno • f ullerion. Hovwotd • Humboldt • Long fieorh • Los Angeles • Monnme Atodemy Monleiey Boy - Notthtidge . Pomono • Sorifimento • San Bernnrdino • Snn Oiego • Son Finntwo • Son )ose • Son Luis Obispo • Son Mnttos • Sonomn • Siom^lnus San Diego Museum of Man REPORT ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE FILES RECORD SEARCH Source of Request: Name of Project: Date of Request: Date Request Received: Gallegos & Associates - Laura Rowley Carlsbad - Job #20-97 20 August 1997 22 August 1997 The Record Search for the above referenced project has been completed Archaeological site flle Information is enclosed for the following sites located within or in the vicinity of the project area: W-109 [thru] W-117 W-122 [thru] W-124 W-128 MM W-148 W-149 W-173 W-310 W-521 m W-558 W-588 W.600 W-601 W-914 W-962 [thru] W-972 W-974 W-1202 W-1203 W-1324 [thru] W-1326 W-1430 W-1459 W-1777 W-1788 W-1878 W-1879 W-1892 W-1893 Hi W-1895 W-2045 W-2047 W-2400 [thru] W-2408 W-2526 W-2527 W-2730 W-2735 W-2805 W-2808 W-2834 W-2835 W-2978 W-2981 (m§ W-3133 W-3191 W-3255 W-3290 W-3291 W-3293 W-3325 [thru] W-3328 W-3330 W-3389 «n W-3391 W-3942 W-3994 tf-4016 W-4033 •W W-4047 W-4684 W-4904 tf-5139 W-5921 U-6628 W-6632 W-6738 [thru] [thru] [thru] fiibliographic information is enclosed for the following reports on archaeological environmental impact studies conducted within or in the vicinity of the project area: EIS-10 EIS-328 EIS-514 EIS-629 EIS-821 EIS-891 EIS-927 EIS-1122 EIS-1344 This Record Search Is based only on information contained in the files of the San Diego Museum of Man. Archaeological site records and/or environmental impact studies pertaining to the project area may exist in other repositories. EIS-23 EIS-154 EIS-185 EIS-240 EIS-413 ElS-428 EIS-495 EIS-504 EIS-523 EIS-544 EIS-569 EIS-606 EIS-698 EIS-714 EIS-742 EIS-789 EIS-839 EIS-862 EIS-883 EIS-887 EIS-902 EIS-906 EIS-907 ElS-908 EIS-963 EIS-982 ElS-lOlO EIS-1028 EIS-1166 EIS-1185 EIS-1201 EIS-1252 EIS-1548 Record Search prepared by: of Record Search: Grace Johnson 25 August 1997 13S0 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CaIIfor7\la 92101, 619-239-2001, FAX 619-239-2749 An cducalional, non-profit corporation rounded in 1915 collecting for posterity and displaying thc life and history of mankind. APPENDIX B SITE RECORD FORM FOR CA-SDI-8303 (Bound Separately in ConOdential Appendix)