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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-10718 - Approving a mitigated Neg Dec for Calle Joaquin Lift Station and Siphon Project CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 1 City of San Luis Obispo INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM 1. Project Title: Calle Joaquin Siphon and Lift Station Replacement Project, Spec. # 91133 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: City of San Luis Obispo, Utilities Department 879 Morro Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Jennifer Metz, Utilities Project Manager 4. Project Location: Calle Joaquin south of Los Osos Valley Road, east of the U.S. Highway 101 northbound Los Osos Valley Road off-ramp. 5. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address: Same as Lead Agency 6. General Plan Designation: Tourist Commercial (lift station site) Agriculture (where inverted siphon daylights) Open Space (the route of the inverted siphon) 7. Zoning: Consistent with General Plan 8. Description of the Project: The proposed project is the replacement of the lift station and sanitary sewer pipeline associated with the lift station, operated by the City of San Luis Obispo as part of its wastewater collection system. The project includes removal of approximately 24,464 square feet (0.56 acres) of invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) and approximately 1,000 cubic yards of associated silt removal from San Luis Obispo Creek. The lift station receives wastewater from gravity sewer mains in Los Osos Valley Road, gravity sewer lines on Calle Joaquin Road, and inverted siphon under San Luis Obispo Creek. The project location is shown on Figure 1. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 2 1. Existing Conditions a. Existing Gravity Sewer Crossing of Highway 101 In May 2011 a closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the existing 12-inch diameter gravity line identified a failed connection approximately 100 feet from the upstream manhole between the north-bound freeway off ramp and U.S. Highway 101. While making a point repair, staff noted that the gravity sewer’s steel casing and spacers had deteriorated and that the sewer line was significantly out of grade. City staff determined that the sewer line will therefore need to be replaced. The 12-inch gravity sewer line extends approximately 450 feet underneath Highway 101 where it connects to the lift station wet well below optimal wet well operational range. With the pumps set to cycle on when the wet well fills to approximately four feet, the gravity sewer line and siphon back up during each pump cycle. Due to the system backing up, the siphon is on a six-month preventative maintenance schedule to prevent clogging from sediment and grease. b. Existing San Luis Obispo Creek Crossing An existing 12-inch gravity sewer line conveys wastewater from the neighborhoods adjacent to South Higuera Street through a single-barrel (pipeline) siphon under San Luis Obispo Creek and US 101. In October 2005, during creek crossing inspections, City staff found that the siphon (a concrete-encased ductile iron pipe) was partially exposed resulting from a shift in the alignment of San Luis Creek and degradation of the concrete encasement. There is a high level of risk associated with the failure of the siphon as further failure of the pipe material would result in the discharge of wastewater directly to San Luis Obispo Creek. There is a dense muli-layered riparian habitat in the San Luis Obispo Creek project area. Upstream and downstream of the existing and proposed crossing are several extensive patches of non-native invasive plant the giant reed with associated accumulated siltation within the active creek floodplain. c. Existing Lift Station The existing lift station, constructed in the 1960s, is located in a landscaped commercial motel frontage area within the flood plain of the adjacent Froom Creek, on the west side of Calle Joaquin Road, north of Froom Creek. The existing site is approximately 1,800 square feet. The ground elevation at the lift station of 105.20 feet places it approximately 5.2 feet beneath the expected base flood elevation (BFE) of 110.40 feet (FIRM and Hydrology and Hydraulic Report for Hampton Inn, VCE Services, February 2008). The existing lift station does not have a backup generator but is configured for a portable gas or diesel generator should a power outage occur require the auxiliary power. The existing wet well/ dry well lift station is approximately six feet in diameter by 22 feet deep and houses two submersible solids handling pumps that operate one at a time in a duty/standby mode. In its current configuration the pumps are too large for the low flows that the station experiences. In order to prevent rapid cycling and the consequential deterioration of the pumps the level controls have been adjusted to allow the wetwell to fill to approximately four feet. This causes the water level in the wetwell to rise above the downstream end of the inverted siphon, making the siphon more susceptible to clogging from sediment and grease. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 3 d. Existing Calle Joaquin Gravity Sewer (KSBY Reach, 1772 Calle Joaquin) An existing 1,000 linear foot vitrified clay 8-inch sewer line located in the north shoulder of Calle Joaquin Road between the existing Calle Joaquin Lift Station and the KSBY facility . City staff determined based on review of CCTV inspection and the 2010 Flow Study confirmed the condition of this line led to a significant source of inflow and infiltration and is in poor condition, requiring replacement and realignment as part of the project. 2. Proposed Facilities The project includes five major components: a) Lift station replacement; b) New gravity line from the new lift station east across U.S. Highway 101 installed by jack and bore and new siphon under San Luis Obispo Creek installed by open trench excavation; c) Invasive species and silt removal; and d) Gravity sewer main replacement in Calle Joaquin south of the lift station. Each segment is described in further detail below. Figure 2 provides a proposed project layout map. a. Lift Station Replacement The new lift station is proposed to be sited in a landscaped area north of the existing lift station as shown on the project plans (See Figures 1 through 4). This location provides a corridor for connecting the inverted siphon and gravity sewer lines. Additionally, it minimizes the amount of new easement required, provides an accessible location for the proposed auxiliary generator, and allows for simplified lift station discharge piping. Construction dewatering of the lift station excavation will be discharged to the nearby Froom Creek with approval of the Central Coast Water Board. b. Gravity Sewer Line and Inverted Siphon Replacement The existing gravity sewer line under U.S. Highway 101 and inverted siphon under San Luis Obispo Creek that connects the sewer system from the Los Verdes neighborhoods to the lift station will be replaced. The installation of the new 12-inch replacement gravity sewer line and 30-inch steel casing will utilize jack and bore method from the new lift station to the top of the west bank of San Luis Obispo Creek (approximately 460 feet). The entry pit for the jack and bore will have a footprint of approximately 600 square feet (15’ X 40’) located in the landscaped and parking area of the motel where the new lift station will be constructed . Given the proximity to the creek, no receiving pit will be used but the pipe will connect to the siphon approximately 10 feet to the north of existing Manhole H17-25 on the western bank of San Luis Obispo Creek. The installation of the 6-inch double-barrel siphon under San Luis Obispo Creek will be constructed using open trench excavation through the riparian corridor and creek bottom (approximately 240 feet). This approach will require the diversion of San Luis Obispo Creek flows around the work site and likely dewatering the excavated trench. Diversion of the creek flows and construction dewatering of the inverted siphon excavation trench will be discharged to the San Luis Obispo Creek with approval of the Central Coast Water Board. The siphon replacement alignment is proposed to be located approximately 10 feet north of the existing siphon alignment connecting to new CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 4 manholes or by pipe to the existing Manhole H17-25 on the west bank of San Luis Obispo Creek to existing Manhole H18-10 on the east bank. It is estimated that an approximately 40-foot wide disturbance footprint through the San Luis Obispo Creek riparian corridor would be required for the open trench construction for the siphon replacement if shoring is feasible and successful. A disturbance footprint of up to 70- feet wide may be needed if shoring cannot be used depending on the type of soil material encountered in the open trench excavation. The new inverted siphon is proposed to consist of two 6-inch carrier pipes contained within a single 30-inch encasement. The upstream end (east side) of the siphon is proposed to include a hydraulic structure capable of diverting flow between carrier pipes. The downstream end (west side) of the inverted siphon connects to the gravity crossing of Highway 101 at a new manhole’ located near the existing MH H17 25. The Highway 101 gravity sewer crossing then terminates at a manhole immediately upstream of the new lift station wet well. At the center of the creek, the pipeline will be approximately 13 feet deep below existing streambed. Because the existing siphon has to remain in service until the new siphon and lift station are completed, the new siphon is proposed to be constructed parallel to the existing siphon approximately 10 feet upstream to allow a reasonable margin for the excavation operations. The existing siphon and gravity line will be abandoned in place to minimize riparian habitat disturbance. Abandonment within the Caltrans right-of-way may include cleaning of the existing pipe and completely filling with either a controlled low-strength material (CLSM) or sand-slurry mixture as required by Caltrans. c. Invasive Species / Silt Removal Along with the open trench siphon replacement through San Luis Obispo Creek described above, the City proposes to access from the siphon replacement disturbance area within the riparian zone equipment and hand removal of approximately 24,464 square feet of invasive species giant reed and 1,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment. Approximately 14,209 square feet of the giant reed removal is proposed to be completed with mechanical methods with the balance, approximately 10,255 square feet, to be removed by hand. The proposed method of mechanical removal is through the use of a bulldozer pushing the material to a location accessible to an excavator where it will be loaded onto dump trucks and hauled off. d. Gravity Sewer Line Replacement (KSBY Reach) Approximately 750 feet of six-inch gravity sewer line from the lift station up Calle Joaquin to the south will be replaced within the pavement footprint. The existing line is currently located to the west of the roadway and will be abandoned in place. The new line will be located within Calle Joaquin matching the existing depth and size of the current line and crossing over the Froom Creek culvert crossing avoiding impacts on the creek and riparian habitat. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 5 Right of Way and Easements Portions of the proposed project are within existing road rights-of-way and portions are within easement areas (See Figure 2A). As part of this proposed project, new temporary and permanent easements will be acquired for the construction of and access to proposed facilities. Construction Sequence and Schedule Construction of the proposed project, including the lift station replacement and inverted siphon crossing is anticipated to require a total of approximately 12 months from the time the final design plans are approved and permitted. Individual project elements maybe constructed concurrently, but all elements will be completed within the 12 -month time frame. The open trench work in San Luis Obispo Creek will have seasonal restrictions for nesting birds and allowable in stream work windows required by the regulatory agencies for the California red- legged frog and steelhead and will be implemented to minimize the time of disturbance to San Luis Obispo Creek. 9. Surrounding Land Uses and Settings: The proposed project is located on the urban edge of San Luis Obispo, where U.S. Highway 101 and the San Luis Obispo Creek corridors bisect agricultural and developed urban land. The existing lift station is proximate to Froom Creek on the west side of Calle Joaquin. Froom Creek flows east through a culvert under Calle Joaquin and U.S. Highway 101 to San Luis Obispo Creek. Immediately to the east of the northbound U.S. Highway 101 off ramp is the San Luis Obispo Creek riparian zone. The riparian zone extends to the eastern bank where it is boarded by an active annually cultivated agriculture field that has an existing sanitary sewer pipeline and manhole. To the north of the existing (and proposed) lift station is urban land and commercial development leading to a cul-de-sac at the northern end of existing Calle Joaquin. The proposed project extends along the eastern edge of the active agricultural field to the end of the northern project limits at an existing sanitary sewer pipeline connection that crosses u nder U.S. Highway 101. South of the lift station Calle Joaquin crosses Froom Creek, and bisects annual and native grassland, eucalyptus groves, native landscaping, riparian, and freshwater marsh habitats. 10. Other public agencies whose approval is required: Regulatory compliance for work within the Caltrans right-of-way and the open trench excavation across San Luis Obispo Creek for the siphon replacement is expected to require permit/authorizations from the following agencies.  Caltrans right-of-way encroachment permit.  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Clean Water Act Section 404 permit for fill in waters of the U.S.  Regional Water Quality Control Board Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification for fill in waters of the U.S., diversion of San Luis Obispo Creek, and CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 6 dewatering discharge for the lift station and open trench construction in San Luis Obispo Creek.  California Department of Fish and Wildlife Streambed Alteration Agreement for excavation, fill, and removal of riparian vegetation.  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act take authorization for potential impacts on the California red-legged frog.  National Marine Fisheries Service Endangered Species Act take authorization for potential impacts on central California coast steelhead.  Air Pollution Control District. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 7 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 8 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 9 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 10 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Figure 3 – Site Photos (provided by SII) Photo 1: View south showing existing lift station and future lift station relocation area. Photo 2: View southwest of riparian habitat behind lift station relocation area. Photo 3: View west of Calle Joaquin lift station. Photo 4: View south of Calle Joaquin from lift station. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 11 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Figure 3 – Site Photos (provided by SII) Photo 5: View south of Calle Joaquin leading to KXBY station. Note new sewage line connection to maintenance site east of road. Photo 6: View north of Calle Joaquin. Note new sewage line maintenance site east of road. Photo 7: View looking west of existing sewer line creek crossing. Photo 8: View looking downstream at existing sewer line creek crossing. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 12 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Figure 3 – Site Photos (provided by SII) Photo 9 – Example giant reed and Cape ivy thickets to be removed. Photo 10 – Example giant reed and Cape ivy thickets to be removed. Photo 11: View looking toward San Luis Obispo creek on the east side. Note existing manhole H18-4. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 13 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Figure 3 – Site Photos (provided by SII) Photo 12: View west along Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). Manhole H18-10 in foreground. Photo 13: View south across active agricultural field towards sewer line creek crossing on east side of San Luis Obispo Creek. Photo 14: Photo west of drainage depression between Los Osos Valley Road off-ramp and Highway 101. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 14 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST Figure 3 – Site Photos (provided by SII) Photo 15: View west along approximate HDD line, Los Osos Valley Road off-ramp on the right. Photo 16: View south along drainage. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 15 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 16 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a “Potentially Significant Impact” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Aesthetics Greenhouse Gas Emissions Population / Housing --X-- Agriculture Resources Hazards & Hazardous Materials Public Services Air Quality Hydrology / Water Quality Recreation --X-- Biological Resources Land Use / Planning Transportation / Traffic --X-- Cultural Resources Mineral Resources Utilities / Service Systems Geology / Soils Noise Mandatory Findings of Significance FISH AND GAME FEES The Department of Fish and Game has reviewed the CEQA document and written no effect determination request and has determined that the project will not have a potential effect on fish, wildlife, or habitat (see attached determination). --X-- The project has potential to impact fish and wildlife resources and shall be subject to the payment of California Department of Fish and Wildlife fees pursuant to Section 711.4 of the California Fish and Game Code. This initial study has been circulated to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for review and comment. STATE CLEARINGHOUSE -- X-- This environmental document must be submitted to the State Clearinghouse for review by one or more State agencies (e.g. Cal Trans, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Housing and Community Development). The public review period shall not be less than 30 days (CEQA Guidelines 15073(a)). CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 18 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: 1. A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each qu estion. A “No Impact” answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g. the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A “No Impact” answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g. the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis). 2. All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts. 3. Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then th e checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact' is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be signifi cant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required. 4. “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated” applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from Section 19, "Earlier Analysis," as described in (5) below, may be cross-referenced). 5. Earlier analysis may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration (Section 15063 (c) (3) (D)). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review. b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are “Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they addressed site-specific conditions for the project. 6. Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g. general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated. 7. Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion. 8. The explanation of each issue should identify: a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 19 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 1. AESTHETICS. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? 1,8,9 --X-- b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, open space, and historic buildings within a local or state scenic highway? 1 --X-- c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? 1,9 --X-- d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? 1 --X-- Evaluation The following evaluation has been based in part from pre-and post-construction visual simulations that have been prepared for the proposed project (Figure 4). a) The project site is visible from U.S. Highway 101. The City’s General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element designates the portion of Highway 101 at the southern end of the City north to Marsh Street as a viewing corridor of “High Scenic Value.” The existing General Plan includes policies to protect scenic viewsheds, the most relevant of which to this project are as follows: Conservation and Open Space Element: Policy 9.2.1 Views to and from public places, including scenic roadways. The City will preserve and improve views of important scenic resources from public places, and encourage other agencies with jurisdiction to do so. Public places include parks, plazas, the grounds of civic buildings, streets and roads, and publicly accessible open space. In particular, the route segments shown in Figure 11 are designated as scenic roadways. A. Development projects shall not wall off scenic roadways and block views. B. Utilities, traffic signals, and public and private signs and lights shall not intrude on or clutter views, consistent with safety needs. C. Where important vistas of distant landscape features occur along streets, street trees shall be clustered to facilitate viewing of the distant features. D. Development projects, including signs, in the viewshed of a scenic roadway shall be considered “sensitive” and require architectural review. Program 9.3.5 Visual assessments. Require evaluations (accurate visual simulations) for projects affecting important scenic resources and views from public places. Program 9.3.6 View blockage along scenic highways. Determine that view blockage along scenic roadways is a significant impact. Circulation Element: Policy 15.0.1 Views The City will preserve and improve views of important scenic resources form [sic] streets and roads. In particular, the route segments shown in Figure 6 [of the Circulation Element] and the Conservation and Open Space Element are designated as scenic roadways. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 20 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST A. Development projects shall not wall off scenic roadways and block views. B. Development projects, including signs, in the viewshed of a scenic roadways shall be considered “sensitive” and require architectural review. Policy 15.0.4 Public Equipment and Facilities The City and other agencies should be encouraged to avoid cluttering scenic roadways with utility and circulation- related equipment and facilities. B. Public utilities along scenic highways should be installed underground. C. The placement of landscaping and street trees should not block views from Scenic Routes. Clustering of street trees along scenic roadways should be considered as an alternative to uniform spacing. Program 9.3.6 states that blocking scenic views would be a significant impact under CEQA. The “scenic views” in this case are those of the surrounding hillsides. However, the lift station, whether or not it is screened with landscaping, would not be blocking any scenic views. From that perspective, no significant impact would occur with respect to that policy. That said, Program 9.3.5 does require visual simulations in drawing such conclusions, and for this reason photo simulations were prepared to support this analysis. Policy 9.2.1.b. provides direction regarding the design of public utilities with respect to minimizing visual impacts. Based on this policy, projects must be designed not to “intrude on or clutter” views consistent with safety needs. As designed, with or without landscaping, the project would be consistent with the intent of this policy, especially in the context of nearby commercial development, which is much more visually prominent than the lift station. The project includes the addition of a landscaping screen that would further minimize any potentially intrusive visual experience for travelers on Calle Joaquin or U.S. Highway 101 who drive past the facility. This is illustrated in the accompanying photo simulations. Policy 15.0.4 calls for undergrounding of public utilities along scenic highways. However, the intent of this policy is primarily directed at powerlines and similar high -profile facilities. In addition, since the lift station would not be blocking scenic views as designed, and would include landscaping that would act as a visual screen, visual impacts would be less than significant. In addition, the proposed facility as designed and screened would not block scenic views from the freeway, which is the High Value Scenic corridor of concern. For this reason, there would be no need to underground this facility based on this policy, since there would be no visual impact to the scenic corridor of the surrounding hillsides. b) The proposed project would be located in an area adjacent to Froom Creek, but would not require the removal of trees or other natural features, nor the loss of designated open space. The open trench cut through the San Luis Obispo Creek would create a temporary break in the riparian tree canopy but would be restored as part of the proposed project. Giant reed removal would be below top of the creek bank under the existing riparian canopy and would likely not be noticeable from the off-ramp and highway. There are no existing buildings on the site, so no historical structures would be affected. As noted above, U.S. Highway 101 is designated as a corridor of High Scenic Value under the City’s General Plan. Please refer to the discussion under a) for an analysis of impacts related to this issue. c) The project would replace an existing lift station facility with a new one, in a location adjacent to the existing facility. It would be substantially similar in size to the existing facility, so there would be no discernible change to the visual character of the area. The proposed project would also include landscaping as part of its design, intended for the most pa rt to screen the facility from passing motorists. This would further minimize potential impacts, and in fact may be an improvement over the visual quality of the existing facility, which is not similarly screened. The proposed pipeline under San Luis Obispo Creek would not be visible when completed, so it would not contribute to any possible change in the v isual character of the area. In the short-term, project construction may temporarily degrade the visual quality of the area as equipment is brought on site, and facilities are replaced. However, because of the temporary nature of these activities, and because they will be regulated by City requirements, long-term impacts to the visual character of the area would be considered less than significant. d) The proposed project would not include lighting, and thus would not be a source of light or glare that co uld impact Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO 21 INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST neighboring land uses. In addition, because the facility will be screened by landscaping, any glare that may result from reflected sunlight that could otherwise affect passing motorists would be minimized. No impacts would occur. Conclusion The proposed project would result in less than significant impacts on visual resources. In addition, because the project design includes landscaping intended to screen the facility, the visual impacts may be considered less than what is currently the case with the existing facility. The current facility which lack screening. Refer to Figure 4 for the pre- and post-project visual simulations that support this conclusion. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 22 Figure 4 – Visual Simulations CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 23 Figure 4 – Visual Simulations Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 24 2. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? 1 --X-- b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract? 1 --X-- c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? 1 --X-- Evaluation a) The lift station site is not located on land in active agricultural production, nor on farmland identified as Prime, Unique, or of Statewide Importance, thus no impacts would occur from this project component. The gravity pipeline component of the project on the east side of U.S. Highway 101 is in active agricultural land that identified as Prime Farmland. However, it would not impact either the production capability of that land, nor convert any of the soils to non -agricultural use. In the short-term, construction activities at that end of the pipeline would be served by an existing dirt roadway adjacent to the agricultural field, and temporary staging activities may occur within areas used for agricultural production. Mitigation has been provided below to ensure temporary impacts to prime farmland are reduced to a less than significant level. b) and c) The proposed project would replace existing wastewater collection infrastructure, and would not result in the conversion of any lands from their current uses. Infrastructure of the type envisioned in the project is consistent with any zoning in the City. The project would not convert land zoned for agricultural use, nor would it convert any land under Williamson Act contract. The project would not convert active or potentially active farmland to non -agricultural use. No impacts would occur. Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures are required to avoid, minimize and compensate for potentially significant impacts on agricultural resources. AG-1: The contractor shall segregate all topsoil located with the active agricultural field east of San Luis Obispo Creek prior to initiation of construction activities. The top six (6) inches of soil shall be removed and protected onsite via covering with plastic or storing in protective bins. All topsoil shall be replaced and lightly disked-in upon completion of the project. Conclusion The proposed project would result in less than significant impacts to agricultural with implementation of mitigation measure AG-1. The project would not convert any farmlands to non-agricultural use. The project will not impact Williamson Act lands. 3. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality m anagement or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? 1,7 --X-- b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? 7 --X-- c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any 7 --X-- Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 25 criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? 2,3 --X-- e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? 2,3 --X-- Evaluation a), b) and c) The City of San Luis Obispo falls within the jurisdiction of the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District (SLOAPCD). SLOAPCD is located within the South Central Coast Air Basin. SLOAPCD monitors air pollutant levels to assure that air quality standards are met, and if they are not met, to develop strategies to meet the standards. Depending on whether the standards are met or exceeded, the air basin is classified as being in “attai nment” or as “non-attainment.” In general, the existing air quality in San Luis Obispo County, including the City of San Luis Obispo, may be characterized a s moderate. As of 2013, the County is in attainment for all measured pollutants, with the exception of ozone (O3) and particulate matter exceeding 10 microns (PM10). The following table shows the attainment status, state and federal standards for all criteria pollutants (SLOAPCD, 2013). The nearest monitoring station to the project area is in San Luis Obispo. In 2008, only one exceedance of the federal 8-hour one standard of 0.075 parts per million (ppm) occurred at the San Luis Obispo station. Exceedance of the more stringent state 8-hour ozone standard of 0.070 ppm occurred on two days at this station, while the state one hour ozone standard of 0.09 ppm was exceeded on one day (SLOAPCD, 2008-09 Annual Air Quality Report). Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 26 The APCD has adopted a Clean Air Plan (CAP) for San Luis Obispo County (2001), which includes strategies to help achiev e attainment status for these pollutants. Project Emissions. The proposed project would not generate emissions associated with long-term operations, because it would not generate trips nor inherently result in air pollutants from its ongoing use. The existing lift station is currently configured for connecting a portable auxiliary diesel/gasoline generator as backup during power outages. The new lift station will include a more efficient natural gas auxiliary generator for the same purpose. Use of the auxiliary generator Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 27 would be the same set of circumstances and probabilities as under existing conditions. Thus, there would be no operational air quality impacts. However, short-term emissions are possible from equipment used in project construction. The fo llowing table summarizes APCD’s significance criteria for construction-related impacts: Table 1: San Luis Obispo APCD Thresholds of Significance for Construction Operations Because of the de minimus nature of activities that would occur during project construction (including the duration of such activities), such emissions would not exceed the 2.5 -ton quarterly threshold, for ROG and PM10. Impacts would be less than significant. Emissions would be reduced to the extent feasible through standard conditions imposed on the project consistent with APCD requirements. These include:  Onsite construction vehicle speeds shall be limited to no more than 12 mph on unpaved surfaces.  Minimal area shall be disturbed, with dust control measures implemented following soil distributing activities. Such measures may include revegetation or other APCD-approved methods.  If airborne dust is observed leaving the site during construction activities, water from trucks or other sources must be applied in sufficient quantities to reduce those emissions.  Erosion and drainage control features are to be available to be placed in the event of rain or other erosive action to prevent any sediment from leaving the site. Erosion control devices shall be installed and in place following daily construction activities. The City shall notify the Engineering Division of any changes in construction that will require additional erosion control measures.  No construction permits will be issued during the period from November 1 to Mar ch 31 without prior approval of the Engineering Division and an approved erosion and sediment control plan and construction schedule. Erosion control measures shall be in place and approved by the Engineering Division prior to the start of construction. The proposed project is consistent with the City’s General Plan, and is therefore anticipated in the Clean Air Plan (CAP), which includes long-range traffic and air emission forecasts based on the level of development anticipated in the general plans of jurisdictions within the SLOCOG region. Future construction activities will also be required to comply with APCD requirements, which will contribute to further consistency with the CAP. d) The project will not generate increased concentrations of pollutants. The nearest sensitive receptors are homes along Los Palos Drive, about 250 feet east of the agricultural field where the inverted siphon would meet the new manhole. These Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 28 residents will not be exposed to any increased concentrations of pollutants. Temporary transient residents in nearby motels are within 200 feet of the lift station site. Similarly, these residents will not be exposed to any increased concentrations of pollutants. e) The proposed project does not have the potential to create objectionable odors. Objectionable odors are generally caused by some commercial and industrial uses, such as restaurants or waste disposal facilities that dispose of trash materials, none of which will be occurring on the site. While objectionable odors o ften occur with sewer facilities. The new lift station design incorporates several provisions to reduce the occurrence of objectionable odors including minimizing turbulence, and provision for additional of odor control facilities. Conclusion The proposed project would result in less than significant air quality impacts. Emissions would occur only during the construction phases of the project, and compliance with identified APCD strategies would result in less than significant impacts. There would be no net increase in emissions for the infrequent probabilities of use of the auxiliary generator over existing conditions. 4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? 1, 10, 11 --X-- b) Have a substantial adverse effect, on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? 1, 10-12 --X-- c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? 1, 10, 11 --X-- d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? 1, 10 --X-- e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? 1, 10 --X-- f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? 1, 10 --X-- Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 29 Evaluation The following discussion is based on the results of a Biological Assessment completed by Sage Institute Inc. and a 2014 protocol least Bell’s vireo survey conducted for the project that included biological surveys and preliminary wetland delineation and jurisdictional determination. Refer to Exhibit A for detailed background biological resource information and project-related impact analysis. a) through d) The construction of the new lift station will not directly impact riparian habitat along Froom Creek, although site grading may encroach up to the riparian edge. Dewatering discharge into Froom Creek would be temporary and a potential benefit to the aquatic resource values of the creek at that time. The installation of the gravity sewer siphon replacement under San Luis Obispo Creek will require open trench excava tion through the riparian corridor and creek bottom. This approach will require the diversion of San Luis Obispo Creek flows around the work site and likely dewatering the excavated trench. The proposed siphon alignment is proposed to be located approximat ely 10 feet north of the existing siphon alignment. It is estimated that an approximately 40-foot to 70-foot wide by 350-feet long disturbance footprint through the San Luis Obispo Creek riparian corridor would be required for the open trench construction for the siphon replacement. As such, approximately 0.32 to 0.56 acre of combined riparian wetland and streambed habitat would be temporarily impacted by the siphon replacement project element. The project includes habitat enhancements to San Luis Obispo Creek that includes removal of approximately 24,464 square feet of invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) and 1,000 cubic yards of associated silt removal in the creek corridor. The temporary loss of vegetative cover would be replaced by revegetation plantings with native riparian tree, shrub and forb species. The existing siphon and gravity line will be abandoned in place. The construction across San Luis Obispo Creek would temporarily disturb biolog ical resources through direct temporary loss of riparian and wetland vegetation and potential for increased erosion and sedimentation. Riparian corridors support the highest diversity and abundance of plant and animal life in the study area. San Luis Obi spo Creek, Froom Creek, and Prefumo Creek within the study area have been designated “critical habitat” for the central California coast steelhead (NOAA, 2007). The riparian plant communities within study area drainage include the Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest, Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest, Central Coast Cottonwood -Sycamore Forest (Holland, 1986). The majority of the riparian woodland is dominated by Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest. Riparian habitat supports a diver se assemblage of resident and migratory wildlife species, as well as provide prey base for a variety of predatory species. Two state or formally-listed animal species are known or expected to occur within riparian and aquatic habitats of San Luis Obispo Creek within the project vicinity. These include the Federally Threatened California red- legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) and central California coast steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus) - Central California Coast Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). Additionally, the State Species of Special Concern western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) and two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii) could occur in the project area. Although there would be no long term disturbance of biological resources along th e replacement sewer line corridor, the open trenching across San Luis Obispo Creek and excavation associated with the construction of the new lift station proximate to Froom Creek could impact special-status species as a result of strikes with construction equipment, pitfall traps, stream flow diversion, and other project-related activities. The proposed inverted siphon installation across San Luis Obispo Creek and construction activities proximate to Froom Creek may impact nesting or roosting wildlife utilizing the riparian corridors. Mitigation measures are required to reduce impacts to a less than significant level. e) A Tree Removal Permit is required from the City of San Luis Obispo under tree maintenance by public utilities (12.24.120) of the tree removal ordinance (No 1544-2010 Series). Based on the onsite restoration that will occur for potential riparian tree removal activities, impacts are considered less than significant. f) No regional or state Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural Community C onservation Plan is applicable in the project area. No significant impacts are anticipated. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 30 Mitigation Measures The following mitigation measures are recommended to avoid, minimize and compensate for potentially significant impacts on biological resources associated mostly with the open trench construction for the siphon replacement across San Luis Obispo Creek. Riparian, Coastal and Valley Marsh, and Pale Spike Rush Marsh Alliance Impacts The following mitigation measures are recommended to ensure regulatory compliance is obtained for proposed project work in waters of the U.S./State including wetlands. BIO-1: The City shall obtain Clean Water Act (CWA) regulatory compliance in the form o f a permit from the Corps or written documentation from the Corps for the diversion, dewatering, and trenching of San Luis Obispo Creek. The City of SLO shall implement all the terms and conditions of the permit to the satisfaction of the Corps. Corps per mits and authorizations require applicants to demonstrate that the proposed project has been designed and will be implemented in a manner that avoids and minimizes impacts on aquatic resources to the extent feasible. Compliance with Corps permitting would also include obtaining and CWA 401 Water Quality Certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. In addition, the Corps may require compensatory mitigation for unavoidable temporary and permanent impacts on herbaceous and/or riparian wetlands to achieve the goal of a no net loss of wetland values and functions. At a minimum, the City shall prepare and implement an onsite riparian and creek habitat restoration plan for all disturbed areas that includes approximately 0.56 acre (24,464 square feet) of giant reed eradication (approximately 10,255 square feet by hand and 14,209 removed mechanically) and 1,000 cubic yards of silt removal effort in the vicinity upstream and downstream of the project alignment. As such, regulatory compliance would reduc e potential impacts on waters of the U.S. to a less-than-significant level. BIO-2: The City shall obtain compliance with Section 1602 of the California Fish and Wildlife Code (Streambed Alteration Agreement; SAA) in the form of a completed Streambed Alteration Agreement or written documentation from the CDFW for the San Luis Obispo Creek trenching and creek flow diversion. The City shall implement all the terms and conditions of the SAA to the satisfaction of the CDFW. The CDFW SAA process encourages appli cants to demonstrate that the proposed project has been designed and will be implemented in a manner that avoids and minimizes impacts in the stream zone to the extent feasible. In addition, CDFW may require compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts on wetland and riparian habitats in the form of habitat restoration of disturbed areas to the extent feasible. At a minimum, the City shall prepare and implement an onsite riparian and creek habitat restoration plan for all disturbed areas that includes approximately 24,464 square feet of giant reed eradication (approximately 10,255 square feet by hand and 14,209 square feet removed mechanically) and 1,000 cubic yards of silt removal effort in the vicinity upstream and downstream of the project alignment. As such, regulatory compliance would reduce potential impacts on waters of the state to a less -than-significant level. Central California coast steelhead, California Red -Legged Frog, Western Pond Turtle, & Two Striped Garter Snake Impacts The following mitigation measures are recommended to ensure appropriate regulatory compliance is obtained and that measures to avoid and minimize impacts are implemented for proposed project work in San Luis Obispo Creek. BIO-3: The City shall provide proof of compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act for potential impacts on the central California coast steelhead and California red -legged frog in the form of a take permit/authorization or written documentation from the National Marine Fisheries S ervice (NMFS) for the central California coast steelhead and USFWS for the California red-legged frog that the proposed project would not result in take of the central California coast steelhead or California red-legged frog or would otherwise not adversel y affect these species. Should a take permit or authorization be required, or conditions imposed by the NMFS or USFWS to ensure that no take would result from the project, the applicant shall implement all the terms and conditions of the NMFS/USFWS permit, authorization, or recommendations to the satisfaction of the NMFS/USFWS. The NMFS/USFWS can only provide take authorization for projects that demonstrate the species affected would be left in as good as or better condition than before the project was imp lemented. Additionally, the NMFS/USFWS cannot authorize any project that would jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 31 BIO-4: To avoid and minimize potential impacts on the western pond turtle and two striped garter snake, a qualified biologist shall conduct pre-construction surveys of the San Luis Obispo Creek riparian zone project site to salvage and relocate any individuals out of harm’s way. Onsite monitoring by a qualified biologist, during initial vegetation removal and ground disturbing activities and as needed during project construction, shall also be required to salvage and relocate any western pond turtles encountered out of harm’s way. General Nesting/Roosting Wildlife Impacts The proposed siphon replacement construction across San Luis Obispo Creek and associated construction may impact nesting or roosting wildlife throughout the riparian corridor. To avoid and minimize potential impacts to nesting birds, ground dwelling and roosting wildlife, the following mitigation measures are recommended. BIO-5: Vegetation removal and initial site disturbance for any project elements shall be conducted between September 1st and March 1st outside of the nesting season for birds. If vegetat ion removal is planned for the bird nesting season (March 1st to August 31st), then preconstruction nesting bird surveys shall be required to determine if any active nests would be impacted by project construction. If no active nests are found, then no further mitigation shall be required. If any active nests are found that would be impacted by construction, then the nest sites shall be avoided with the establishment of a non-disturbance buffer zone around active nests as determined by a qualified biologi st. Nest sites shall be avoided and protected with the non -disturbance buffer zone until the adults and young of the year are no longer reliant on the nest site for survival as determined by a qualified biologist. As such, avoiding disturbance or take of a n active nest would reduce potential impacts on nesting birds to a less-than-significant level. BIO-6: Prior to ground disturbing activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct a pre -construction survey within 30 days of initial ground disturbance to identify whether any non-listed special-status or common wildlife species are using any portion of the project areas where ground disturbance is proposed. The survey shall cover the boundaries of proposed disturbance and 100 feet beyond. If ground dwelling or roosting wildlife species are detected, a biological monitor shall be present during initial ground disturbing and/or vegetation removal activities to attempt relocation efforts for the wildlife that may be present such as common reptiles, small mammals, or roosting bats. The salvage and relocation effort for non -listed wildlife species would reduce potentially significant impacts to a less than significant level. Conclusion Based on the findings described above establishing the existing conditions of bio logical resources within the study area and incorporation of the recommended mitigation measures, implementation of the proposed project would not result in any substantial adverse effects on biological, botanical, wetland habitat resources. Therefore, wit h mitigation measures incorporated into the project, direct and indirect project impacts on biological resources would be considered to be less than significant. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 32 Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 33 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historic resource as defined in §15064.5. 1,13 --X-- b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5) 1,13 --X-- c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? 1,13 --X-- d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries? 1,13 --X-- Evaluation A formal Archaeological Records Search was conducted by the staff of the California Historical Resources Information System Central Coast Information Center (CCIC), which is housed at the Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara (Appendix B). The CCIC searched their records for archaeological sites, historical resources, and previous cultural resource surveys within one half mile of the Project Area. The findings of this searc h are summarized below: There are no recorded sites within the specific Project Area. There are four archaeological sites within the half -mile search area. Of these, two are prehistoric bedrock mortar sites (CA-SLO-783 and CA-SLO-1365) and one is a prehistoric debris scatter that contains shell fragments, deer bones, and chert flakes (CA -SLO-1195). The site nearest to the Project Area, approximately 0.2 miles away. The CCIC records search also found a Historic Property Evaluation for the Froom House, a historic ranch house in the search area. According to the records search, there have been 34 cultural resource surveys within a half mile of the Project Area. None of these surveys included the specific Project Area. The CCIC recommends that a cultural resource field survey is conducted. a) through d) All of western San Luis Obispo County, including the City of San Luis Obispo, lies within a region that was historically occupied by the Obispeño Chumash, who lived on the central coast of California for more than 9,000 years. The proposed project will not result in substantial ground disturbance, which will in general be limited to previously disturbed areas, including roadways, landscaped/developed areas, and the margins of an agricultural field. of the siphon replacement through San Luis Obispo Creek is near the previously disturbed alignment but would disturb approximately 0.40 acre of riparian habitat and streambed. Less than an acre of land will be used from the lift station and for boring holes associated with installation of the gravity line replacement. No buildings (with the exception of the existing lift station) will be removed or otherwise modified. No known historic resources will be disturbed or in any way affected. Relative to archaeological and paleontological resources, the intent of the project is to minimize ground disturbance, and respect the nature of the resources that may be buried on or near the site. Nevertheless, sit e disturbance mostly through the creek corridor has the potential to impact as yet unknown cultural resources, particularly since activities are occurring near San Luis Obispo and Froom Creeks, which would be areas of relatively high archaeological sensitivity. In the event resources are uncovered, th ey will be protected through implementation of various General Plan policies, which are included to be consistent with state and federal laws relative to resource protection. Specifically, these include policies 3.5.1 through 3.5.11 of the City’s General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element. These policies describe the procedures that must be followed in the event resources are encountered, which among other things, require work to be stopped, and native American representatives to be consulted regard ing further disposition of such resources before resuming work. In order to ensure compliance with General Plan policies, state and federal laws, and per the CCIC recommendation, the following measures are recommended. Impacts are considered less than significant with mitigation incorporated. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 34 Mitigation Measures CR-1: In the event of the unforeseen encounter of subsurface materials suspected to be of an archaeological or paleontological nature, all grading or excavation shall cease in the immediate area and in the find left untouched until a qualified professional archaeologist or paleontologist, whichever is appropriate, is contacted and called in to evaluate and make recommendations as to its disposition, mitigation and/or salvage. All applicable requ irements of any law or agency of the State, City of Pismo Beach and any other governmental entity at the time of construction shall be met. CR-2: Conduct a cultural resource field survey by a qualified archaeologist along all portions of the project align ment subject to ground disturbing and vegetation removal activities. Any observed sites as a result of this survey shall be avoided or a professional archaeologist or paleontologist, whichever is appropriate, shall be contacted and called in to evaluate an d make recommendations as to its disposition, mitigation and/or salvage. Conclusion The proposed project would result in less than significant impacts to cultural resources with implementation of the recommended mitigation measures. No known historic or prehistoric resources would be disturbed, and state and local law require specific procedures to be followed in the event previously unknown resources are found. 6. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury or death involving: 1, 3 --X-- I. Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. 1, 3 --X-- II. Strong seismic ground shaking? 1, 3 --X-- III. Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? 1, 3 --X-- IV. Landslides? 1, 3 --X-- b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? 1, 3 --X-- c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or off site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? 1, 3 --X-- d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 1802.3.2 of the California Building Code (2007), creating substantial risks to life or property? 1, 3 --X-- e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? 1, 3 --X-- Evaluation a)(I) Several faults in the region are considered geologically active or potentially active and are capable of causing significant ground motion in the vicinity of the City of San Luis Obispo. An active fault is defined by the California Division of Mines and Geology (CDMG) as a fault that has “had surface displacement within Holocene time (about the last 11,000 years).” “A potentially active fault is a fault with evidence of surface displacement during Quaternary time (last 2 million years).” The project site is located near the general trace of the Los Osos Fault, a portion of which is identified under the State of Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 35 California Alquist-Priolo Fault Hazards Act. While the project site is not located within this zone, the fault trace generally follows the length of Los Osos Valley south of Los Osos Valley Road, and crosses Highway 101 in the general vicinity of the project site. Additional site-specific studies may find other segments of the fault, in which case it would be appropriate for the California Department of Mines and Geology to expand the zone. This fault has been classified as active within the last 11,000 years. As noted in the City’s General Plan, the Los Osos Fault presents a high to very high fault rupture hazard to development and facilities in the Los Osos Valley. Other faults in the vicinity of San Luis Obispo are the West Huasna, Oceanic, and Edna faults. These faults are considered potentially active and present a moderate fault rupture hazard to developments near them. Implementation of the proposed project will not result in any increased or change in the significance of exposure to people or structures, which would result in adverse effects including the risk of loss, injury or death. The facility does not suppo rt onsite workers or residents. The risk of loss, injury or death associated with the rupture of a known earthquake fault will not be significantly altered by the implementation of the project. However, a significant earthquake in the region could disrupt this facility, as it could man y other similar facilities in the region. In this event, the provision of public services related to this project could be disrupted. That said, there is nothing unique about this location that would pose a geologic risk significantly greater than any other location in the City. For these reasons, the proposed project will not generate any potentially significant impacts related to seismic activity. a)(II) Mitigation of groundshaking effects is provided through enforcement of structural and nonstructural seismic design provisions defined in the Uniform Building Code. These codes are updated every three years and through this updated process the codes will be incorporated into new design provisions as needed. No significant impact is anticipated. a)(III-IV) Based on the City’s General Plan Safety Element, the potential for seismic liquefaction of surface soils is moderate. However, given proper densification of site soils consistent with standard construction practices and requirements, the potential for seismically induced settlement and differential settlement is considered to be low. The site is relatively flat, although there is a slight slope toward Froom Creek to the south of the proposed lift station site. Although there is the potential for very localized landslide risk along this escarpment, the facility itself will be built on level ground with required pads and footings that are designed to mitigate potential for landslide risk. Upon implementation of standard structural and nonstructural development requirements by the Uniform Building Code, no significant impacts are anticipated. b) Very little ground disturbance will be necessary on the site to implement the proposed project, and will be confined to a level and graded area for the purpose of constructing the pad for the facility itself. There will not be a substantial loss or disturbance of topsoil. No significant impacts are anticipated. c) and d) Very little ground disturbance will be necessary on the site to implement the proposed proj ect, and will be confined to level area for the purpose of constructing the facility itself. Upon implementation of standard structural and nonstructural development requirements by the Uniform Building Code, no significant impacts related to liquefaction and subsidence are anticipated. Based on the minimal ground disturbance and upon implementation of standard structural and nonstructural development requirements by the Uniform Building Code, no significant impacts related to geologic hazards, including expansive soils, are anticipated. e) The project would not require the use of septic systems, so no impacts would occur relative to soil suitability for this purpose. Conclusion The proposed project would result in no geologic impacts, since it would not expose residents or employees to potential hazards of this nature. The site would be built to City and State codes, on relatively level ground suitable for this purpose , and not subject to unique geologic hazards. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 36 7. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? 1 --X-- b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases? 1, 14 --X-- Evaluation Global climate change refers to changes in average climatic conditions on the Earth as a whole, including temperature, wind patterns, ocean currents, and precipitation. Global temperatures are moderated by naturally occurring atmospheric gases, known as “greenhouse gases” (GHG), including water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases allow solar radiation (sunlight) into the Earth’s atmosphere, but prevent heat from es caping, thus warming the Earth’s atmosphere. Global climate change attributable to the emission of greenhouse gases (mainly CO 2, CH4 and N2O) generated by human activity is currently one of the most important and widely debated scientific, economic and political issues in the United States. GHGs are the result of both natural and human activity. CO2 is the most abundant GHG. Forest fires, decomposition, industrial processes, landfills, and consumption of fossil fuels for power generation, transportation, heating, and cooking are the primary sources of GHG emissions. According to the California Energy Commission, emissions from fossil fuel consumption represent approximately eighty -one percent (81%) of human-caused GHG emissions, and transportation creates forty-one percent (41%) of human-caused GHG emissions in California. The State of California has adopted a series of laws to reduce both the level of GHGs in the atmosphere and to reduce emissions of GHGs from commercial and private activities within the State. Assembly Bill (AB) 1493, requiring the development and adoption of regulations to achieve “the maximum feasible reduction of greenhouse gases” emitted by noncommercial passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, and other vehicles used primarily for personal transportation in the state was signed into law in September 2002. AB 32, the “California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006,” was signed into law in the fall of 2006. AB 32 (codified at Section 38500 et seq. of the California Health & Safety Co de) required the ARB to adopt regulations to require reporting and verification of statewide GHG emissions. The bill requires achievement by 2020 of a statewide GHG emissions limit equivalent to 1990 emissions, and the adoption of rules and regulations to achieve the maximum technologically feasible and cost-effective GHG emissions reductions. Senate Bill (SB) 97, signed in August 2007, requires the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (“OPR”) to develop proposed guidelines for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions. The California Resources Agency (Resources Agency) certified and adopted amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions on January 1, 2010. These updated CEQA Guidelines provide regulatory guidance on the analysis of GHG emissions in CEQA documents, while giving lead agencies the discretion to set quantitative or qualitative thresholds for the assessment and mitigation of impacts related to climate change. Senate Bill (SB) 375, signed in August 2008, requires the development of sustainable communities’ strategies (SCS) for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions and achieving regional targets set by ARB for 2020 and 2035. On September 23, 2010, ARB adopted regional targets to be considered in the City’s long-range planning relative to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In 2006, the SLOAPCD staff initiated implementation of its plan to address climate change in the county, specifically to address the achievement of the emission reduction goals embodied in AB 32. The City’s Climate Action Plan addresses four Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 37 key sectors — energy, waste, transportation, and land use. Local Regulations and CEQA Requirements . The City of San Luis Obispo has the following adopted General Plan policies within its Conservation and Open Space Element that directly address this issue:  Policy 2.1.1: City actions shall seek to minimize undesirable climate changes and deterioration of the atmosphere’s protective functions that result from the release of carbon dioxide and other substances.  Policy 4.6.18. County Air Pollution Control District support. Seek the support of the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District in calculating emission inventories and the development of balanced strategies for addressing climate protection through development of model ordinances and guidelines designed to meet the City’s goals. Quantitative significance thresholds for this topic have not bee n adopted by the City or the San Luis Obispo APCD (SLOAPCD). Therefore, there are no quantitative emission thresholds to determine whether the impacts with respect to global climate change or GHGs are significant. Therefore, this analysis uses a qualitative approach in order to determine whether the project would result in a significant impact. a) and b) The proposed project is the replacement of a lift station and associated wastewater facilities, consistent with what is required and anticipated under the General Plan to serve existing and future development within the City. It is needed to ensure the long-term operation and maintenance and operation of the City’s wastewater collection system. In that sense, it is consistent with long-range strategies articulated in the City’s draft Climate Action Plan relative to future consideration of developing a recycled water program. By itself, the construction of the new facility will not generate significant greenhouse emissions (through construction equipment used for that purpose). Long-term operation of the facility will not generate emissions. As noted above, the facility is anticipated in the City’s long-range planning, and thus consistent with the assumptions that underlie the City’s General Plan policies and draft Climate Action Plan. Refer to Section 3, Air Quality, above for a discussion of temporary air quality impacts expected to occur during construction activities. No significant impacts are anticipated. Conclusion Impacts would be less than significant. 8. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? 1 --X-- b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? 1 --X-- c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? 1 --X-- d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? 1 --X-- e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where 1,6,8 --X-- Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 38 such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? 1,6 --X-- g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? 1 --X-- h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? 1 --X-- Evaluation The City’s Safety Element, establishes three major goals, which would apply to all activities in the City, including the proposed project:  Goal 1: Minimize injury and loss of life.  Goal 2: Minimize damage to public and private property.  Goal 3: Minimize social and economic disruptions resulting from injury, death, and property damage. The Safety Element also includes many policies and programs inten ded in part to be applied to the design and operation of buildings and other facilities in order to minimize risk associated with natural and manmade hazards. In general, these policies and programs strive to achieve the following:  Apply the most recent safety requirements from state and local building and fire codes;  Use the planning and technical criteria presented in the Safety Element as basic guidelines for all new public facilities;  Evaluate new development (including utilities), to ensure that construction or operation of the project will not cause hazardous conditions at an unacceptable level of risk; and  Requiring new development to avoid portions of sites with high hazard levels. The following discussion addresses the proposed project’s relation ship to each hazard issue described in the Initial Study checklist: a) The proposed project would not require the use of materials with a significant hazardous potential. Therefore, there is no potential to create any significant hazard to the public o r the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials potential or otherwise, given the appropriate procedures and guidelines are followed during the construction and operation phases of the project. Therefore, the impact of the proposed project is not significant. b) and c) Activities onsite would not use materials that would pose the threat of significant hazardous conditions in the event of an accident. The project would not emit hazardous materials or fumes. The City’s building code and OSHA regulate the use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials. Although not anticipated, demolition and replacement of the existing lift station structure may reveal unknown hazards. However, the intent of the project is to imp rove the City’s wastewater collection system, which by its nature is intended to protect public health and safety, consistent with state and local regulatory requirements. The project site is not within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school, so no impacts to such facilities would occur. No significant impacts are anticipated. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 39 d) The proposed project site is not included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, and, as a result, it would not create a significant hazard for the public or the environment. e) and f) The proposed project site is not located within a designated safety zone under the Airport Land Use Plan for the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, which is located a bout two miles east of the site. There would be no restrictions to the proposed development based on the Airport Land Use Plan policy framework. The project site is not within the vicinity of a private air strip. No aircraft-related hazards would occur as a result of the project. g) and h) The project will not impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan and no impact is anticipated. In fact, the project is adjacent to Calle Joaquin, which provides immediate access for emergency vehicles. No significant impacts related to fire hazards and emergency response are anticipated. Conclusion The proposed project would result in no impacts related to ha zards and hazardous materials. The project would not use or emit hazardous materials, and would not introduce residents or workers who might be exposed to such hazards from other land uses that might otherwise be in the vicinity of the project site. 9. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? 1,5 --X-- b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g. the production rate of pre- existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? 1 --X-- c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on or off site? 1,3 --X-- d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on or off site? 1,3 --X-- e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned storm water drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? 1,3 --X-- f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? 1,3,5 --X-- g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? 1 --X-- h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows? 1 --X-- i) Expose people or structures to significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the 1 --X-- Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 40 failure of a levee or dam? j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? 1 --X-- Evaluation The State Water Resources Control Board is responsible for maintaining the quality of surface waters through various restrictions and permit programs. Through their subordinate regional boards (Regional Water Quality Control Basin) water quality plans (Basin Plans) were prepared and implemented. Nonpoint sources of water pollution are controlled under the Clean Water Act (1987) by the U.S. EPA. Construction sites over five acres are required to obtain a Phase I permit under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Construction sites for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) between one and five acres are required to comply with Phase II of the NPDES program. An MS4 is a publicly-owned conveyance or system of conveyances (i.e., ditches, curbs, catch basins, underground pipes, etc.) that is designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater and that discharges to surface waters of the State. The proposed project is part of the City’s wastewater system, which ultimately allows the discharge of treated wastewater to surface waters of the State, and therefore qualifies as an MS4. a), c), and f) Future activities on the site would disturb less than five acres, and would not include new residences or commercial buildings. As such, sources of water pollutants would be limited, and an NPDES Phase I permit would not be required. While the lift station site would require minimal ground disturbance, the require d work space for the jack and bore rig would be about 15,000 SF (0.34 acre), with a very small portion of this being disturbed ground. Because the total area of disturbance is likely to be less than 1 acre, it would not be subject to Phase II permitting requirements of the NPDE S program. Impacts would be less than significant. The project would also include the installation of an inverte d siphon below the bed of San Luis Obispo Creek. This activity will not permanently alter the bed or banks of the creek, and ground disturbance is anticipated to be contained within a 40- foot to 70-foot right-of-way. As designed, the intent is to ensure that no sewage or effluent would escape into San Luis Obispo Creek or its related watershed, and that erosion will be minimized, during either the construction or operation phases of the project. This activity, including the design and operation thereof, must comply with the permit conditions set forth by agencies that may have jurisdiction over areas near the creek, including the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (Corps), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). However, the jurisdictional determination has yet to be verified, pending consultation with these agencies. In any event, the final project design will be based on input received during this consultation and permitting process and will include onsite restoration for temporary impacts. Project construction activities in San Luis Obispo Creek and near Froom Creek could introduce short-term soil erosion, or hydrocarbon runoff (e.g., grease, oil, tire particulates), from construction equipment, and minor siltation from diversion and dewatering activities. It is assumed that impacts are potentially significant, and will require a Section 401 water quality certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), a Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and a Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). At a minimum, these permits will require onsite restoration of disturbed creek areas and riparian habita t with native plant species and appropriate water quality BMP’s. b) Project activities would not include onsite commercial or residences. There would be no use of water onsite (other than during construction activities). Onsite landscaping would use minimal water from existing City supplies. The project is required to support existing and planned development under the City’s General Plan, so additional water supply is not needed. No impacts to groundwater sources would occur. d) As described above, the proposed project would not result in a significant increase in impervious surfaces in the project area. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 41 e) Runoff volumes would be de minimis from the proposed project and would not impact downstream drainage facilities. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated. g) and h). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM, 2008) includes the existing lift station site within the Zone A Special Flood Hazard Area, indicating that floodplain elevations have not been established by FEMA. The floodplain extends across Froom Creek and north toward Los Osos Valley Road. While the project by its nature would not expose lives or other property to flood hazard as a result of its implementation, the p roject itself would be exposed to flood hazards. The area including and surrounding the lift station has experienced historical flooding events, according to City staff. The existing lift station has been covered by water to a depth of three or four feet in the past based on City staff observation. This flooding appeared to result from surcharge of both Froom Creek and Prefumo Creek as tributaries to San Luis Obispo Creek. In addition, both the on-ramp to U.S. Highway 101 and the highway itself have been observed to flood in this vicinity. Based on a floodplain analysis (included in the PDR), AECOM (project engineer) determined appropriate design parameters for safeguarding the project in the event of a flood. The proposed Calle Joaquin wetwell will extend approximately 28.75 feet below grade. In order to raise the top of the wetwell above the 100-year flood plain, the wetwell will extend approximately six feet above the existing grade for a total wetwell depth of 34.75 feet. Based on the 110.40 foot elevation of the 100-year storm event the proposed Calle Joaquin wetwell will be elevated approximately 5.2 feet above the existing grade. The lift station will also have a deck surrounding the top of the wetwell to provide access for City maintenance personnel and to locate electrical equipment out of the flood area. The proposed layout utilizes a three-foot retaining wall around the site with concrete piers supporting the deck. This allows the discharge manifold piping to be above grade while providing room f or maintenance. The site itself will be built up three feet and sloped to drain toward the landscaped areas to the north and west. Although the proposed siphon will be installed across the floodplain of San Luis Obispo Creek, it will be installed at an appropriate depth below the creek bed where it will not be affected by flood events. Based on the flood analysis, and subsequent design measures included in the project to address potential flood issues, impacts would be less than significant. i) and j) As indicated in the City’s General Plan Safety Element, the site is not subject to tsunami, seiches, mudflow, or potential flooding inundation because of dam or levee failure. There would be no impact from these hazards. Conclusion Although the project would be located in the 100-year flood plain, and adjacent to both Froom Creek and San Luis Obispo Creek, hydrology and water quality impacts would be less than significant both as a result of the project design, and minimum subsequent requirements that will be imposed through the permitting process of jurisdictional agencies, as applicable. 10. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? 1,3,8 --X-- b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? 1 --X-- c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan? 1 --X-- Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 42 Evaluation a) The proposed project is located in developed streets and at the edge of an existing roadway right-of-way on disturbed vacant land. The project will result in temporary construction impacts. The project would not divide an established community. b) The project area is located within the existing City limits, and in a location appropriate for the development of t he required infrastructure needed to support existing uses as well as future uses under the General Plan. No impact would occur. c) There is neither a Habitat Conservation Plan nor Natural Community Conservation Plan that include lands within the project area, so there would be no impact relative to such plans. Conclusion No impacts related to land use or planning would occur because the project is consistent with the General Plan’s requirement to provide infrastructure needed to support existing and future development. 11. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? 1 --X-- b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? 1 --X-- Evaluation a) and b) The project site is not located in an area that has any mineral extraction potential, nor will it preclude the possibility of mineral extraction outside of the project area. No impacts would occur. Conclusion No impacts related to mineral resources would occur. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 43 12. NOISE. Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? 1 --X-- b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? 1 --X-- c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? 1 --X-- d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? 1 --X-- e) For a project located within an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? 1 --X-- 1 --X-- Evaluation a) and c) The project would not be located near any residents or employees, so it would not be inherently noise-sensitive. During operations, the project would not generate noise, nor would it induce traffic that could generate noise, so ambient noise levels in the area would not rise. The permanent natural gas auxiliary generator would be operated under the same circumstances and probabilities as under existing conditions use of the portable diesel/gasoline generator in the case of power outages. No impacts would occur. b) Vibration is a form of noise in that its energy is carried through structures and the earth, whereas noise is carried through the air. Thus, vibration is generally felt rather than heard. Some vibration effects can be caused by noise; for example, the rattling of windows from truck pass-bys. Typically, ground-borne vibration generated by man-made activities attenuates rapidly with distance from the source of the vibration. The primary vibration source generally associated with the project would be jack and bore and trenching activities due to the type of equipment and process used. However, this impact is expected to be less than significant due to the distance to sensitive land uses. d) During project construction, short-term noise increases in the immediate vicinity could occur. Drilling operations and pipeline excavation activities typically produce a substantial amount of noise. However, there are no permanent residences near the project site. The nearest homes to the project are those along Los Palos Drive, about 250 east of where the pipeline would meets the existing pipeline on the east side of San Luis Obispo Creek. Near the proposed lift station, the closest hotel rooms are those at Courtyard by Marriott (about 160 feet) and Motel 6 (about 200 feet). However, such transient residents are not likely to be disturbed because there would be no construction activities at night, when patrons are typically in their rooms. Construction activities would be restricted to certain hours and prohibited on weekends or holidays, per City ordinance. Because construction would take place during daylight hours, be far enough from these homes and lodging facilities, restricted by City Ordinance, and be temporary, such impacts would be adverse but less than significant. e) and f) The project area is not located within an airport land use plan noise restriction area or within the vicinity of a private airstrip. Therefore, no impacts from aircraft operations would occur. Conclusion Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 44 Impacts related to noise would be considered less than significant because the project would not generate long-term noise from traffic or operations over existing conditions and because of the lack of nearby sensitive land uses that might be disturbed by construction noise. 13. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? 1 --X-- b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? 1 --X-- 1 --X-- Evaluation a) through c) The project will not result in an increase in onsite population. The project by its nature is infrastructure intended to be an asset to serve the existing community. It will not induce new population growth, nor displace any existing housing or population. No impacts would occur. Conclusion No impacts related to population and housing would occur. 14. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: a) Fire protection? 1 --X-- b) Police protection? 1 --X-- c) Schools? 1 --X-- d) Parks? 1 --X-- e) Other public facilities? 1 --X-- Evaluation a) through e) The project will not result in an increase in onsite population, and thus would not generate additional need for any public services, including fire, police protection, schools or parks. No impacts would occur. Conclusion No impacts related to public services would occur. 15. RECREATION. a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? 1 --X-- b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the 1 --X-- Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 45 construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment? Evaluation a) and b) The project will not result in an increase in onsite population, and thus would not increase use on existing recreational facilities or require construction of new facilities. No impacts would occur. Conclusion No impacts related to recreational facilities would occur. 16. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC. Would the project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? 1 --X-- b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? 1 --X-- c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? 1 --X-- d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? 1 --X-- e) Result in inadequate emergency access? 1 --X-- f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities? 1 --X-- Evaluation a), b) and f) The proposed project would not generate traffic, because there would be no onsite residents or employees. Thus, it would not conflict with or hinder the attainment of General Plan levels of service standards with respect to traffic flow on nearby streets, including Calle Joaquin, Los Osos Valley Road, and U.S. Highway 101. The project would not impair or otherwise affect other transportation systems, including bike paths, sidewalks, or bus routes. The project would not present a safety hazard to pedestrians, cyclists or motorists, nor would it impair a driver’s visual sight lines on Calle Joaquin. The project would not block or remove parking opportunities. No impacts would occur. In the short-term, project construction could result in temporary lane closures along Calle Joaquin south of Los Osos Valley Road, and the northbound off-ramp to Los Osos Valley Road while the new lift station is being installed, and during siphon replacement across San Luis Obispo Creek. A Traffic Control Plan will require approval from the City and a Caltrans encroachment permit. In addition, no driveways to nearby commercial establishments, including motels, would be blocked. Given the short term construction impacts, no significant impacts would occur. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 46 c) The project area is not within any airport traffic patterns, or near any airport. It is located about two miles west of San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, and outside of safety zones identified in the Airport Land Use Plan for that facility. No impacts would occur. d) The project would not result in any hazardous transportation design features. No impacts would occur. e) The project would not impede emergency access either to the site or to neighboring properties. It would not require the extension of emergency access roads in the event of an onsite incident. No significant impact would occur. Conclusion No impacts related to with respect to transportation and circulation would occur. 17. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? 5 --X-- b) Require or result in the construction or expansion of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? 1,3 --X-- c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? 1,3 --X-- d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new and expanded entitlements needed? 1 --X-- e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? 1,3 --X-- f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste disposal needs? 1 --X-- g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste? 1 --X-- Evaluation a), b), and e) The project will not increase the City’s population, nor would it bring in permanent new jobs. Therefore, it will not generate additional wastewater. The project is proposed to = improve the City’s wastewater collection system, so the project will be beneficial from this perspective. No expansion of the City’s existing wastewater treatment capacity will be required as a result of the project. c) The proposed project would not require new drainage infrastructure, and would not introduce significant runoff that would necessitate modifications to existing drainage infrastructure. Once installed, the new lift station components will be designed such that runoff will flow into existing curb and gutter systems. No significant impact is anticipated. d) The project would not generate any long -term water demand, other than what is needed for onsite landscaping. Long- term water demand would be minimal, and consistent with what occurs within landscaped areas in public rights -of-way Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 47 through the City. No impact is anticipated. f) and g) Because there would be no onsite residents, employees or visitors, no solid waste would be generated. Thus, the project does not represent a new source of solid waste that requires potential expansion of service capacity. No impact is anticipated. Conclusion No adverse impacts related to with respect to utilities and service systems would occur. 18. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE. a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population 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 important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? NA --X-- The proposed project would not have the potential to substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species or cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels. There is no significant evidence of historical importance or prehistory. However, the biological elements analyzed in this Initial Study indicate the potential presence of special -status species including central California coast steelhead, California red-legged frog, western pond turtle, and two-striped garter snake. In addition, the proposed project would result in impacts to protected riparian habitat and jurisdictional waters. Mitigation Measures BIO-1 through BIO-5 would reduce these impacts to a less than significant level. In addition, the project site may contain previously unidentified buried archaeological resources. Mitigation Measure CR -1 and CR-2 would reduce this impact to a less than significant level. b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of the past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? NA --X-- The project is accommodating existing and approved infrastructure needs and will not have impacts that are cumulatively considerable. No impact is anticipated. c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? NA --X-- The proposed project may result in potential adverse impacts to human beings as described in the Biological and Cultural Resource Sections above. Mitigation measures BIO-1 through BIO-4 and CR-1 and CR-2 are proposed to reduce impacts to a less than significant level. Issues, Discussion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 48 19. EARLIER ANALYSES. Earlier analysis 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 items: a) Earlier analysis used. Identify earlier analyses and state where they are available for review. N/A b) Impacts adequately addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis. N/A c) Mitigation measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated," describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they address site - specific conditions of the project. N/A 20. SOURCE REFERENCES. 1. San Luis Obispo, City of. 2007. General Plan. 2. San Luis Obispo, City of. 2012. Preliminary Design Report, Calle Joaquin and Laguna Lift Stations. Prepared by AECOM. March 2012. 3. State of California. California Office of Planning and Research. CEQA: California Environmental Quality Act; Statutes and Guidelines, Section 15002(a). 4. State of California. Porter-Cologne Act. Water Code Section 13260-13274. Waste Discharge Requirements. 5. San Luis Obispo County Airport Land Use Commission. Airport Land Use Plan. 6. San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District. 2013 Annual Air Quality Report. (latest available) 7. Google Earth, February 2013. 8. Robert Carr. 2013. Photo simulations. January 24, 2013. 9. Sage Institute, Inc. 2015. Calle Joaquin Lift Station Project Biological Assessment: May 2015 (Exhibit A) 10. Holland, R. 1986. Preliminary list of terrestrial natural communities of California. Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. 11. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS). 2007. 2007 Federal Recovery Outline for the Distinct Population Segment of Central California Coast Steelhead. 12. Applied EarthWorks. 2013. Phase I Records Search for Cultural Resources. January 31, 2013. (Exhibit B) 13. City of San Luis Obispo. 2012. Climate Action Plan. August 2012. Issues, Discu ssion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 49 REQUIRED MITIGATION AND MONITORING PROGRAMS Mitigation Measures Section 2, Agricultural Resources: AG-1: The contractor shall segregate all topsoil located with the active agricultural field east of San Luis Obispo Creek prior to initiation of construction activities. The top six (6) inches of soil shall be removed and protected onsite via c overing with plastic or storing in protective bins. All topsoil shall be replaced and lightly disked -in upon completion of the project. Mitigation Monitoring Program: Utilities Department staff will insure that requirements for agricultural resources mitigation shall be clearly noted on all plans for project grading and construction. City engineering staff will inspect the construction operations to verify conformance with specifications and mitigations. Mitigation Measures Section 3, Biological Resources: BIO-1: The City shall obtain Clean Water Act (CWA) regulatory compliance in the form of a permit from the Corps or written documentation from the Corps for the diversion, dewatering, and trenching of San Luis Obispo Creek. The City of SLO shall implement all the terms and conditions of the permit to the satisfaction of the Corps. Corps permits and authorizations require applicants to demonstrate that the proposed project has been designed and will be implemented in a manner that avoids and minimizes impacts on aquatic resources to the extent feasible. Compliance with Corps permitting would also include obtaining and CWA 401 Water Quality Certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. In addition, the Corps may require compensatory mitigation for unavoidable temporary and permanent impacts on herbaceous and/or riparian wetlands to achieve the goal of a no net loss of wetland values and functions. At a minimum, the City shall prepare and implement an onsite riparian and creek habitat rest oration plan for all disturbed areas that includes approximately 0.56 acre (24,464 square feet) of giant reed eradication (approximately 10,255 square feet by hand and 14,209 removed mechanically) and 1,000 cubic yards of silt removal effort in the vicinit y upstream and downstream of the project alignment. As such, regulatory compliance would reduce potential impacts on waters of the U.S. to a less -than-significant level. BIO-2: The City shall obtain compliance with Section 1602 of the California Fish and Wildlife Code (Streambed Alteration Agreement; SAA) in the form of a completed Streambed Alteration Agreement or written documentation from the CDFW for the San Luis Obispo Creek trenching and creek flow diversion. The City shall implement all the terms and conditions of the SAA to the satisfaction of the CDFW. The CDFW SAA process encourages applicants to demonstrate that the proposed project has been designed and will be implem ented in a manner that avoids and minimizes impacts in the stream zone to the extent feasible. In addition, CDFW may require compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts on wetland and riparian habitats in the form of habitat restoration of disturbed ar eas to the extent feasible. At a minimum, the City shall prepare and implement an onsite riparian and creek habitat restoration plan for all disturbed areas that includes approximately 24,464 square feet of giant reed eradication (approximately 10,255 squa re feet by hand and 14,209 square feet removed mechanically) and 1,000 cubic yards of silt removal effort in the vicinity upstream and downstream of the project alignment. As such, regulatory compliance would reduce potential impacts on waters of the state to a less-than-significant level. BIO-3: The City shall provide proof of compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act for potential impacts on the central California coast steelhead and California red -legged frog in the form of a take permit/authorization or written documentation from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the central California coast steelhead and USFWS for the California red-legged frog that the proposed project would not result in take of the central California coast st eelhead or California red-legged frog or would otherwise not adversely affect these species. Should a take permit or authorization be required, or conditions imposed by the NMFS or USFWS to ensure that no take would result from the project, the applicant shall implement all the terms and conditions of the NMFS/USFWS permit, authorization, or recommendations to the satisfaction of the NMFS/USFWS. The NMFS/USFWS can only provide take authorization for projects that demonstrate the Issues, Discu ssion and Supporting Information Sources ER # Sources Potentially Significant Issues Less Than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated Less Than Significant Impact No Impact CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 50 species affected would be left in as good as or better condition than before the project was implemented. Additionally, the NMFS/USFWS cannot authorize any project that would jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species. BIO-4: To avoid and minimize potential impacts on the western pond turtle and two striped garter snake, a qualified biologist shall conduct pre-construction surveys of the San Luis Obispo Creek riparian zone project site to salvage and relocate any individuals out of harm’s way. Onsite monitoring by a qua lified biologist, during initial vegetation removal and ground disturbing activities and as needed during project construction, shall also be required to salvage and relocate any western pond turtles encountered out of harm’s way. BIO-5: Vegetation removal and initial site disturbance for any project elements shall be conducted between September 1st and March 1st outside of the nesting season for birds. If vegetation removal is planned for the bird nesting season (March 1st to August 31st), then preconstruction nesting bird surveys shall be required to determine if any active nests would be impacted by project construction. If no active nests are found, then no further mitigation shall be required. BIO-6: Prior to ground disturbing activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct a pre-construction survey within 30 days of initial ground disturbance to identify whether any non -listed special-status or common wildlife species are using any portion of the project areas where ground disturbance is proposed. Th e survey shall cover the boundaries of proposed disturbance and 100 feet beyond. If ground dwelling or roosting wildlife species are detected, a biological monitor shall be present during initial ground disturbing and/or vegetation removal activities to at tempt relocation efforts for the wildlife that may be present such as common reptiles, small mammals, or roosting bats. The salvage and relocation effort for non -listed wildlife species would reduce potentially significant impacts to a less than significan t level. Mitigation Monitoring Program: Utilities Department staff will insure requirements for biological resources mitigation shall be clearly noted in project specifications related to project grading and construction. City engineering staff will inspect the construction operations to verify conformance with specifications and mitigations. Mitigation Measures Section 5, Cultural Resources: CR-1: In the event of the unforeseen encounter of subsurface materials suspected to be of an archaeological or paleontological nature, all grading or excavation shall cease in the immediate area and in the find left untouched until a qualified professional archaeologist or paleontologist, whichever is appropriate, is contacted and called in to evaluate and make recommendations as to its disposition, mitigation and/or salvage. All applicable requirements of any law or agency of the State, City of Pismo Beach and any other governmental entity at the time of construction shall be met. CR-2: Conduct a cultural resource field survey by a qualified archaeologist along all portions of the project alignment subject to ground disturbing and vegetation removal activities. Any observed sites as a result of this survey shall be avoided or a professional archaeologist or paleontologist, whichever is appropriate, shall be contacted and called in to evaluate and make recommendations as to its disposition, mitigation and/or salvage. Mitigation Monitoring Program: Utilities Department staff will insure requirements for cultural resources mitigation shall be clearly noted in project specifications related to project grading and construction. City engineering staff will inspect the construction operations to verify conformance with specifications and mitigations. CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT B IOLOGICAL & W ETLAND ASSESSMENT May 11, 2015 Prepared for: CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AND AECOM Exhibit A CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 i Table of Contents 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................................... 1 2.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................ 2 3.0 METHODS ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 4.0 RESULTS ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 4.1 GENERAL SETTING ................................................................................................................................. 5 4.2 SOILS ................................................................................................................................................... 6 4.3 CHARACTERISTIC PLANT COMMUNITIES ..................................................................................................... 6 4.4 WILDLIFE ............................................................................................................................................. 9 4.5 WATERS OF THE U.S., WATERS OF THE STATE & WETLANDS ........................................................................ 9 4.6 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES AND NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN............................................... 10 4.6.1 Special-Status Botanical Resources ...................................................................................... 11 4.6.2 Special-Status Wildlife .......................................................................................................... 11 5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES ............................................................................................. 13 5.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 13 5.2 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES ................................................................................................ 14 6.0 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 16 7.0 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................. 16 APPENDIX A – FIGURES Figure 1: Regional Location Map Figure 2: Project Layout Map Figure 3: CNDDB Botanical Occurrences Map Figure 4: CNDDB Wildlife Occurrences Map Figure 5: Study Area Soils Map Figure 6: Study Area Habitat Map Figure 7: Waters of the U.S./State Jurisdictional Limits Figure 8: Representative Photographs APPENDIX B – TABLES Table 1: Plant Species Observed Table 2: Wildlife Species Observed Table 3: CNDDB Recorded Occurrences (Five-mile Search Radius) APPENDIX C – LEAST BELL’S SURVEY REPORT CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 1 CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The proposed City of San Luis Obispo Calle Joaquin Lift Station Project (proposed project) will replace the existing lift station and upgrade several appurtenant facilities that are operated and maintained by the City of San Luis Obispo (City). The Calle Joaquin Lift Station is a sanitary sewer pump facility located 0.32 mile south of Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) on the west side of Calle Joaquin (see Appendix A, Figure 1). The project includes the installation of a new lift station; repair of a failed gravity sewer connection; replacement of the existing gravity pipeline that crosses beneath Highway 101 (Hwy 101) and San Luis Obispo Creek (SLO Creek); and the replacement of a portion of the pipeline that follows Calle Joaquin leading up to the KSBY-TV Studio. The proposed project is located on the outskirts of urban edge of San Luis Obispo, where Hwy 101 and the SLO Creek corridors bisect agricultural and developed urban land. The existing lift station abuts Froom Creek on the west side of Calle Joaquin. To the east of Calle Joaquin across Hwy 101 in 2015 is disturbed from the construction of improvements to the Hwy 101 Los Osos Valley Road interchange improvements. Immediately to the east of the northbound Hwy 101 off ramp is the SLO Creek riparian zone. The riparian zone extends to the eastern bank where it is boarded by an active annually cultivated agriculture field that has an existing sanitary sewer pipelines and manholes. To the north of the existing (and proposed) Calle Joaquin lift station is urban land and commercial development. South of the lift station Calle Joaquin crosses Froom Creek, and bisects annual and native grassland, eucalyptus groves, native landscaping, riparian, and freshwater marsh habitats. The overall study area (a 500-foot buffer around the proposed project features) supports agricultural and developed urban lands, disturbed annual and native blue wild rye grasslands, eucalyptus groves, and riparian corridors with a mosaic of Central Coast Arroyo Willow Forests and Central Coast Riparian Scrubland, Southern Cottonwood- Willow and Central Coast Cottonwood-Sycamore Riparian Forests. SII conducted a review of available background information including the proposed project information, local soils survey, and a search and review of the current California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) within an approximate five-mile search radius of the proposed project site. SII Principal Biologist Jason Kirschenstein, SII Principal Ecologist David Wolff, SII Senior Biologist Michaela Koenig, and SII Biologist Danielle Castle, conducted field reconnaissance surveys of the proposed project locations and study area between July 2012 and July 2014. The purpose of the field surveys was to document existing conditions in terms of habitat for plants and wildlife species, wetland and/or riparian habitats, and suitability to support habitat for special-status plant or wildlife species. Plant and wildlife species observed in the field were recorded (see Appendix B, Tables B-1 and B-2). The search and review of the CNDDB revealed 34 special-status plant species, 18 special-status wildlife species, and three natural communities of special concern with recorded occurrences within the five- mile search radius of the project site (Appendix B, Table B-3). Based on the project location, a five-mile CNDDB search radius was selected as it excluded a large number of strictly coastal species that would not occur on the project site. The Blue Wild Rye Meadow, Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest, Central Coast Willow Riparian Scrubland, and Central Coast Willow Riparian Forest community types were added to the list of natural communities of special concern based on SII observations along the Calle Joaquin and the SLO Creek riparian corridor. No other observations of any rare, threatened or CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 2 endangered plant or wildlife species within the study area, however, the central California coast steelhead, California red-legged frog, and western pond turtle are known from SLO Creek. Terra Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC (Terra Verde) conducted protocol-level least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus; LBV) surveys completed on behalf of the City in response to a request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for additional information on the presence/absence of LBV within specific areas targeted for giant reed (Arundo donax) removal as part of the overall project. No LBV were documented during the protocol survey in 2014. The proposed project includes excavation on landscaped turf for the lift station, staging in developed landscape/parking areas or agricultural fields, open trenching in the agricultural field and Calle Joaquin for pipeline replacement, horizontal directional drilling for pipeline placement from the lift station under Hwy 101 to SLO Creek, and open cut trenching through SLO Creek for pipeline placement to the existing sewer connection. As such, implementation of the proposed project would result in impacts to urban land, agricultural land, and the SLO Creek riparian corridor. The open cut trenching through SLO Creek would require removal of riparian vegetation, excavation of the stream bed and banks, and temporary dewatering for construction access and pipeline placement. A series of recommended mitigation measures to avoid, minimize and compensate for potentially significant impacts on biological resources are provided. Mitigation measures include regulatory compliance for fill of waters of the U.S./State, and impacts on the federally threatened central California coast steelhead and California red-legged frog. Measures to avoid and minimize potentially significant impacts on biological resources include pre- construction and during construction surveys to salvage and relocated central California coast steelhead, California red-legged frogs, western pond turtles, and two striped garter snake out of harm’s way, and seasonal construction timing to avoid impacts on nesting birds. Compensatory mitigation includes the restoration of SLO Creek to preconstruction contours with riparian habitat plantings in disturbed areas, along with the removal of patches of giant reed (Arundo donax) upstream and downstream of the pipeline alignment along SLO Creek. Based on the findings described in the biological assessment establishing the existing conditions of biological resources within the study area and incorporation of the recommended mitigation measures, implementation of the project would not result in any substantial adverse effects on biological, botanical, or wetland habitat resources. Therefore, with mitigation measures incorporated into the project, direct and indirect potentially significant project impacts on biological resources would be reduced to a less than significant level. 2.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE The proposed Calle Joaquin Lift Station Project (proposed project) will replace the existing lift station and several associated sanitary sewer pipelines that are operated and maintained by the City of San Luis Obispo. The project includes the installation of a new lift station adjacent to the existing Calle Joaquin lift station, replacement of a reach of gravity sewer on Calle Joaquin, replacement of a gravity sewer crossing of Highway 101, and replacement of the siphon under San Luis Obispo Creek (SLO Creek). Sage Institute, Inc. (SII) conducted the review of available background information and completed numerous biological, botanical, and wetland resources field surveys between July 2012 and July 2014 (Table 1). The purpose of this biological assessment is to document existing conditions of the proposed project site and to evaluate the potential for any direct or indirect significant impacts on biological resources or adverse effects on any rare, threatened, or endangered plant or wildlife species. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 3 2.1 PROJECT LOCATION The Calle Joaquin lift station and appurtenant pipeline replacement segments are located on the southern outskirts of the City of San Luis Obispo around the intersection of Hwy 101 and Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) (see Figure 1). The existing and proposed Calle Joaquin lift station is located 0.32 mile south of LOVR on the west side of Calle Joaquin, abutting Froom Creek to the south. The gravity line and siphon extend from the lift station under Hwy 101 and SLO Creek to the gravity line running through the agricultural field on the east side of SLO Creek. The existing and proposed gravity line to the KSBY facility runs approximately 750 feet to the south in the shoulder of Calle Joaquin where the replacement will run within the Calle Joaquin paved alignment. 2.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Calle Joaquin Lift Station project can be divided into three segments: 1) Calle Joaquin lift station replacement; 2) New gravity line from the new lift station east across Hwy 101 and SLO Creek installed by horizontal directional drilling and new siphon under SLO Creek installed by open trench excavation; and 3) KSBY gravity line replacement in Calle Joaquin. The project also includes removal of approximately 24,571 square feet of invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) and approximately 1,000 cubic yards of associated silt removal from San Luis Obispo Creek to be conducted during the open trench construction of the SLO Creek crossing replacement. Each segment is described in further detail below. Construction of the proposed project, including the lift station replacement and inverted siphon crossing is anticipated to require a total of approximately 12 months from the time the final design plans are approved and permitted. Individual project elements maybe constructed concurrently, but all elements will be completed within the 12-month time frame. The open trench work in San Luis Obispo Creek will have seasonal restrictions for nesting birds and allowable in stream work windows required by the regulatory agencies for the California red-legged frog and steelhead and will be implemented to minimize the time of disturbance to San Luis Obispo Creek. CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION REPLACEMENT – The new lift station is proposed to be sited in a landscaped area north of the existing lift station as shown on the project plans. This location provides a corridor for connecting the inverted siphon and gravity sewer lines. Additionally, it minimizes the amount of new easement required, provides an accessible location for the proposed auxiliary generator, and allows for simplified lift station discharge piping. Construction dewatering of the lift station excavation will be discharged to the nearby Froom Creek with approval of the Central Coast Water Board. GRAVITY SEWER LINE AND SIPHON REPLACEMENT – The existing gravity sewer line under U.S. Highway 101 and inverted siphon under San Luis Obispo Creek that connects the sewer system from the Los Verdes neighborhoods to the lift station will be replaced. The installation of the new 12-inch replacement gravity sewer line and 30-inch steel casing will utilize jack and bore method from the new lift station to the top of the west bank of San Luis Obispo Creek (approximately 460 feet). The entry pit for the jack and bore will have a footprint of approximately 600 square feet (15’ X 40’) located in the landscaped and parking area of the motel where the new lift station will be constructed. Given the proximity to the creek, no receiving pit will be used but the pipe will connect to the siphon approximately 10 feet to the north of existing Manhole H17-25 on the western bank of San Luis Obispo Creek. The installation of the 6-inch double-barrel siphon under San Luis Obispo Creek will be constructed using open trench excavation through the riparian corridor and creek bottom (approximately 240 feet). This approach will require the diversion of San Luis Obispo Creek flows around the work site and likely CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 4 dewatering the excavated trench. Diversion of the creek flows and construction dewatering of the inverted siphon excavation trench will be discharged to the San Luis Obispo Creek with approval of the Central Coast Water Board. The siphon replacement alignment is proposed to be located approximately 10 feet north of the existing siphon alignment connecting to new manholes or by pipe to the existing Manhole H17-25 on the west bank of San Luis Obispo Creek to existing Manhole H18-10 on the east bank. It is estimated that an approximately 40-foot wide disturbance footprint through the San Luis Obispo Creek riparian corridor would be required for the open trench construction for the siphon replacement if shoring is feasible and successful. A disturbance footprint of up to 70-feet wide may be needed if shoring cannot be used depending on the type of soil material encountered in the open trench excavation. The new inverted siphon is proposed to consist of two 6-inch carrier pipes contained within a single 30- inch encasement. The upstream end (east side) of the siphon is proposed to include a hydraulic structure capable of diverting flow between carrier pipes. The downstream end (west side) of the inverted siphon connects to the gravity crossing of Highway 101 at a new manhole’ located near the existing MH H17 25. The Highway 101 gravity sewer crossing then terminates at a manhole immediately upstream of the new lift station wet well. At the center of the creek, the pipeline will be approximately 13 feet deep below existing streambed. Because the existing siphon has to remain in service until the new siphon and lift station are completed, the new siphon is proposed to be constructed parallel to the existing siphon approximately 10 feet upstream to allow a reasonable margin for the excavation operations. The existing siphon and gravity line will be abandoned in place to minimize riparian habitat disturbance. Abandonment within the Caltrans right-of-way may include cleaning of the existing pipe and completely filling with either a controlled low-strength material (CLSM) or sand-slurry mixture as required by Caltrans. Along with the open trench siphon replacement through San Luis Obispo Creek described above, the City proposes to access from the siphon replacement disturbance area within the riparian zone equipment and hand removal of approximately 24,571 square feet of invasive species giant reed and 1,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment. Approximately 1,250 square feet of the giant reed removal is proposed to be completed with mechanical methods and 1,250 square feet by hand. The proposed method of mechanical removal is through the use of a bulldozer pushing the material to a location accessible to an excavator where it will be loaded onto dump trucks and hauled off. KSBY GRAVITY LINE REPLACEMENT – Approximately 750 of six-inch gravity sewer line from the lift station up Calle Joaquin to the south will be replaced within the pavement footprint. The existing line is currently located to the west of the roadway and will be abandoned in place. The new line will be located within Calle Joaquin matching the existing depth and size of the current line and crossing over the Froom Creek culvert crossing avoiding impacts on the creek and riparian habitat. 3.0 METHODS SII conducted a review of available background information including the proposed project information, local soils survey, multiple years of aerial photographs, and a search and review of the current California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) within an approximate five-mile search radius of the proposed project site. The five-mile search was deemed appropriate given the study area location intermediary between the Port San Luis/Pismo Beach coast and the inland valleys and mountains. The CNDDB CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 5 provided a list with mapped locations of special-status plant and wildlife species, as well as natural communities of special concern that have been recorded within the region of the project site. The CNDDB records help focus the field survey efforts and evaluation of potential project effects on specific species or habitats. The CNDDB occurrence maps for botanical and wildlife resources are provided in Appendix A, Figures 2 and 3 respectively. It is noted that the CNDDB does not necessarily include all potential special-status wildlife that may potentially occur on site, but rather only those that have been recorded by the CNDDB. SII Principal Biologist Jason Kirschenstein, SII Principal Ecologist David Wolff, SII Senior Biologist Michaela Koenig, and SII Biologist Danielle Castle conducted field reconnaissance surveys of the proposed project sites and study area on July 6, November 29, and December 13, 2012, January 18, 2013, July 30, 2014, and May 11, 2015. (Table 1). The purpose of the field surveys was to document existing conditions in terms of habitat for plants and wildlife species, to map upland, wetland, and riparian habitats. Plant and wildlife species observed in the field were recorded. TABLE 1. LIST OF SITE VISITS July 6, 2012 SII Principal Biologist Jason Kirschenstein November 29, 2012 SII Principal Ecologist David Wolff and SII Biologist Danielle Castle December 13, 2012 SII Senior Biologist Michaela Koenig and SII Biologist Danielle Castle January 18, 2013 July 30, 2014 May 11, 2015 SII Principal Ecologist David Wolff and SII Senior Biologist Michaela Koenig SII Principal Biologist Jason Kirschenstein & Principal Ecologist David Wolff SII Principal Ecologist David Wolff The onsite habitat types were described by the aggregation of plants and wildlife based on the composition and structure of the dominant vegetation observed at the time the field reconnaissance was conducted. SII Principal Ecologist David Wolff reviewed the available background information and acted as primary editor and principal in charge of report preparation. The survey data collected on plant and wildlife species and conclusions presented in this biological assessment are based on the methods and field reconnaissance conducted over the project site as described above. Note that since SII field surveys were conducted, project areas to the east of Calle Joaquin across Hwy 101 in 2015 have been disturbed from the construction of improvements to the Hwy 101 Los Osos Valley Road interchange improvements and no longer reflect conditions observed during SII field surveys. 4.0 RESULTS 4.1 GENERAL SETTING The proposed project is located on the outskirts of urban edge of San Luis Obispo, where Hwy 101 and the SLO creek corridors bisect agricultural and developed urban land. The existing lift station abuts Froom Creek on the west side of Calle Joaquin. To the east of Calle Joaquin across Hwy 101 in 2015 is disturbed from the construction of improvements to the Hwy 101 Los Osos Valley Road interchange improvements. Immediately to the east of the northbound Hwy 101 off ramp is the SLO Creek riparian zone. The riparian zone extend to the eastern bank where it is boarded an active annually cultivated agriculture field that has existing sanitary sewer pipelines and manholes. To the north of the existing (and proposed) Calle Joaquin lift station is urban land and commercial development. South of the lift station Calle Joaquin crosses Froom Creek, and bisects annual and native grassland, eucalyptus groves, native landscaping, riparian, and freshwater marsh habitats. The overall study area (a 500-foot buffer around the proposed project features) supports agricultural and developed urban lands, disturbed CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 6 annual and native blue wild rye grasslands, eucalyptus groves, and riparian corridors with mosaic of Central Coast Arroyo Willow Forests and Central Coast Riparian Scrubland, Southern Cottonwood- Willow and Central Coast Cottonwood-Sycamore Riparian Forests. 4.2 SOILS The study area supports five mapping units designated by Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture (NRSC 2006) soils mapped as Concepcion loam, Cropley clay, Los Osos-Diablo complex, Salinas silty clay loam and Xererts-Xerolls-Urban land complex are described below and illustrated Figure 5. Concepcion Series (2 to 5 percent slopes) – is characterized by deep, moderately well-drained soils with very slow permeability that formed in old alluvium weathered from sedimentary rocks. Typically the surface layer is loam about 14 inches thick with a clay subsoil to a depth of 47 inches, with sandy clay loam below. Cropley Series (0 to 2 percent slopes) – is characterized by deep moderately well drained soils with slow permeability that formed in alluvium weathered from sedimentary rocks. Typically the surface layer is clay to about 36 inches with a silty clay loam to 60 inches. Los Osos-Diablo Complex (15 to 30 percent slopes) – are steep soils characterized by well drained soils with slow permeability formed from weathered sandstone and shale. The Los Osos soils have a loam surface layer to about 14 inches with a clay layer to 32 inches, which gives way to a sandy loam before hitting sandstone (43 inches). Typically the Diablo soils have a clay surface layer to about 38 inches with clay and weathered mudstone below. Salinas Series (0 to 2 percent slopes) – is characterized by deep, well-drained soil with moderately low permeability formed from weathered sandstone and shale. The Salinas soil has a clay loam surface layer of about 23 inches that has fine sandy loam below. Xererts-Xerolls-Urban Land Complex (0 to 15 percent slopes) – include poorly drained clay soils and well drained alluvial soils. These soils have been modified by earth movement and urban development such that the original shape and physical characteristics have been altered. 4.3 CHARACTERISTIC PLANT COMMUNITIES Plant communities are generally described by the assemblages of plant species that occur together in the same area forming habitat types. Community alliance and alliance codes used in this report follow A Manual of California Vegetation, 2nd Edition (Sawyer et al. 2009) and California Native Plant Society (CNPS) nomenclature. Plant names used in this report follow the The Jepson Manual, Vascular Plants of California, Second Edition Thoroughly Revised and Expanded (Baldwin et al. 2012). The following describes the plant communities and habitat characteristics of the study area. Figures 6 and 7A to 7D provide habitat and project footprint maps respectively. Figure 8 provides a set of representative photographs of the existing conditions in and around the various proposed project elements. Tables B-1 and B-2 in Appendix B provide a list of plant and wildlife species observed. BLUE WILD RYE MEADOW – The blue wild rye meadow alliance (CNPS: 41.640.00) occurs along the west side of Calle Joaquin leading to the KSBY building. Blue wild rye (Elymus glaucus) is dominant in this CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 7 community, classifying it as its own association (CNPS: 41.640.01). Other plants found within this community are Fuller’s teasel (Disacus sativus), English plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and harding grass (Phalaris aquatica). DISTURBED ANNUAL GRASSLAND – The semi-natural annual brome grassland alliance (CNPS: 42.026.00) is typically dominated by non-native annual grasses and herbaceous broadleaf plant species, along with native forbs and wildflowers. The non-native annual grassland habitat occurs to the west of Calle Joaquin, along the fringe of agricultural lands, and along the edges Hwy 101 in and around the LOVR interchange. Characteristic species observed in the grassland habitat were typical of grazed grassland areas and included wild oats (Avena spp.), rip gut brome (Bromus diandrus), soft chess brome (Bromus hordeaceous), filarees (Erodium botrys, E. cicutarium), black mustard (Brassica nigra), and cheeseweed (Malva parviflora). DISTURBED/RUDERAL– Although not defined by Sawyer and others (2009) or by Holland (1986), disturbed and ruderal areas are dominated by non-native plant species in areas subject to ongoing or periodic disturbance and do not contain significant component of native or naturalized vegetation. These anthropogenic communities consist of artificial communities of non-native plants or landscaped areas established and maintained by human disturbance. Ruderal areas are typically dominated by introduced Mediterranean annual plant species. Ruderal or disturbed habitat is typically found in areas altered by agriculture, construction, and other land-clearing activities, along roadsides, and in other areas experiencing repeated ground surface disturbance. Plant species observed in the ruderal habitat areas of the project alignment include ripgut brome, black mustard, Aaron’s beard (Hypericum calycinum), silver leaf cotoneaster (Cotoneaster pannosus), Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus), and Spanish clover (Acmispon sp.). Within the study area, ruderal habitat is located where the new lift station is proposed, which is currently a maintained turfgrass landscape. Other planted and ruderal areas are along the highway or surrounding buildings. URBAN LAND – is comprised of areas of intensive use with much of the land covered by structures. Included in this category are hotels, roadways, commercial and industrial buildings and facilities. No attempt has been made in this assessment to distinguish specific uses because the focus of this report is on native biodiversity. AGRICULTURAL LAND – Although not defined by Sawyer and others (2009) or by Holland (1986), active agricultural lands include areas in annually cultivated crop production. The agricultural lands within the study area include the Dalidio property at the north end of Calle Joaquin and on the east side of SLO Creek. EUCALYPTUS GROVE – Eucalyptus semi-natural woodland stands (CNPS: 79.100.00) were introduced from Australia for commercial use in the 1870’s and occur in planted patches and woodlands found throughout the central coast of California. While no impacts on the eucalyptus groves are proposed for this project, this discussion is included for habitat mosaic context. A stand of blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) occurs along US 101 to the north of the pipeline crossing, and a stand of red gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is located on the east side of Calle Joaquin leading to the KSBY building. The establishment of understory growth is suppressed by heavy leaf litter that has allelopathic properties from the volatile oils in the fallen debris. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 8 HERBACEOUS FRESHWATER MARSH HABITATS PALE SPIKE RUSH MARSH – During SII field surveys but now disturbed by the LOVR interchange project Pale spike rush marsh alliance (CNPS: 45.230.00) was observed within the low-lying area between the northbound Hwy 101 lanes and the LOVR off-ramp. Other species observed in and along the fringes of the basin with pale spike rush marsh include cut leaf geranium (Geranium dissectum), umbrella sedge (Cyperus squarrosus), bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides), curly dock (Rumex crispus), and a single California sycamore. COASTAL FRESHWATER MARSH –Coastal and valley freshwater marshes (CNDDB: CTT52410CA) are dominated by perennial, emergent monocots in drainages that are seasonally or permanently flooded and generally lack a significant sustained current. During SII field surveys but now disturbed by the LOVR interchange project, cattail marsh alliance (CNPS: 52.050.00) was observed on the drainage ditch on the east side of Calle Joaquin near the lift station. Here the drainage ditch between Hwy 101 and Calle Joaquin is dominated by cattails (Typha spp.) along with bull rush (Bolboschoenus robustus), mugwort (Artemisia californica), California sawgrass (Cladium californicum), and willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum). The banks and fringe of the drainages are dominated by the upland bristly ox-tongue typical of areas subject to regular disturbance. Froom Creek runs perpendicular to Calle Joaquin before it runs below the highway. The west side of the Calle Joaquin slopes down to the south allowing for arroyo willow thickets and more dense riparian vegetation to intergrade with the freshwater marsh habitat in Froom Creek. RIPARIAN FOREST AND SCRUB COMMUNITIES SLO Creek hosts a complex assemblage of riparian alliances that are stratified along the creek bank by elevation. The upper reaches of the bank or top of bank (TOB) is dominated by tall woody trees with an herbaceous understory that can be classified as either Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest or Central Coast Cottonwood Sycamore Riparian Forest. These forest types intergrade with Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest closer to the active flowing channel of SLO Creek where there are finer- textured sediment and more constant depth to the water table. Within SLO Creek pure stands of giant reed are found classified as Giant Reed Breaks. Within the shallow drainage associated with Froom Creek, and the roadside ditches along Calle Joaquin and LOVR Arroyo Willow Thickets can be found intermixed with the freshwater marsh habitats. SOUTHERN COTTONWOOD-WILLOW RIPARIAN FOREST – Fremont cottonwood forest alliance (CNPS: 61.130.00, CNDDB: CTT61330CA) is composed of moderately closed broadleafed riparian forests dominated by California sycamore and Fremont’s cottonwood (Populus fremontii), with scattered coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia). The Fremont cottonwoods are affiliated with a California walnut (Juglans californica) and coast live oak association. Intermixed within these community types are dense patches of Central Coast Cottonwood-Sycamore Riparian Forest. In the lower elevations of SLO Creek channel Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest and Central Coast Riparian Scrub can be found intermixed within this habitat type. The understory vegetation consists of Pacific blackberry (Rubus ursinus), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and extensive amounts of cape ivy (Delairea odorata). These associations occur in line with the existing and proposed sewer line footprint. Specifically, within 20 feet north of the existing Manhole H18-4 is a cluster of mature southern California black walnuts, coast live oaks and arroyo willows (Salix lasiolepis). CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 9 CENTRAL COAST COTTONWOOD-SYCAMORE RIPARIAN FOREST – California sycamore, Fremont cottonwood, and arroyo willow alliance (CNPS: 61.312.03, CNDDB: CTT61210CA) dominates the eastern banks of SLO Creek. Within the southern extent of the project boundary, on the eastern bank of SLO Creek the riparian forest is composed of a California sycamore, coast live oak, Fremont cottonwood, and red willow (Salix laevigata) association (CNPS: 61.312.06). The understory vegetation is similar to that of the Fremont cottonwood associations. CENTRAL COAST ARROYO WILLOW RIPARIAN FOREST AND CENTRAL COAST RIPARIAN SCRUB – arroyo willow thickets alliance (CNPS: 61.201.00) dominates the lower elevations of SLO Creek and the small riparian corridors associated with the road side drainage along Calle Joaquin and Froom Creek. The SLO Creek channel (below TOB) is lined with a mosaic of arroyo willow thickets alliance and giant reed (Arundo donax) semi- natural stands. The arroyo willow thicket here is considered Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest (CNDDB: CTT63230CA). The forest understory includes fennel, cape ivy, poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), umbrella sedge (Cyperus squarrosus), and castor bean (Ricinus communis). Along the small riparian corridors associated with the road side drainage along Calle Joaquin and Froom Creek the arroyo willow thickets alliance is more indicative of Central Coast Riparian Scrub (CNDDB: CTT63200CA). Many of the species found within the freshwater marsh category make up the canopy understory. GIANT REED BREAKS – the semi-natural stands of giant reed alliance (CNPS: 42.080.00) are located within the channel in three main monoculture clusters. The largest stand occupies approximately 14,256 square feet to the north, and intersects the proposed sewer line, stopping short of the existing pipeline. The two other clusters of giant reed (3,751and 6,564 square feet respectively) occur south of the existing sewer line. The total area occupied by giant reed within the project area is 24,571 square feet. No understory vegetation was noted, as few plants are able to compete with this invasive weed. 4.4 WILDLIFE The mosaic of native and annual grassland, active agriculture, riparian habitats, coastal freshwater marsh, pale spike rush herbaceous alliance, and the patches of eucalyptus groves provide habitat for an array of resident and migratory wildlife species known from the region. The riparian habitat can provide food, cover and breeding sites for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Observations of bird species during the field reconnaissance include lesser goldfinch (Spinus psaltria), orange-crowned warbler (Oreothlypis celata), and song sparrow (Melospiza melodia). Mammal sign observed includes the raccoon (Procyon lotor), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) and Botta’s pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae). The field surveys were sufficient to record a representative sample of wildlife species using the area, however, additional resident, locally nomadic, and migratory mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian species likely occur in the vicinity/region of the project site that were not observed during site visits. Table 2 in Appendix B provides a list of wildlife species observed during SII field surveys of the Calle Joaquin lift station study area. 4.5 WATERS OF THE U.S., WATERS OF THE STATE & WETLANDS The study area is traversed by two perennial creeks, Froom Creek and SLO Creek. There is also a drainage ditch that parallels Calle Joaquin and the west side of Hwy 101, and a low-lying area located between Hwy 101 and the northbound LOVR off ramp that host wetland and upland plant species that have been modified by the LOVR interchange project. The creeks have distinct bed, banks and channels that also support a mature riparian community with forest like trees and dense herbaceous understory. As such Froom Creek and SLO Creek are considered to be waters of the U.S. and waters of the State CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 10 subject to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) jurisdiction respectively. SII field review of the SLO Creek impact identified a multiple channel system for high and low water flows along with islands covered in woody riparian vegetation. Large and small woody debris piles are scattered throughout the creek channel suggesting the active floodplain crosses the entire section of the creek bottom to the toe of banks through the project area. Based on field evaluation and review of SLO Creek topographic cross sections the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) follows approximately along the toe of bank slope contour through the project area. The banks that quickly slope upwards through the project area support a tree strata dominated by large riparian trees considered wetland indicator species such as willows (FACW), cottonwood (FAC), and sycamore (FACW), with live oak (UPL) and walnut trees (FAC) higher on the upper banks. Given the close association of the adjacent woody riparian trees it is considered an adjacent palustrine forested wetland by the Cowardin Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. The area below the OHWM along with the adjacent palustrine forested wetland dominated by riparian trees are considered to fall under the jurisdiction of the Corps. The CDFW exerts jurisdiction over waters of the State that includes the bed, bank, and channel of rivers extending to the outside edge of riparian habitat should it exist. Therefore, the limits of waters of the State within the project area falls at the outside edge of the riparian habitat that is the same as the limits of adjacent palustrine forested wetland waters of the U.S. under Corps jurisdiction. Figure 7 illustrates the jurisdictional limits of Corps waters of the U.S. and CDFW waters of the State. 4.6 SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES AND NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN Special-status species are those plants and animals listed, proposed for listing, or candidates for listing as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the federal Endangered Species Act (FESA); those considered “species of concern” by the USFWS; those listed or proposed for listing as rare, threatened, or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA); animals designated as “Species of Special Concern” by the CDFW; and plants occurring on lists 1B, 2, and 4 of the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. Natural Communities of Special Concern are habitat types considered rare and worthy of tracking in the CNDDB by the CDFW because of their limited distribution or historic loss over time. The search and review of the CNDDB revealed 34 special-status plant species, 18 special-status wildlife species, and three natural communities of special concern with recorded occurrences within the 5-mile search radius of the project site. Based on the proximity of the project site to the ocean, a 5-mile radius was selected as an appropriate CNDDB search radius that still captured a large number of strictly coastal species that would not occur on the project site. California sawgrass (Cladium californicum) and white- tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) were observed on site and included in the CNDDB table. Although not within the CNDDB search the two striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii) was also added to the CNDDB table. The community types Blue Wild Rye Meadow, Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest, Central Coast Willow Riparian Forest, and Central Coast Willow Riparian Scrub were also observed on site and were included in the CNDDB table of natural communities of special concern. Appendix A, Figures 2 and 3 provide maps of the CNDDB special-status plant and wildlife species respectively with recorded occurrences falling within five-miles of the project site. The following briefly describes or CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 11 summarizes the special-status species issues and observations or potential for occurrence on the project site. Appendix B, Table B-3 provides a detailed list of the CNDDB recorded occurrences along with common and scientific names, listing status, habitat requirements, and observations or likelihood for occurrence within the study area. 4.6.1 Special-Status Botanical Resources The CNDDB search revealed the recorded occurrences of 34 special-status plant species and three natural communities of special concern within a five-mile radius of the project site (Appendix B, Table B- 3). In addition to the CNDDB recorded natural communities of special concern, the field reconnaissance documented an occurrence of Blue Wild Rye Meadow, Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest, Central Coast Willow Riparian Forest, and Central Coast Willow Riparian Scrub. The CNDDB recorded natural communities of special concern Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh was also observed within the study area. The special-status plant species occurrences recorded in the CNDDB are commonly associated with a specific soil type, habitat, and/or elevation range that dictates the range or microhabitat of the species. Special-status plants in the region are typically associated with serpentine, sandy, or heavy clay soils. While the CNDDB list is exhaustive, the field surveys resulted in no observations of any threatened or endangered plant species within the study area. Only the rare California sawgrass was observed within the study area but would not be impacted by any project element but may have been disturbed by the LOVR interchange project. 4.6.2 Special-Status Wildlife The CNDDB search revealed the recorded occurrences of 18 special-status wildlife species within the five-mile search radius of the project site. Although not found in the CNDDB search, two striped garter snake was added to the CNDDB table as a potential riparian species that may occur within the project area. Special-status wildlife species known from the region evaluated for this study are discussed below by groups or based upon habitat preferences, specific habitat use requirements (i.e. terrestrial or aquatic), mobility, and migratory patterns. Invertebrates – The CNDDB has recorded occurrences for the Atascadero June beetle (Polyphylla nubila), monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), and vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) within the five-mile search range. The small stands of eucalyptus trees could provide suitable winter roosting habitat for the monarch butterfly. An individual monarch butterfly was observed during the January 18, 2013 field visit. Monarch roosting sites have been recorded in the CNDDB from 1998 to the northeast along Prefumo Creek and from 1996 approximately two miles north of the study area along Hwy 101. There is not any suitable habitat for the Atascadero June beetle or the vernal pool fairy shrimp. Aquatic Species – The CNDDB has recorded occurrences of the central California coast steelhead and tidewater goby within the five-mile search radius. Central California coast steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus) are known to occur in SLO Creek, Froom Creek, and Prefumo Creek. The riparian zone within SLO Creek is also suitable habitat for two striped garter snakes, although no individuals were observed and there are no known CNDDB occurrences for this species in the general area. However, no two-striped garter snakes were observed. The project site is well outside the estuarine and brackish water coastal range of the tidewater goby. The CNDDB has recorded occurrences for the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) and western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) upstream of the study area where Prefumo Creek connects to SLO Creek. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 12 SII biologists have observed the western pond turtle in SLO creek as well. The California red-legged frog (CRLF) is a federally listed threatened species and California State species of special concern that occurs in relatively small coastal drainages and ponds between Marin and Santa Barbara Counties. The CRLF is recorded in SLO Creek upstream and downstream of the project area but has not been recorded in the SLO creek within the City. There is an occurrence in one of the old concrete treatment facilities in the waste water treatment plant. CRLF breeding and egg laying season occurs from late November to April. Tadpoles hatch approximately four weeks after the eggs are fertilized. Depending on weather conditions, tadpoles will metamorphose between four to seven months. When water is unavailable during the dry season, the California red-legged frog will disperse to aestivate in moist shady riparian areas or small mammal burrows close creeks and ponds. Reptiles – The CNDDB has recorded occurrences for the coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) and black legless lizard (Anniella pulchra nigra) now considered the same as the silvery legless lizard. These species are mostly associated with sandy soils in coastal scrub or chaparral habitats in sandy or very friable soils. The coast horned lizard also feeds primarily on native ants. The riparian habitat and cultivated lands are unsuitable for these species. These species would not be expected to occur within the study area. Birds – The CNDDB includes occurrences for both localized habitat specialists and wide-ranging resident and migratory bird species within the region of the project site. The CNDDB has recorded occurrences of the loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), and historic western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis). There is suitable nesting habitat present in the riparian corridor for the loggerhead shrike, where abundant foraging opportunities are available in the surrounding grasslands and active agricultural fields. There is no suitable nesting habitat for prairie falcons on site, however they are known to overwinter in grasslands and cultivated croplands. The last recorded occurrence of a prairie falcon for the area was in 1978. It is unlikely that prairie falcon will occur on site. The western yellow-billed cuckoo is believed to be extirpated, as the last occurrence was recorded in 1921. White-tailed kites were observed foraging over the Dalidio agricultural fields during the January 18, 2013 site visit (no longer a project area). White-tailed kites are known to winter in San Luis Obispo County; however no breeding has been documented in over half a century. Although present in the wintertime no impacts are expected to affect this species during the project duration. Terra Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC (Terra Verde) conducted protocol-level least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus; LBV) surveys completed on behalf of the City in response to a request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for additional information on the presence/absence of LBV within specific areas targeted for giant reed (Arundo donax) removal as part of the overall project. No LBV were documented during the protocol survey in 2014. Mammals – The CNDDB search included three species of mammals with recorded occurrences in the region. Two species of bats including the pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) and western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus) are known from the region. Pallid bats roost during the day in caves, crevices, mines, and occasionally hollow trees and buildings. At night, they may roost in more open areas such as porches and open buildings. The western mastiff bats prefer extensive open areas with roost locations in rocky outcrops, tunnels, trees and buildings. Habitat for the mastiff bat includes open, semi-arid to arid habitats, including coastal scrub, grasslands, and chaparral. The last mastiff bat to be recorded was in 1991, and is not likely to occur on site. No bat surveys were performed for this project. The American badger (Taxidea taxus) was recorded in the CNDDB, and requires open grassland and other open habitats in friable soils. Recorded CNDDB occurrences of American badger are located two miles CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 13 northwest and 1.7 mile northeast of the Calle Joaquin Lift Station. Native grasslands to the west of Calle Joaquin leading to KSBY may support American badger, however the project is restricted to the road and will not affect surrounding habitat. 5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION MEASURES SII biologists reviewed available background information and conducted field surveys of the study area in July 2012 to July 2014 that included a floristic inventory and wildlife observations. The available data and field surveys provided sufficient information to establish existing conditions of the study area for plant and wildlife species, to evaluate potential project impacts on biological resources, and to identify any potentially significant impacts that may result from project information. 5.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT Implementation of the proposed project would result in impacts to vegetation and wildlife using non- native grassland, annually cultivated farmland, coastal and valley freshwater marsh, and riparian habitat mostly from the siphon replacement across SLO Creek. The following summarizes the proposed project impacts and suggests a level of significance. Calle Joaquin Lift Station The construction of the new lift station will not directly impact riparian habitat along Froom Creek, although site grading may encroach up to the riparian edge. Dewatering discharge into Froom Creek would be temporary and a potential benefit to the aquatic resource values of the creek at that time. Gravity Line Replacement HDD and Siphon Replacement Open Trenching Across SLO Creek The installation of the gravity sewer siphon replacement under San Luis Obispo Creek will require open trench excavation through the riparian corridor and creek bottom. This approach will require the diversion of San Luis Obispo Creek flows around the work site and likely dewatering the excavated trench. The proposed siphon alignment is proposed to be located approximately 10 feet north of the existing siphon alignment. It is estimated that an approximately 40-foot to 70-foot wide by 350-feet long disturbance footprint through the San Luis Obispo Creek riparian corridor would be required for the open trench construction for the siphon replacement. As such, approximately 0.32 to 0.56 acre of combined riparian wetland and streambed habitat would be temporarily impacted by the siphon replacement project element. The project includes habitat enhancements to San Luis Obispo Creek that includes removal of approximately 24,571 square feet of invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) and 1,000 cubic yards of associated silt removal in the creek corridor. The temporary loss of vegetative cover would be replaced by revegetation plantings with native riparian tree, shrub and forb species. The existing siphon and gravity line will be abandoned in place. The construction across San Luis Obispo Creek would temporarily disturb biological resources through direct temporary loss of riparian and wetland vegetation and potential for increased erosion and sedimentation. Riparian corridors support the highest diversity and abundance of plant and animal life in the study area. San Luis Obispo Creek, Froom Creek, and Prefumo Creek within the study area have been designated “critical habitat” for the central California coast steelhead (NOAA, 2007). The riparian plant communities within study area drainage include the Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest, Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest, Central Coast Cottonwood-Sycamore Forest (Holland, 1986). The majority of the riparian woodland is dominated by Central Coast Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 14 Riparian habitat supports a diverse assemblage of resident and migratory wildlife species, as well as provide prey base for a variety of predatory species. Two state or formally-listed animal species are known or expected to occur within riparian and aquatic habitats of San Luis Obispo Creek within the project vicinity. These include the Federally Threatened California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) and central California coast steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus) - Central California Coast Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). Additionally, the State Species of Special Concern western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) and two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii) could occur in the project area. KSBY Gravity Line Replacement The new KSBY sewer line will be installed within previously paved roads and over the Froom Creek culvert to connect to the new lift station. Given that no habitat will be disturbed for installation, this activity would have no impact on biological resources. 5.2 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES The following mitigation measures are recommended to avoid, minimize and compensate for potentially significant impacts on biological resources associated mostly with the open trench construction for the siphon replacement across SLO Creek. Riparian, Coastal and Valley Marsh, and Pale Spike Rush Marsh Alliance Impacts – The following mitigation measures are recommended to ensure regulatory compliance is obtained for proposed project work in waters of the U.S./State including wetlands. BIO-1: The City shall obtain Clean Water Act (CWA) regulatory compliance in the form of a permit from the Corps or written documentation from the Corps for the diversion, dewatering, and trenching of San Luis Obispo Creek. The City of SLO shall implement all the terms and conditions of the permit to the satisfaction of the Corps. Corps permits and authorizations require applicants to demonstrate that the proposed project has been designed and will be implemented in a manner that avoids and minimizes impacts on aquatic resources to the extent feasible. Compliance with Corps permitting would also include obtaining and CWA 401 Water Quality Certification from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. In addition, the Corps may require compensatory mitigation for unavoidable temporary and permanent impacts on herbaceous and/or riparian wetlands to achieve the goal of a no net loss of wetland values and functions. At a minimum, the City shall prepare and implement an onsite riparian and creek habitat restoration plan for all disturbed areas that includes approximately 0.57 acre 24,571 square feet of giant reed eradication (approximately half by hand and half removed mechanically) and 1,000 cubic yards of silt removal effort in the vicinity upstream and downstream of the project alignment. As such, regulatory compliance would reduce potential impacts on waters of the U.S. to a less-than-significant level. BIO-2: The City shall obtain compliance with Section 1602 of the California Fish and Wildlife Code (Streambed Alteration Agreement; SAA) in the form of a completed Streambed Alteration Agreement or written documentation from the CDFW for the San Luis Obispo Creek trenching and creek flow diversion. The City shall implement all the terms and conditions of the SAA to the satisfaction of the CDFW. The CDFW SAA process encourages applicants to demonstrate that the proposed project has been designed and will be implemented in a manner that avoids and minimizes impacts in the stream zone to the extent feasible. In addition, CDFW may CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 15 require compensatory mitigation for unavoidable impacts on wetland and riparian habitats in the form of habitat restoration of disturbed areas to the extent feasible. At a minimum, the City shall prepare and implement an onsite riparian and creek habitat restoration plan for all disturbed areas that includes approximately 24,571 square feet of giant reed eradication (approximately half by hand and half removed mechanically) and 2,700 cubic yards of silt removal effort in the vicinity upstream and downstream of the project alignment. As such, regulatory compliance would reduce potential impacts on waters of the state to a less-than- significant level. Central California coast steelhead, California Red-Legged Frog, Western Pond Turtle, and Two Striped Garter Snake Impacts – The following mitigation measures are recommended to ensure appropriate regulatory compliance is obtained and that measures to avoid and minimize impacts are implemented for proposed project work in SLO Creek. BIO-3: The City shall provide proof of compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act for potential impacts on the central California coast steelhead and California red-legged frog in the form of a take permit/authorization or written documentation from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the central California coast steelhead and USFWS for the California red-legged frog that the proposed project would not result in take of the central California coast steelhead or California red-legged frog or would otherwise not adversely affect these species. Should a take permit or authorization be required, or conditions imposed by the NMFS or USFWS to ensure that no take would result from the project, the applicant shall implement all the terms and conditions of the NMFS/USFWS permit, authorization, or recommendations to the satisfaction of the NMFS/USFWS. The NMFS/USFWS can only provide take authorization for projects that demonstrate the species affected would be left in as good as or better condition than before the project was implemented. Additionally, the NMFS/USFWS cannot authorize any project that would jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species. BIO-4: To avoid and minimize potential impacts on the western pond turtle and two striped garter snake, a qualified biologist shall conduct pre-construction surveys of the San Luis Obispo Creek riparian zone project site to salvage and relocate any individuals out of harm’s way. Onsite monitoring by a qualified biologist, during initial vegetation removal and ground disturbing activities and as needed during project construction, shall also be required to salvage and relocate any western pond turtles encountered out of harm’s way. General Nesting/Roosting Wildlife Impacts –The proposed siphon replacement construction across SLO Creek and associated construction may impact nesting or roosting wildlife throughout the riparian corridor. To avoid and minimize potential impacts to nesting birds, ground dwelling and roosting wildlife, the following mitigation measures are recommended. BIO-5: Vegetation removal and initial site disturbance for any project elements shall be conducted between September 1st and March 1st outside of the nesting season for birds. If vegetation removal is planned for the bird nesting season (March 1st to August 31st), then preconstruction nesting bird surveys shall be required to determine if any active nests would be impacted by project construction. If no active nests are found, then no further mitigation shall be required. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 16 If any active nests are found that would be impacted by construction, then the nest sites shall be avoided with the establishment of a non-disturbance buffer zone around active nests as determined by a qualified biologist. Nest sites shall be avoided and protected with the non- disturbance buffer zone until the adults and young of the year are no longer reliant on the nest site for survival as determined by a qualified biologist. As such, avoiding disturbance or take of an active nest would reduce potential impacts on nesting birds to a less-than-significant level. BIO-6: Prior to ground disturbing activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct a pre-construction survey within 30 days of initial ground disturbance to identify whether any non-listed special-status or common wildlife species are using any portion of the project areas where ground disturbance is proposed. The survey shall cover the boundaries of proposed disturbance and 100 feet beyond. If ground dwelling or roosting wildlife species are detected, a biological monitor shall be present during initial ground disturbing and/or vegetation removal activities to attempt relocation efforts for the wildlife that may be present such as common reptiles, small mammals, or roosting bats. The salvage and relocation effort for non-listed wildlife species would reduce potentially significant impacts to a less than significant level. 6.0 CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings described above establishing the existing conditions of biological resources within the study area and incorporation of the recommended mitigation measures, implementation of the proposed project would not result in any substantial adverse effects on biological, botanical, wetland habitat resources. Therefore, with mitigation measures incorporated into the project, direct and indirect project impacts on biological resources would be considered to be less than significant. 7.0 REFERENCES 1. Baldwin, B. G., D. H. Goldman, D. J. Keil, R. Patterson, T. J. Rosatti, Ed. 2012. The Jepson Manual, Vascular Plants of California, Second Edition Thoroughly Revised and Expanded. University of California Press. 2. California Native Plant Society. 2012. Online Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California. 3. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2012. Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB) of recorded occurrences of special-status species. Accessed December 2012. 4. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2008. Endangered and Threatened Animals List. The Resources Agency of California, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Natural Heritage Division, Natural Diversity Database. Sacramento, California. 5. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 1990. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System. Western Mastiff Bat (Eumops perotis). California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group. 6. City of San Luis Obispo. Year unknown. Arundo Removal Sites. Aerial imagery map and Arundo removal area calculations provided by SLO City GIS department. 7. City of San Luis Obispo. 2011. Biological Assessment for the Calle Joaquin Lift Station Replacement Project. Prepared for City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department. Prepared by City of San Luis Obispo Natural Resources Program. December 2011 8. Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. US Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 17 9. Hickman, J. C., Ed. 1993. The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. 10. Holland, R. 1986. Preliminary list of terrestrial natural communities of California. Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA. 11. Holland, V.L. and D.J. Keil. 1990. California Vegetation. Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California. 12. Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County. 2002. San Luis Obispo Creek Watershed Enhancement Plan. 13. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS). 2007. 2007 Federal Recovery Outline for the Distinct Population Segment of Central California Coast Steelhead. 14. Sawyer, J.O.; T. Keeler-Wolf, and J.M. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation, Second Edition. California Native Plant Society Press, Sacramento. 15. Schultze, R. F. 1994. CWHR Agricultural Habitats. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento, CA. 16. Sibley, D. A. 2001. National Audubon Society, The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 17. Stebbins, R. C. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. Houghton Mifflin Company. 18. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2006. Land Resource Regions and Major Land Resource Areas of the United States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. Agricultural Handbook 296 digital maps and attributes. State of California, San Luis Obispo County. 19. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2005. Revised Guidance of Site Assessments and Field Surveys for the California Red-legged Frog. U. S Fish and Wildlife Service. August 2005. CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11,2015 APPENDIX A FIGURES Figure 1: Regional Location Figure 2: Project Layout Map Figure 3: CNDDB Botanical Occurrences Map Figure 4: CNDDB Wildlife Occurrences Map Figure 5: Study Area Soils Map Figure 6: Study Area Habitat Map Figure 7: Jurisdictional Limits Map Figure 8: Representative Photographs G F Ap p r o x i m a t e L o c a t i o n Z Ma y 2 0 1 5 Regional Location Bi o l o g i c a l a n d W e t l a n d A s s e s s m e n t G F Pr o j e c t L o c a t i o n Co p y r i g h t : © 2 0 1 3 N a t i o n a l G e o g r a p h i c S o c i e t y , i - c u b e d Ci t y o f S a n L u i s O b i s p o , C a l l e J o a q u i n L i f t S t a t i o n P r o j e c t Figure 1 01 2 3 0. 5 Ki l o m e t e r s 01 2 0. 5 Mi l e s Z Ma y  20 1 5 Project  Layout Bi o l o g i c a l  an d  We t l a n d  As s e s s m e n t Ci t y  of  Sa n  Lu i s  Ob i s p o ,  Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n  Pr o j e c t Figure  2 01 0 0 2 0 0 50 Fe e t 02 0 4 0 6 0 10 Me t e r s Se r v i c e  La y e r  Cr e d i t s :  Im a g e  courtesy  of  USGS  © 2015  Microsoft  Corporation Ma p  da t a  Go o g l e  ©2 0 1 5 Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n Re p l a c e m e n t  Fo o t p r i n t Te m p o r a r y  Co n s t r u c t i o n  Fo o t p r i n t Ci t y  Pr o p o s e d  Ar u n d o  Re m o v a l  Ar e a !. Ma n h o l e  Lo c a t i o n s Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n Re p l a c e m e n t Gr a v i t y  Se w e r  Li n e  Re p l a c e m e n t KS B Y  Gr a v i t y  Se w e r  Li n e Re p l a c e m e n t Si p h o n  Re p l a c e m e n t Z ma p u p d a t e d 5/ 1 2 / 1 5 Figure 3 CNDDB Botanical OccurrencesGF US G S Q U A D M O R R O B A Y S O U T H US G S Q U A D S A N L U I S O B I S P O USGS QUAD LOPEZ MTN. US G S Q U A D P O R T S A N L U I S US G S Q U A D P I S M O B E A C H USGS QUAD ARROYO GRANDE NE So u r c e s : E s r i , H E R E , D e L o r m e , T o m T o m , I n t e r m a p , i n c r e m e n t P C o r p., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Or dnance Survey, Esri Ja p a n , M E T I , E s r i C h i n a ( H o n g K o n g ) , s w i s s t o p o , M a p m y I n d i a , © O penStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Ci t y o f S a n L u i s O b i s p o , C a l l e J o a q u i n L i f t S t a t i o n P r o j e c t Bi o l o g i c a l a n d W e t l a n d A s s e s s m e n t 0 0 . 7 1 . 4 2 . 1 2 . 8 0. 3 5 Ki l o m e t e r s 00 . 5 1 1 . 5 2 0. 2 5 Mi l e s G F Pr o j e c t  Lo c a t i o n US G S  7. 5  Mi n u t e  Qu a d a n g l e   Se a r c h  Ra d i u s  (5 ‐mi l e s ) CN D D B  Bo t a n i c a l  Oc c u r r e n c e s mo s t  be a u t i f u l  je w e l f l o w e r so u t h e r n  cu r l y ‐le a v e d  mo n a r d e l l a um b r e l l a  la r k s p u r Sa n  Lu i s  Ob i s p o  fo u n t a i n  th i s t l e ad o b e  sa n i c l e Ar r o y o  de  la  Cr u z  ma n z a n i t a Be t t y ' s  du d l e y a bl a c k ‐fl o w e r e d  fi g w o r t Bl o c h m a n ' s  du d l e y a Br e w e r ' s  sp i n e f l o w e r Ca m b r i a  mo r n i n g ‐gl o r y Ce n t r a l  Ma r i t i m e  Ch a p a r r a l ch a p a r r a l  ra g w o r t Co a s t a l  an d  Va l l e y  Fr e s h w a t e r  Ma r s h Co n g d o n ' s  ta r p l a n t Cu e s t a  Ri d g e  th i s t l e du n e  la r k s p u r Ea s t w o o d ' s  la r k s p u r Ho o v e r ' s  be n t  gr a s s Ho o v e r ' s  bu t t o n ‐ce l e r y In d i a n  Kn o b  mo u n t a i n b a l m Jo n e s '  la y i a La  Pa n z a  ma r i p o s a ‐li l y me s a  ho r k e l i a Mi l e s '  mi l k ‐ve t c h Mo r r o  ma n z a n i t a mo u s e ‐gr a y  du d l e y a Pa l m e r ' s  mo n a r d e l l a Pe c h o  ma n z a n i t a Pi s m o  cl a r k i a sa l i n e  cl o v e r Sa n  Be n i t o  fr i t i l l a r y Sa n  Lu i s  Ob i s p o  Co u n t y  lu p i n e Sa n  Lu i s  Ob i s p o  ow l ' s ‐cl o v e r Sa n  Lu i s  Ob i s p o  se d g e Sa n  Lu i s  ma r i p o s a ‐li l y Sa n t a  Ma r g a r i t a  ma n z a n i t a Se r p e n t i n e  Bu n c h g r a s s So u r c e ( s ) : C D F W , C N D D B , A p r i l 2 0 1 5 Z ma p u p d a t e d 5/ 1 2 / 1 5 Figure 4 CNDDB Wildlife OccurrencesGF US G S Q U A D M O R R O B A Y S O U T H US G S Q U A D S A N L U I S O B I S P O USGS QUAD LOPEZ MTN. US G S Q U A D P O R T S A N L U I S US G S Q U A D P I S M O B E A C H USGS QUAD ARROYO GRANDE NE So u r c e s : E s r i , H E R E , D e L o r m e , T o m T o m , I n t e r m a p , i n c r e m e n t P C o r p., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Or dnance Survey, Esri Ja p a n , M E T I , E s r i C h i n a ( H o n g K o n g ) , s w i s s t o p o , M a p m y I n d i a , © O penStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Ci t y o f S a n L u i s O b i s p o , C a l l e J o a q u i n L i f t S t a t i o n P r o j e c t Bi o l o g i c a l a n d W e t l a n d A s s e s s m e n t 0 0 . 7 1 . 4 2 . 1 2 . 8 0. 3 5 Ki l o m e t e r s 00 . 5 1 1 . 5 2 0. 2 5 Mi l e s G F Pr o j e c t  Lo c a t i o n US G S  7. 5  Mi n u t e  Qu a d a n g l e   Se a r c h  Ra d i u s  (5 ‐mi l e s ) CN D D B  Wi l d l i f e  Oc c u r r e n c e s Am e r i c a n  ba d g e r At a s c a d e r o  Ju n e  be e t l e Ca l i f o r n i a  re d ‐le g g e d  fr o g Co a s t  Ra n g e  ne w t bl a c k  le g l e s s  li z a r d co a s t  ho r n e d  li z a r d fe r r u g i n o u s  ha w k fo o t h i l l  ye l l o w ‐le g g e d  fr o g lo g g e r h e a d  sh r i k e mo n a r c h  bu t t e r f l y pa l l i d  ba t pr a i r i e  fa l c o n st e e l h e a d  ‐   so u t h / c e n t r a l  Ca l i f o r n i a  co a s t  DP S ti d e w a t e r  go b y ve r n a l  po o l  fa i r y  sh r i m p we s t e r n  ma s t i f f  ba t we s t e r n  po n d  tu r t l e we s t e r n  ye l l o w ‐bi l l e d  cu c k o o So u r c e ( s ) : C D F W , C N D D B , A p r i l 2 0 1 5 Z Ma y  20 1 5 Project  Area  Soils Bi o l o g i c a l  an d  We t l a n d  As s e s s m e n t Ci t y  of  Sa n  Lu i s  Ob i s p o ,  Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n  Pr o j e c t Figure  5 01 0 0 2 0 0 50 Fe e t 0 2 0 4 0 6 0 8 0 10 Me t e r s Se r v i c e  La y e r  Cr e d i t s :  Im a g e  courtesy  of  USGS  © 2015  Microsoft  Corporation  © 2015 No k i a  © AN D Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n Re p l a c e m e n t  Fo o t p r i n t Te m p o r a r y  Co n s t r u c t i o n  Fo o t p r i n t Ci t y  Pr o p o s e d  Ar u n d o  Re m o v a l  Ar e a !. Ma n h o l e  Lo c a t i o n s Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n Re p l a c e m e n t Gr a v i t y  Se w e r  Li n e  Re p l a c e m e n t KS B Y  Gr a v i t y  Se w e r  Li n e Re p l a c e m e n t Si p h o n  Re p l a c e m e n t So i l  Ma p p i n g  Un i t Co n c e p c i o n  lo a m  (2  to  5  % sl o p e s ) Cr o p l e y  cl a y  (0  to  2  % sl o p e s ) Lo s  Os o s ‐Di a b l o  co m p l e x  (1 5  to  30  % sl o p e s ) Sa l i n a s  si l t y  cl a y  lo a m  (0  to  2  % sl o p e s ) Xe r e r t s ‐Xe r o l l s ‐Ur b a n  la n d  co m p l e x (0  to  15  % sl o p e s ) Z Ma y  20 1 5 Project  Area  Habitats Bi o l o g i c a l  an d  We t l a n d  As s e s s m e n t Ci t y  of  Sa n  Lu i s  Ob i s p o ,  Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n  Pr o j e c t Figure  6 01 0 0 2 0 0 50 Fe e t 0 2 0 4 0 6 0 8 0 10 Me t e r s Se r v i c e  La y e r  Cr e d i t s :  Im a g e  courtesy  of  USGS  © 2015  Microsoft  Corporation  © 2015 No k i a  © AN D Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n Re p l a c e m e n t  Fo o t p r i n t Te m p o r a r y  Co n s t r u c t i o n  Fo o t p r i n t Ci t y  Pr o p o s e d  Ar u n d o  Re m o v a l  Ar e a !. Ma n h o l e  Lo c a t i o n s Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n Re p l a c e m e n t Gr a v i t y  Se w e r  Li n e  Re p l a c e m e n t KS B Y  Gr a v i t y  Se w e r  Li n e Re p l a c e m e n t Si p h o n  Re p l a c e m e n t Pr o j e c t  Ar e a  Ha b i t a t s Ag r i c u l t u r a l  La n d Bl u e  Wi l d  Ry e  Me a d o w Ce n t r a l  Co a s t  Wi l l o w  Ri p a r i a n  Fo r e s t Co a s t a l  Fr e s h  Wa t e r  Ma r s h Co a s t a l  Sc r u b Di s t u r b e d  An n u a l  Gr a s s l a n d Eu c a l y p t u s  Gr o v e Or n a m e n t a l  Tr e e s Ro a d Ru d e r a l So u t h e r n  Co t t o n w o o d  Wi l l o w Ri p a r i a n  Fo r e s t Ur b a n Z Ma y  20 1 5 Waters  of  the  U.S. / State  Jurisdictional  Limits Bi o l o g i c a l  an d  We t l a n d  As s e s s m e n t Ci t y  of  Sa n  Lu i s  Ob i s p o ,  Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n  Pr o j e c t Figure  7 01 0 0 50 Fe e t 02 0 4 0 10 Me t e r s Service  Layer  Credits: Map  data  Google  ©2015 © 2015  Microsoft  Corporation Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n Re p l a c e m e n t  Fo o t p r i n t Te m p o r a r y  Co n s t r u c t i o n  Fo o t p r i n t !. Ma n h o l e  Lo c a t i o n s Ca l l e  Jo a q u i n  Li f t  St a t i o n Re p l a c e m e n t Gr a v i t y  Se w e r  Li n e  Re p l a c e m e n t KS B Y  Gr a v i t y  Se w e r  Li n e Re p l a c e m e n t Si p h o n  Re p l a c e m e n t Ci t y  Pr o p o s e d  Ar u n d o  Re m o v a l  Ar e a Ju r i s d i c t i o n a l  Li m i t s Wa t e r s  of  th e  U. S .  (O H W M ) Wa t e r s  of  th e  U. S .  Ad j a c e n t  We t l a n d St a t e  (C D F W )  Ju r i s d i c t i o n CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL AND WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 Appendix A Figure 8 Page 1 of 4 Photo 1: View south showing existing lift station and future lift station relocation area. 12/13/2012 Photo 2: View southwest of Froom Creek riparian habitat behind lift station relocation area 12/13/2012 Photo 3: View west of existing Calle Joaquin lift station (fence/gate) & grassy knoll for lift station replacement location (arrow). 12/13/2012 Photo 4: View south of Calle Joaquin across Froom Creek culvert crossing from lift station. 12/13/2012 CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL AND WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 Appendix A Figure 8 Page 2 of 4 Photo 5: View north of KSBY reach along Calle Joaquin. New gravity line to follow in road with connection at arrow. 12/13/2012 Photo 6: View north of Calle Joaquin gravity line replacement across Froom Creek and LOVR interchange project drainage work. 5/11/2015 Photo 7: View west from LOVR northbound off ramp across Hwy 101 and towards Calle Joaquin lift station. 1/29/2012 Photo 8: View southwest from LOVR northbound on ramp across Hwy 101 at disturbed area from LOVR Interchange project. 5/11/2015 CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL AND WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 Appendix A Figure 8 Page 3 of 4 Photo 9: View east from LOVR northbound off ramp at manhole H17- 25 (arrow) & riparian habitat along SLO Creek. 1/18/2013 Photo 10: View west at dense riparian habitat in SLO Creek & existing sewer siphon creek crossing exposed in creek bed (arrow). 1/18/2013 Photo 11: View west at SLO Creek riparian habitat from cultivated field at existing Manhole H18-4 (arrow). 1/18/2013 Photo 12: View southwest at SLO Creek riparian habitat across cultivated field for gravity sewer replacement. 7/30/2014 CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL AND WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 Appendix A Figure 8 Page 4 of 4 Photo 13: View north along west bank of SLO creek at giant reed and cape ivy removal area. 7/30/2014 Photo 14: View north along west bank of SLO creek at giant reed and cape ivy removal area. 7/30/2014 Photo 15: View downstream of SLO Creek main channel and riparian habitat showing high water drift line of debris (arrow). 7/30/2014 Photo 16: View downstream from existing sewer line crossing of SLO Creek main channel and active floodplain. 1/18/2013 CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11,2015 APPENDIX B TABLES Table 1: Plant Species Observed Table 2: Wildlife Species Observed Table 3: CNDDB Recorded Occurrences (5 mile Search Radius) CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 Appendix B TABLE B-1: PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Common Name Scientific Name(s) Bl u e W i l d R y e M e a d o w Co a s t a l S c r u b Co y o t e B r u s h S c r u b Di s t u r b e d A n n u a l G r a s s l a n d Di s t u r b e d / R u d e r a l Ur b a n D e v e l o p e d L a n d Ag r i c u l t u r al L a n d Eu c a l y p t u s G r o v e Co a s t a l Fr e s h w a t e r M a r s h Pa l e Sp i k e R u s h M a r s h Ri p a r i a n F o r e s t Gi a n t R e e d B r e a k s Common yarrow Achillea millefolium • Spanish lotus Acmispon americanus • Beach ambrosia Ambrosia camissonis • Western ragweed Ambrosia psilostachya • • • California sagebrush Artemisia californica • Mugwort Artemisia douglasiana • • • Giant reed Arundo donax • • Onionweed¤ Asphodelus fistulosus • • Coyote brush Baccharis pilularis • • • • Mule fat Baccharis salicifolia • Sturdy bullrush Bolboschoenus robustus • Black mustard Brassica nigra • • • Broccoli¤ Brassica oleracea¤ • • • Wild mustard Brassica rapa Ripgut brome Bromus diandrus • • • Soft chess brome Bromus hordeaceous • • • Italian thistle Carduus pycnocephalus • • • Bull thistle Circium vulgare • • Rock rose¤ Cistus sp. • • California sawgrass□ Cladium californicum□ • Poison hemlock Conium maculatum • • • Bindweed Convovulus arvensis • • Silverleaf cotoneaster¤ Cotoneaster pannosus¤ • • Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon • Tall cyperus Cyperus eragrostis • • Umbrella plant Cyperus involucratus • Umbrella sedge Cyperus squarrosus Cape ivy¤ Delairea odorata • Fuller’s teasel¤ Dipsacus fullonum • Pale spike rush Eleocharis macrostachya • • Giant wild rye Elymus condensatus • • Blue wild rye Elymus glaucus • Flax-leaved horseweed Erigeron bonariensis • Horseweed Erigeron canadensis Seacliff buckwheat Eriogonum parvifolium • Storkbill filaree Erodium botrys • • Red-stemmed filaree Erodium cicutarium • • • California poppy Eschscholzia californica • • • Red gum eucalyptus Eucalyptus camaldulensis • Blue gum eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus • Horsetail Equisetum arvense CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 Appendix B TABLE B-1: PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED Common Name Scientific Name(s) Bl u e W i l d R y e M e a d o w Co a s t a l S c r u b Co y o t e B r u s h S c r u b Di s t u r b e d A n n u a l G r a s s l a n d Di s t u r b e d / R u d e r a l Ur b a n D e v e l o p e d L a n d Ag r i c u l t u r al L a n d Eu c a l y p t u s G r o v e Co a s t a l Fr e s h w a t e r M a r s h Pa l e Sp i k e R u s h M a r s h Ri p a r i a n F o r e s t Gi a n t R e e d B r e a k s Fennel Foeniculum vulgare • • • • Cutleaf geranium Geranium dissectum • • • Foxtail barley Hordeum murinum • • Aaron's beard¤ Hypericum calycinum¤ • Southern California black walnut Juglans californica • Soft rush Juncus effusus • Italian rye grass Festuca perennis • • Cheeseweed Malva parviflora • • • • • White sweetclover Melilotus alba • • Watercress Nasturtium officinale • Canary grass Phalaris aquatica • • • Bristly ox-tongue Picris echioides • • • • • English plantain Plantago lanceolata • • • • California sycamore Platanus racemosa • • Prostrate knotweed Polygonum aviculare • Smartweed Polygonum amphibium • • Fremont cottonwood Populus fremontii • Jersey cudweed Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum • Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia • Wild radish Raphanus sativus • • Castor bean Ricinus communis • Elmleaf blackberry Rubus ulmifolius • California blackberry Rubus ursinus • Curly dock Rumex crispus • Red willow Salix laevigata • Arroyo willow Salix lasiolepis • Peruvian pepper tree Schinus molle • California bullrush Schoenoplectus acutus • Milk thistle Silybum marianum • • Black nightshade Solanum douglasii • Smilo grass Stipa miliacea • Poison oak Toxicodendron diversilobum • Nasturtium¤ Tropaeolum majus¤ Cattail Typha spp. • • Stinging nettle Urtica dioica • Vetch Vicia sp. • Periwinkle Vinca minor • • Prickly cocklebur Xanthium strumarium • □ Rare plant (CNPS) ¤ Cultivar CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11, 2015 Appendix B TABLE B-2: WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED Common Name Scientific Name(s) Bl u e W i l d R y e M e a d o w Co a s t a l S c r u b Co y o t e B r u s h S c r u b Di s t u r b e d A n n u a l G r a s s l a n d Di s t u r b e d / R u d e r a l Ur b a n D e v e l o p e d L a n d Ag r i c u l t u r al L a n d Eu c a l y p t u s G r o v e Co a s t a l Fr e s h w a t e r M a r s h Pa l e Sp i k e R u s h M a r s h Ri p a r i a n F o r e s t Gi a n t W il d R e e d B r e a k s Bi r d s American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos • • • • • • • • • • • • American kestrel Falco sparverius • • • • • • • • • • • • Anna's hummingbird Calypte anna • • • Black phoebe Sayornis nigricans • • • Brewer’s blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus • • • • Chestnut-backed chickadee Poecile rufescens • • Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas • • European starling Sturnus vulgaris • • • • House finch Carpodacus mexicanus • • Lesser goldfinch Spinus psaltria • • • • Mourning dove Zenaida macroura • • • • • • • • • • • • Nuttall’s woodpecker Picoides nuttallii • • • Orange-crowned warbler Oreothlypis celata • Red-shouldered hawk Buteo lineatus • • • • • • • • • • • • Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis • • • • • • • • • • • • Song sparrow Melospiza melodia • • • Townsend’s warbler Setophaga townsendi • Turkey vulture Cathartes aura • • • • • • • • • • • • Yellow-rumped warbler Setophaga coronata • Western scrub-jay Aphelocoma californica • • • • • • • • • • • • White-tailed kite Elanus leucurus • Ma m m a l s Raccoon Procyon lotor • California ground squirrel Spermophilus beecheyi • • • Botta's pocket gopher Thomomys bottae • • • • He r p s Pacific chorus tree frog Pseudacris regilla • Western fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis • • Western pond turtle Emys marmorata • insect Monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus • CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Appendix B TABLE B-3 CNDDB RECORDED OCCURRENCES (5 MILE SEARCH RADIUS) Common Name Scientific Name(s) Listing Status USFWS/CDFW/CNPS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION Period of Identification Observed/ Potential Occurrence Plants Hoover's bent grass Agrostis hooveri --/--/1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Dry, sandy Soil. 120-600m. Flowering: April-August Not observed Arroyo de la Cruz manzanita Arctostaphylos cruzensis --/--/1B.2 Broad-leafed upland forest, coastal bluff scrub, closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal scrub, & grassland. On sandy soils. 60-310m. Flowering: December-March Not observed. Habitat not suitable within project area. Morro manzanita Arctostaphylos morroensis --/ST/1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal dunes, coastal scrub. On Baywood fine sands usually with chaparral associates. 5-205m. Flowering: December-March Not observed. Habitat not suitable within project area. Pecho manzanita Arctostaphylos pechoensis --/--/1B.2 Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal scrub. Grows on siliceous shale with other chaparral associates. 150-850m. Flowering: November-March Not observed. Habitat not suitable within project area. Santa Margarita manzanita Arctostaphylos pilosula --/--/1B.2 Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral. Shale outcrops & slopes; reported growing on decomposed granite or sandstone in San Luis Obispo. 170-1100m. Flowering: December-March Not observed. Habitat not suitable within project area. Miles' milk-vetch Astragalus didymocarpus var. milesianus --/--/1B.2 Coastal scrub, coastal grassland. Clay soil. 20-90m. Flowering: March - June Not observed San Luis Obispo mariposa-lily Calochortus obispoensis --/--/1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Often in serpentine grassland. 75-665m. Flowering: April- June Not observed La Panza Marchiposa-lily Calochortus simulans --/--/1B.3 Valley and foothill grassland, cismontane woodland, chaparral. Decomposed granite. 395-1100m. Flowering: May - July Not observed Cambria morning-glory Calystegia subacaulis ssp. episcopalis --/--/4.2 Dry open scrub, chaparral, and cismontane woodland. 60-500m. Flowering: April- June Not observed San Luis Obispo sedge Carex obispoensis --/--/1B.2 Springs and stream sides in closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal prairie, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland. <800m. Flowering: March - June Not observed San Luis Obispo owl's-clover Castilleja densiflora ssp. obispoensis --/--/1B.2 Meadows and seeps and valley and foothills grasslands, typically in heavy clay soil, sometimes in serpentine soils. 10-400m. Flowering: March - May Not observed Congdon's tarplant Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii --/--/1B.2 Alkaline seeps and springs. Alkaline soils, sometimes described as heavy white clay. 1-230m. Flowering: June - October Not observed. pappose tarplant Centromadia parryi ssp. parryi --/--/1B.2 Coastal prairie, meadows and seeps, coastal salt marsh, valley and foothill grassland. Flowering: June - October Not observed Brewer's spineflower Chorizanthe breweri --/--/1B.3 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, closed-cone coniferous forest. Gravel or rocks. 60-800m. Flowering: May - July Not observed. No suitable habitat. Chorro Creek bog thistle Cirsium fontinale var. obispoense FE/SE/1B.2 Chaparral and cismontane woodland serpentine seeps and streams. <350m. Flowering: April - October Not observed CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Appendix B TABLE B-3 CNDDB RECORDED OCCURRENCES (5 MILE SEARCH RADIUS) Common Name Scientific Name(s) Listing Status USFWS/CDFW/CNPS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION Period of Identification Observed/ Potential Occurrence Cuesta Ridge thistle Cirsium occidentale var. lucianum --/--/1B.2 Chaparral in openings on serpentine, often on steep rocky slopes and along disturbed roadsides. 500-750 m. Flowering: April - July Not observed. No suitable habitat. California sawgrass Cladium californicum --/--/2.2 Freshwater and alkali marshes, seeps/ freshwater or alkaline moist habitats. 60-600m. Flowering: June - September Observed outside project area Pismo clarkia Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculata FE/SR/1B.1 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. On ancient sand dunes on the coast. Sandy soils, openings. 25-185m. Flowering: May - July Not observed. No suitable habitat. dune larkspur Delphinium parryi ssp. blochmaniae --/--/1B.2 Coastal dunes (maritime chaparral). Rocky areas and dunes. 30-375m. Flowering: April - May Not observed. No suitable habitat. Eastwood's larkspur Delphinium parryi ssp. eastwoodiae --/--/1B.2 Chaparral, coastal dunes (Maritime) Flowering: April - May Not observed. No suitable habitat. Betty's dudleya Dudleya abramsii ssp. bettinae --/--/1B.2 Coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland, chaparral Flowering: April - June Not observed mouse-gray dudleya Dudleya abramsii ssp. murina --/--/1B.3 Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Flowering: April - June Not observed. No suitable habitat. Blochman's dudleya Dudleya blochmaniae ssp. blochmaniae --/--/1B.1 Coastal scrub, coastal bluff scrub, valley and foothill grassland. Flowering: April - June Not observed Indian knob mountainbalm Eriodictyon altissimum --/--/1B.1 Chaparral (Maritime), cismontane woodland. Sandstone ridges. <270m. Flowering: March - June Not observed. No suitable habitat. Hoover's button-celery Eryngium aristulatum var. hooveri --/--/1B.1 Alkaline depressions, vernal pools, roadside ditches and other wet places near the coast. 5-45m. Flowering: July Not observed. San Benito chocolate bells Fritillaria viridea --/--/1B.2 Serpentine slopes in chaparral. 100-1500m. Flowering: March - May Not observed. Mesa horkelia Horkelia cuneata ssp. puberula --/--/1B.1 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, and coastal scrub in sandy or gravelly soils. 70 to 810 meters. Flowering: March - July Not observed Jone’s tidy tips Layia jonesii --/--/1B.2 Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland. Sandy flats and washes. <900m. Flowering: March - May Not observed Palmer's monardella Monardella palmeri --/--/1B.2 Cismontane woodland, chaparral, forests on serpentine. 200-800m. Flowering: June - August Not observed adobe sanicle Sanicula maritima --/--/1B.1 Meadows and seeps, valley and foothill grassland, chaparral, coastal prairie. 150m. Flowering: April - May Not observed black-flowered figwort Scrophularia atrata --/--/1B.2 Closed-cone coniferous forest, chaparral, coastal dunes, coastal scrub, riparian scrub. Sandy, diatomaceous shale and soils derived from other parent material; along swales and in sand dunes. 10-250m. Flowering: April - July Not observed chaparral ragwort Senecio aphanactis --/--/2.2 Cismontane woodland, coastal scrub. Drying alkaline flats. 20-575m. Flowering: February - May Not observed CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Appendix B TABLE B-3 CNDDB RECORDED OCCURRENCES (5 MILE SEARCH RADIUS) Common Name Scientific Name(s) Listing Status USFWS/CDFW/CNPS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION Period of Identification Observed/ Potential Occurrence most beautiful jewel-flower Streptanthus albidus ssp. peramoenus --/--/1B.2 Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland, cismontane woodland. Serpentine outcrops, on ridges and slopes. 120-730m. Flowering: April - June Not observed saline clover Trifolium hydrophilum --/--/1B.2 Marshes and swamps, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools. Mesic, alkaline sites. 0-300m. Flowering: April - June Not observed Natural Communities Blue Wild Rye Meadow --/--/NCSC Grassland with 50% or more cover of blue wild rye (Elymus glaucus) found in coastal and montane forests, montane woodlands and open flatlands. Soils may be seasonally flooded with a fluctuating water table. 0-2500m. Observable year round Observed Central Coast Willow Riparian Forest --/--/NCSC Wetland freshwater habitat seasonally flooded, saturated. Occurs in flood-plains; low gradient depositions along rivers, streams (CNDDB CTT61330CA; Holland 1986). Observable year round Observed Central Coast Riparian Scrub --/--/NCSC A scrubby streamside thicket, varying from open to impenetrable, dominated by any of several willows. This early seral community may succeed to any of several riparian woodland or forest types absent severe flooding disturbance. Relatively fine-grained sand and gravel bars that are closed to river channels and therefore close to ground water. Coarser substrates or greater depths to the water table favor dominance by Baccharis species (CNDDB CTT63200CA; Holland 1986). Observable year round Observed Central Coast Cottonwood Sycamore Riparian Forest --/--/NCSC Moderately closed broadleafed riparian forests dominated by California sycamore (Platanus racemosa) and Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), with lesser amounts of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Understories may be dense thickets of shrubby willows. Floodplains of sub-perennial streams, usually with fairly coarse bedload and seasonally variable depths to the water table (CNDDB CTT61210CA; Holland 1986). Observable year round Observed Central Maritime Chaparral --/--/NCSC Well-drained, sandy substrates within the zone of summer coastal fog incursion. Fire appears necessary for continued reproduction. Intergrades on more mesic, less sandy sites with Monterey Pine Forest, Bishop Pine Forest with Lucian Coastal Scrub closer to the coast or on shaley substrates (CNDDB CTT37C20CA; Holland 1986). Observable year round Not observed Coastal and Valley Freshwater Marsh --/--/NCSC Dominated by perennial, emergent monocots to 4-5m tall. Often forming completely closed canopies. Tule rush (Scirpus spp.) and cattails (Typha spp.) dominated. Quiet sites (lacking significant current) permanently flooded by fresh water (rather than brackish, alkaline, or variable). Prolonged saturation permits accumulation of deep, peaty soils (CNDDB CTT52410CA; Holland 1986). Observable year round Observed CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Appendix B TABLE B-3 CNDDB RECORDED OCCURRENCES (5 MILE SEARCH RADIUS) Common Name Scientific Name(s) Listing Status USFWS/CDFW/CNPS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION Period of Identification Observed/ Potential Occurrence Serpentine Bunchgrass Grassland --/--/NCSC A community restricted to serpentine soils in more protected, drier, less windy, and more sunny uplands than serpentine scrub. It is dominated by purple needlegrass and foothill needlegrass, an array of wildflowers including cream cups, gold fields, California poppies, as well as other species found on serpentine soil (CNDDB CTT42130CA, Holland 1986). Observable year round Not observed Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest --/--/NCSC Tall, open, broad-leafed winter-deciduous riparian forests dominated by Fremont’s cotton (Populus fremontii), and several tree willow species. Understories usually are shrubby willows. Sub-irrigated and frequently overflowed lands along rivers and streams. The dominant species require moist, bare mineral soil for germination and establishment. This is provided after flood waters recede, leading to uniform-aged stands in this seral type. Observable year round Observed Invertebrates Atascadero June beetle Polyphylla nubila --/SA/-- Occurs in sand dunes of San Luis Obispo County Breeding: April -July (June) Not observed. No suitable habitat. monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus --/SA/-- Winter roost sites extend along the coast from northern Mendocino to Baja California, Mexico. Roost located in wind-protected tree groves (Eucalyptus, Monterey pine, Cypress), with nectar and water sources nearby. October-February Observed. No documented roosting site. vernal pool fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi FT/SA/-- Vernal pools, swales, and ephemeral freshwater habitats. November-April No vernal pools in project area Fish steelhead trout- south/central California coast DPS Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus FT, CH/SSC/-- Central Coast rivers and streams from the Pajaro River, Santa Cruz County to (but not including) the Santa Maria River. Clear, cool water with abundant in-stream cover, well-vegetated stream margins, relatively stable water flow. Fall, winter, spring migrations. Known occurrence in SLO Creek tidewater goby Eucyclogobius newberryi FE/SSC/-- Brackish water habitats along the California coast from Agua Hedionda Lagoon, San Diego County. To The mouth of the Smith River. Found in shallow lagoons and lower stream reaches, they need fairly still but not stagnant water & high oxygen levels. Observable year round Not observed. No suitable habitat. Amphibians California red-legged frog Rana aurora draytonii FT/SSC/-- Lowlands and foothills I or near permanent sources of deep water with dense, shrubby or emergent vegetation. Requires 11-20 weeks of permanent water for larval development. Must have access to estivation habitat. Aquatic breeding phase: March - August Nearby recorded occurrences Coast Range newt Taricha torosa --/SSC/-- Coastal drainages from Mendocino county to San Diego county. Lives in terrestrial habitats & will migrate over 1 km to breed in ponds, reservoirs & slow moving streams. Aquatic breeding phase: September - May Not observed CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Appendix B TABLE B-3 CNDDB RECORDED OCCURRENCES (5 MILE SEARCH RADIUS) Common Name Scientific Name(s) Listing Status USFWS/CDFW/CNPS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION Period of Identification Observed/ Potential Occurrence foothill yellow-legged frog Rana boylii --/SSC/-- Partly-shaded, shallow streams & riffles with a rocky substrate in a variety of habitats. Needs at least some cobble-sized substrate for egg-laying. Need at least 15 weeks to attain metamorphosis. Aquatic breeding phase: March - June Not in range Reptiles coast horned lizard Phrynosoma blainvillii --/SSC/-- Chaparral, sage scrub, oak woodlands, and grasslands; sometimes occurs along seldom used dirt roads where native ant species are prevalent Observable year round. Not observed black legless lizard Anniella pulchra nigra --/SSC/-- Sand dunes and sandy soils in the Monterey Bay and Morro Bay regions. Inhabit sandy soil/dune areas with bush lupine and mock heather as dominant plants. Moist soil is essential. Observable year round. Not observed. No suitable habitat. Two-stripe garter snake Thamnophis hammondii --/SSC/-- Coastal California from vicinity of Salinas to northwest Baja California. From sea to about 7,000 feet elevation. Highly aquatic, found in or near permanent fresh water. Often along streams with rocky beds and riparian growth. Observable year round. Not observed Western pond turtle Emys marmorata --/SSC/-- Requires perennial aquatic habitat and constructs nests along edge of streams and ponds. Observable year round. Nearby recorded occurrences Birds loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus MBTA/SSC/-- Occurs in open ocean, beaches, bays, estuaries, lagoons, as well as garbage dumps, agricultural fields, and freshwater ponds and lakes Nesting: March – August. Year-round resident. Not observed prairie falcon Falco mexicanus MBTA/CFP/-- Open grassland, agricultural fields and desert scrub Nesting: February – Sept. Year-round resident. Not observed western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis MBTA, FC/SE/-- Riparian forest nester, along the broad, lower flood-bottoms of larger river systems. Nests in riparian jungles of willow, often mixed with cottonwoods, w/ lower story of blackberry, nettles, or wild grape. Nesting: June- September Very low white-tailed kite Elanus leucurus MBTA/CFP/-- Rolling foothills and valley margins with scattered oaks & river bottomlands or marshes next to deciduous woodland. Open grasslands, meadows, or marshes for foraging close to isolated, dense-topped trees for nesting and perching. Nesting: January – August. Year round resident. Observed Mammals American badger Taxidea taxus --/SSC/-- Grasslands and other open habitats in friable soils. Year-round No burrows observed pallid bat Antrozous pallidus --/SSC/-- Utilizes open forest and grassland habitats for feeding and multiple habitats for roosting. Year-round Not observed CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Appendix B TABLE B-3 CNDDB RECORDED OCCURRENCES (5 MILE SEARCH RADIUS) Common Name Scientific Name(s) Listing Status USFWS/CDFW/CNPS GENERAL HABITAT DESCRIPTION Period of Identification Observed/ Potential Occurrence western mastiff bat Eumops perotis californicus --/SSC/-- Many open, semi-arid to arid habitats, including conifer & deciduous woodlands, coastal scrub, grasslands, chaparral, etc. Roosts in crevices in cliff faces, high buildings, trees & tunnels. Year-round Not observed Status Codes Federal State California Native Plant Society FE = Federally Endangered SE = State Endangered List 1 = Plants of Highest Priority (2 sublists): FT = Federally Threatened ST = State Threatened 1A = Plants Presumed Extinct in California FC= Federal Candidate SR= State Rare 1B = Plants Rare and Endangered in California and Elsewhere CH = Federal Critical Habitat CFP = California Fully Protected List 2 = Plants Rare or Endangered in California, but More Common Elsewhere BGEPA= Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act SSC = State Species of Special Concern List 3 = Plants about which More Information is needed MBTA = Protected by Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act SA = Not formally listed but included in CDFG “Special Animal” list. List 4 = Plants of Limited Distribution (A Watch List) NCSC = Natural Community of Special Concern CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO – CALLE JOAQUIN LIFT STATION PROJECT BIOLOGICAL & WETLAND ASSESSMENT – FINAL MAY 11,2015 APPENDIX C LEAST BELL’S VIREO PROTOCOL SURVEY REPORT 3765 South Higuera Street, Suite 102 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-701-4648 bdugas@terraverdeweb.com September 26, 2014 Jennifer Metz Utilities Project Manager City of San Luis Obispo 879 Morro Street San Luis Obispo, California 93401 RE: Protocol-level Surveys for Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) in Support of the Calle Joaquin Lift Station Project, City of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California Terra Verde Environmental Consulting, LLC (Terra Verde) is pleased to present this report documenting the results of protocol-level least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus; LBV) surveys completed on behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo (City) for the Calle Joaquin Lift Station Project located directly southeast of the intersection of U.S. Highway 101 and Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) within San Luis Obispo Creek (SLO Creek), San Luis Obispo, California (project). The surveys were initiated by the City in response to a request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for additional information on the presence/absence of LBV within specific areas targeted by the City for giant reed (Arundo donax) removal as part of the overall pipeline replacement project (refer to attached Figure). Therefore, the surveys were conducted in accordance with the USFWS Least Bell’s Vireo Survey Guidelines (Guidelines) for detecting this species (USFWS 2001) and included eight (8) morning surveys conducted between the protocol- recommended dates of April 10 through July 31 in 2014. The following report provides an overview of the survey area and survey methods and provides an overview of survey findings. Survey Area Three individual patches of giant reed totaling 24, 571 square feet (0.56 acre) were identified and constituted the survey area; these locations were the primary focus of the survey effort including all adjacent suitable riparian habitat areas in the vicinity of the removal locations and pipeline alignment (refer to attached Figure). This included an approximate 1,000-foot long by 250-foot wide section of SLO Creek between the proposed vegetation removal locations and the pipeline replacement area located directly adjacent to the LOVR off-ramp of Highway 101 (refer to attached Figure). Dominant plant communities within the survey area included dense riparian willow scrub habitat, eucalyptus grove, and giant reed stands (refer to Attachment A – Site Photographs). Surrounding land uses in the vicinity of the survey area include active row crop farming operations, residential housing, and existing highways/roadways including U.S. Highway 101 and LOVR with moderate to heavy traffic. 2 Literature Review A search of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB 2014) was conducted prior to the surveys did not result in the identification of any previous LBV occurrences within the subject survey area or within a 10-mile radius. However, the project site supports suitable habitat for LBV and is located within the historic range for this species. Methodology Per the USFWS Guidelines, 8 pedestrian surveys were conducted between April 14, 2014 and July 21, 2014 by expert ornithologist Peter Gaede, accompanied by Terra Verde biologist, Halden Petersen. Surveys were conducted in typical spring season weather for the region and ranged from calm to breezy with clear to occasionally overcast skies; inclement weather and extreme conditions were avoided during all site visits. The surveys were generally conducted between the hours of 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. and were spaced between 11 and 20 days apart to maximize the detection of early arriving individuals of both sexes and potential nesting pairs. A summary of the survey dates and weather conditions is provided in the following Table 1: Table 1. LBV Survey Summary Table Survey No. Survey Date Survey Time Weather (Degrees Fahrenheit [°F]) Surveyors 1 April 14, 2014 0730-0900 Overcast, calm; 56°F Peter Gaede Halden Peterson 2 April 24, 2014 0730-0900 Calm, clear; 58°F Peter Gaede Halden Peterson 3 May 9, 2014 0630-0900 Fog/partly cloudy, light breeze; mid- 50°F Peter Gaede 4 May 20, 2014 0630-0815 Overcast, calm; 54°F Peter Gaede Halden Peterson 5 June 4, 2014 0630-0800 Overcast, light north winds; 50°F Peter Gaede Halden Peterson 6 June 18, 2014 0630-0800 Clear, calm; 62°F Peter Gaede Halden Peterson 7 July 8, 2014 0630-0800 Overcast and low fog, calm; 58°F Peter Gaede 8 July 21, 2014 0800-0920 Cool, overcast, light south winds; 65°F Peter Gaede Halden Peterson Daily survey routes within the project area were chosen to minimize disturbance to potential habitat features yet maximize observance of densely concentrated avian activity. Areas adjacent to dense willow scrub habitat and eucalyptus stands within the SLO Creek channel became a particular focus of the surveys as these areas showed the highest levels of avian activity. However, the surveys efforts included sites within close proximity to the existing stands 3 of giant reed to determine extent of avian activity within these habitat features. Avian species were identified and recorded through visual observation and identification of vocalizations; presence and abundance were also noted during each site survey. Per Guidelines, no vocalization tapes were used at any time during the combined survey efforts. Findings The survey area exhibited the highest level of avian species diversity and individual avian species abundance particularly during site visits 1 through 4 (April 14 through May 20). A maximum of 37 individual avian species were identified on May 20, 2014 with an estimated combined abundance of 146 individuals observed. Overall, a total of 62 different avian species were identified during the surveys, including observations from a preliminary site visit conducted on April 1, 2014. In summary, no potential LBV vocalizations were detected nor were any LBV observed during the combined survey efforts. A summary of all avian species observed and overall abundance is provided as Attachment B and includes the results of the initial site visit and negative LBV survey completed on April 10. The Guidelines describe extending the survey effort through August 31 if additional information is desired or necessary. Survey findings showed a substantial decrease in both the total number of avian species and individuals observed after the fourth survey (May 20), and as such, the survey efforts were terminated after completion of the required eighth survey on July 21. Conclusion In summary, Terra Verde conducted focused surveys in accordance with the USFWS LBV Guidelines (2001) and did not detect the presence of LBV within the survey area. The timing and frequency of the combined surveys encompassed the recommended survey period during which time most, if not all, vireo adults in occupied habitats are generally detected. No further LBV surveys and/or LBV avoidance and minimization measures are recommended at this time. If you should have any questions or require further information, please contact Brian Dugas at bdugas@terraverdeweb.com or 805-701-4648. Sincerely, Halden Petersen Biologist 6 ATTACHMENT A Site Photographs 8 Photo 1: View south of typical riparian habitat within SLO Creek and subject pipeline alignment, bordering a giant reed stand, September 4, 2013. Photo 2: View north of typical riparian habitat within SLO Creek and subject pipeline alignment, September 4, 2013. 9 ATTACHMENT B City of San Luis Obispo Call Joaquin Lift Station Project Least Bell’s Vireo Survey Summary Table 11 April 10—July 31, 2014 (LBV Protocol Survey Period) SURVEY NUMBER Species Observed Site Visit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mallard 4 6 5 0 6 1 2 8 0 Great Egret 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Great Blue Heron 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Western Gull 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 Turkey Vulture 0 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 4 White-tailed Kite 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 American kestrel 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 Red-tailed Hawk 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Killdeer 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Band-tailed Pigeon 5 4 2 8 5 12 6 25 3 Mourning Dove 1 4 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 Eurasian Collared-dove 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Rock Pigeon 0 0 0 10 0 10 4 0 7 Anna’s Hummingbird 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 1 Black-chinned Hummingbird 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Selasphorus sp. 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 hummingbird sp. 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 Nuttall’s Woodpecker 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 Downy Woodpecker 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 Hairy Woodpecker 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Black Phoebe 1 1 2 2 1 4 1 1 1 Pacific-slope Flycatcher 2 5 4 4 7 4 6 5 2 Western wood-pewee 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 American Crow 2 4 4 2 2 1 2 4 4 Northern Mockingbird 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 0 Western Scrub-jay 0 0 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 Steller’s Jay 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 N. Rough-winged Swallow 5 2 6 1 4 2 4 2 0 Cliff Swallow 0 75 25 10 45 15 2 1 6 Vaux’s Swift 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 White-throated Swift 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chestnut-backed Chickadee 2 6 3 6 5 6 6 3 6 Oak Titmouse 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 Bushtit 2 10 7 12 16 10 0 0 25 Bewick’s Wren 0 4 8 7 3 3 5 3 3 12 SURVEY DATES: Reconnaissance-level survey: April 01, 2014. PAG/HP. 0800-0930. Protocol-level survey dates, surveyors, times, and weather conditions: 1. April 14, 2014. PAG/HP. 0730-0900. Overcast, calm; 56°. 2. April 24, 2014. PAG/HP. 0730-0900. Calm, clear; 58°. 3. May 9, 2014. PAG. 0630-0900. Fog and partly cloudy at start, light breeze; mid-50°s. 4. May 20, 2014. PAG/HP. 0630-0815. Overcast, calm; 54°. 5. June 4, 2014: PAG/HP. 0630-0800. Overcast, light breeze from north; 50°. 6. June 18, 2014: PAG/HP. 0630-0800. Clear, calm; 62°. 7. July 8, 2014: PAG. 0630-0800. Overcast and low fog, calm; 58°. 8. July 21, 2014: PAG/HP. 0800-0920. Cool, overcast, light breeze from south; 65°. Surveyors: Peter Gaede (PG), Halden Petersen (HP) Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 American Robin 1 2 2 0 2 2 1 0 0 Western Bluebird 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 Hermit Thrush 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cedar Waxwing 0 0 15 37 0 0 0 0 0 European Starling 0 4 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 Orange-crowned Warbler 1 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 Yellow Warbler 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 Yellow-rumped Warbler 10 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Townsend’s Warbler 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Common Yellowthroat 1 6 2 2 3 3 2 4 0 Wilson’s Warbler 2 5 4 6 3 4 9 3 3 Cassin’s Vireo 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Warbling Vireo 0 0 5 2 2 2 2 1 0 Spotted Towhee 2 3 3 4 2 2 2 0 0 California Towhee 0 3 4 2 4 1 4 4 3 Song Sparrow 3 8 12 12 7 10 14 3 4 Lincoln’s Sparrow 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Black-headed Grosbeak 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 House Finch 3 5 0 2 2 0 0 1 8 Red-winged Blackbird 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 Brewer’s Blackbird 0 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 3 Brown-headed Cowbird 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 Lesser Goldfinch 0 6 1 0 1 2 2 0 0 American Goldfinch 0 1 6 1 2 2 3 1 4 TOTAL SPECIES 26 33 35 33 37 27 28 24 25 TOTAL INDIVIDUALS 58 192 160 150 146 108 88 78 99 743 Pacific St., Suite A San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-1920 O: (805) 594-1590 | F: (805) 594-1577 ARCHAEOLOGY CULTURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT www.appliedearthworks.com 31 January 2013 David K. Wolff Sage Institute 1065 Higuera Street, Suite 301 San Luis Obispo, CA 9340l RE: Calle Joaquin Lift Station Project Records Search Dear Mr. Wolff: At your request, Applied EarthWorks, Inc. (Æ) has obtained an archaeological records search for the Calle Joaquin Lift Station Project in the City of San Luis Obispo. The search area included the Calle Joaquin Lift Station and approximately one mile of sewage pipeline that may be repaired or replaced during the project. The records search was conducted by the staff of the California Historical Resources Information System Central Coast Information Center (CCIC), which is housed at the Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara. The CCIC searched their records for archaeological sites, historical resources, and previous cultural resource surveys within one half mile of the Project Area. Data sources included: State Historic Property Data Files, California Office of Historic Preservation Determinations of Archaeological Eligibility, National Register of Historic Places, National Register of Determined Eligible Properties, California Historical Landmarks, California Points of Historic Interest, and the Caltrans State and Local Bridge Surveys. Although there are no recorded sites within the specific Project Area, CCIC records indicate four archaeological sites have been recorded within the half-mile search area. Of these, two are prehistoric bedrock mortar sites (CA-SLO-783 and CA-SLO-1365) and one is a prehistoric debris scatter that contains shell fragments, deer bones, and chert flakes (CA-SLO-1195). The site nearest to the Project Area, approximately 0.2 miles away, is the historic homestead CA-SLO-1780. The CCIC records search also found a Historic Property Evaluation for the Froom House, a historic ranch house in the search area. According to the records search, there have been 34 cultural resource surveys within a half mile of the Project Area. None of these surveys included the specific Project Area. Due to the archaeological and historical sensitivity of the area, however, the CCIC recommends that a cultural resource field survey is conducted. Please contact me if you have any questions or require additional information regarding our study. Sincerely, Barry A. Price, M.A., R.P.A. Vice President/Principal Archaeologist Applied EarthWorks, Inc Exhibit B