DRAFT Environmental Impact Report

Transcription

1 DRAFT Environmental Impact Report Orange County Water District Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project State Clearinghouse No Orange County Water District Ward Street Fountain Valley, CA Contact: Daniel Bott March 2014

2 Table of Contents Section Page SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION Purpose and Authority Public Consultation Effects Determined Not Significant Effects Determined To Be Potentially Significant Review of the Draft EIR SECTION 2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Background Project Area Setting Project Activities Project Monitoring Programs Construction Operations CEQA Project Objectives Permits and Approvals SECTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AESTHETICS RESOURCES Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Thresholds of Significance Project Impacts AIR QUALITY Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Threshold of Significance Project Impacts BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Thresholds of Significance Project Impacts Unavoidable Significant Impacts to Listed Sensitive Species Orange County Water District Prior Mitigation Commitments in Prado Basin Proposed Mitigation Concept CULTURAL RESOURCES Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Threshold of Significance Project Impacts GEOLOGY Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Threshold of Significance Project Impacts GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Draft Environmental Impact Report i

3 Table of Contents Threshold of Significance Project Impacts HAZARDS/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Thresholds of Significance Project Impacts HYDROLOGY/WATER QUALITY Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Significance Criteria Project Impacts LAND USE/RELEVANT PLANNING PROGRAMS Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Thresholds of Significance Project Impacts NOISE Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Thresholds of Significance Project Impacts TRANSPORTATION Regulatory Framework Existing Environmental Setting Thresholds of Significance Project Impacts SECTION 4 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS CEQA Analysis Requirements Cumulative Analysis Methodology Cumulative Impact Evaluation SECTION 5 OTHER CEQA SECTIONS Growth Inducing Impacts Significant Irreversible Changes Summary of Project Impacts SECTION 6 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT Purpose and Scope Project Objectives Planning Criteria Alternatives Eliminated From Further Analysis Project Alternatives Considered and Evaluated Alternative 1-No Project Alternative Alternative 2- Alternative Sediment Storage Site D Alternative 3 - Alternative Sediment Removal Method Environmentally Superior Alternative SECTION 7 LIST OF PREPARES AND REVIEWERS SECTION 8 REFERENCES Draft Environmental Impact Report ii

4 Table of Contents Table Page Table 1: IS/NOP Comment Letters Table 2: Phasing Plan Table 3: Phase 1: Pre-Construction Monitoring Table 4: Phase 2: Site Preparation Table 5: Phase 3 Infrastructure Construction Table 6: Phase 4 Sediment Removal Table 7: Phase 5 Sediment Re-entrainment Table 8: Phase 6 Monitoring and Site Restoration Table 9: 2010 to 2012 Air Quality Monitoring Summary Table 10: South Coast Air Basin Attainment Status Table 11: Localized Significance Analysis (Construction) Table 12: Regional Construction Air Pollutant Emissions Table 13: Mitigated Construction Air Pollutant Emissions Table 14: Vegetation/Land Cover (Acres) Table 15: Sensitive Plant List Table 16: List of Special Status Wildlife Species Table 17: Sediment Removal Channel U.S./State Jurisdictional Area Table 18: Fish Survey Upstream Prado Dam Point 119 May Table 19: Fish Survey Upstream Prado Dam Point 119 May Table 20: Fish Survey Prado Dam Approach/Outlet Channel July 1, 2, Table 21: Fish Survey Santa Ana River Green River Golf Course Reach Table 22: Native Fish Survey Santa Ana River Green River Golf Course Table 23: Native Fish Survey Santa Ana River Weir Canyon to Imperial Highway April, November Table 24: Summary of Soil Environmental Test Results Table 25: Durations to Deplete 500,000 yd³ of Sediment for Six Selected Discharges Table 26: Vegetation Impacts (Acres) Table 27: Vegetation Communities at Different Elevations (Acres) Table 28: Riparian Mitigation Sites (Acres) Table 29: Coastal Sage Scrub Mitigation Site (Acres) Table 30: Regional Active Faults Table 31: Construction Greenhouse Gas Emissions Table 32: Summary of Soil Environmental Test Results Table 33: Summary of Water Quality Data Santa Ana River Below Prado Dam Table 34: Summary of Indicator Bacteria Water Quality Data Table 35: Beneficial Uses Table 36: Beneficial Uses Table 37: Water Quality Objectives (mg/l) Table 38: Impaired Water Bodies Table 39: Basin Plan Turbidity thresholds Table 40: Durations to Deplete 500,000 yd³ of Sediment for Six Selected Discharges Table 41: Riverside County Noise Ordinance Standards Table 42: City of Corona Noise Ordinance Standards Table 43: Noise Levels and Human Response Table 44: Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment Table 45: Roundtrip Traffic Trips Table 46: Vireo Territories/Breeding Pairs Prado Basin Table 47: Summary of Environmental Impacts Draft Environmental Impact Report iii

5 Table of Contents Figure Page Figure 1: Regional Vicinity Map Figure 2: Proposed Project Figure 3: Sediment Removal Channel Typical Cross-section View Figure 4: Eligible State Scenic Highways Figure 5: USGS Location Figure 6: Sediment Removal Channel Figure 7: Sediment Management Storage Site E Figure 8: Critical Habitat Figure 9: Least Bell s Vireo Locations Figure 10: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Locations Figure 11: Incoming Sediment Load Size Figure 12: Susceptibility to Sediment Deposition Figure 13: Yorba Slaughter Adobe Property Mitigation Site Figure 14: Pheasant Field Mitigation Site Figure 15: Demonstration Garden Extension Mitigation Site Figure 16: Pigeon Hill Property Mitigation Site Figure 17: Geological Constraints Figure 18: Mitigation Areas within Santa Ana Canyon Appendices Page Appendix A-1: Initial Study/Notice of Preparation, November 2013, Orange County Water District Appendix A-2: Comment Letters Appendix B: Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analysis Report, February 2014, First Carbon Solutions Appendix C-1: Biological Conditions Technical Report, July 2013, Orange County Water District Appendix C-2: Native Fish Relocation for ACOE Reach 9 Channel Diversions Field Report, March 2010, Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District Appendix C-3: Native Fish Relocation for ACOE Reach 9 - Phase 2 Channel Diversions, April/May 2012, Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District Appendix C-4: Native Fish Survey Lower Santa Ana River Weir Canyon to Imperial Highway, November 2012, Orange County Water District Appendix C-5: Fish Protection Activities Prado Dam, Corona CA, August 2008, San Marino Environmental Associates Appendix D-1: Assessment of Water and Sediment Patterns within Prado Basin, November 2010, Golder Associates Appendix D-2: HEC-RAS Sediment Transport Modeling Santa Ana River, November 2010, Golder Associates Draft Environmental Impact Report iv

6 Appendix D-2A Appendix D-2B Appendix D-2C Appendix D-2D Table of Contents Appendix D-3: Geotechnical Report for Prado Basin Sediment Management Demo Project, November 2010, Golder Associates Appendix D-4: Figures Appendix E: Hazardous Waste Site Search, May 2013, Orange County Water District Draft Environmental Impact Report v

7 Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Proposed Project The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is proposing a sediment management demonstration project within the Prado Basin that will remove between 250,000 and 500,000 cubic yards of materials from the Prado Basin and re-entrain it into the lower Santa Ana River. OCWD is the Lead Agency for the proposed project. Project Overview The purpose of the Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project (Project) is to explore practical and beneficial methods to remove approximately 250,000 to 500,000 cubic yards of sediment from Prado Basin and re-entrain the sediment into the lower Santa Ana River, below Prado Dam to help restore sediment migration to habitats and beaches downstream and to help maintain water conservation storage behind Prado Dam. The demonstration project will be implemented over a five year period and involves the following three activities; 1) construction and operation of a sediment removal channel, 2) construction and operation of sediment storage and handling area and a green waste processing area and 3) sediment re-entrainment activities. Sediment Removal Channel The sediment removed from the Prado Basin for re-entrainment will be removed from a sediment removal channel. The sediment removal channel will parallel the alignment of the Santa Ana River in the southeast portion of Prado Basin. The western end of the channel will be located approximately 1,700 feet from the Prado Dam outlet works. The sediment removal channel will have a length of 6,000 feet, a width of 200 feet and a depth of 12 feet. A 30 foot access road will be provided along both sides of the channel alignment. A 300 buffer area is proposed around the perimeter of the sediment channel. The intent of the buffer area is to allow for modifications to the alignment during the detail design phase to minimize impacts to sensitive areas. In order to construct the sediment removal channel all vegetation within the channel will have to be removed. The alignment of the channel to the maximum extent possible will extend through areas that contain arundo or other non-native vegetation. The vegetation removal will occur outside of nesting season. The removed vegetation will be trucked to a green waste area where it will be processed and converted to mulch and/or firewood. The sediment will be removed from the sediment removal channel with hydraulic dredge operating in the wetted channel. A dredging barge will travel up and down the sediment removal channel by anchoring spuds into the ground. The collected Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-1

8 Executive Summary sediment slurry will be conveyed by booster pumps to a sediment storage site through a temporary above ground discharge pipeline. Sediment Storage and Handling Area/Green Waste Processing Area The project includes sediment storage and handling area and green waste area to process the vegetation removed from the site and to prepare the sediment for re-entrainment. The vegetation removed from the sediment removal channel and sediment storage site will be processed at the green waste area. In order to remove and re-entrain sediments back into the Santa Ana River to achieve an adequate sediment concentration, the sediment will need to be reentrained under flow conditions of 500 cfs and greater. Therefore, it will be necessary to store the removed sediments for a period of time until adequate releases are occurring from Prado Dam. The slurry collected from the hydraulic dredging will be processed at a sediment storage site to prepare it for reentrainment back into the river. Once the slurry is processed it will be pumped into the first de-watering basin to begin the drying process. Once the sediment is dry it will be temporarily stockpiled for re-entrainment. Sediment Re-entrainment When Santa Ana River flows are at a sufficient rate, the sediment will be remixed into a slurry using water from the Santa Ana River and then pumped through an above ground temporary discharge pipeline to a sediment reentrainment area. A crane will be positioned on the levee to secure the discharge end of the re-entrainment pipeline to insure even distribution of sediment into the river. Project Objectives The following project objectives have been established for the Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project to assist public agencies and decision makers in their review of potential impacts associated with the Project and Project Alternatives. Remove between 250,000 and 500,000 cubic yards of sediment material from Prado Basin to prevent further loss of storage capacity and to enhance water storage conservation capabilities. Prevent further degradation of the Santa Ana River due to sedimentstarved stream flows. Allow operation of Prado Dam to take place to maximize water diversion and infiltration between Imperial Highway and the 22 Freeway. Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-2

9 Executive Summary Enhance and restore habitat in the Santa Ana River by preventing further degradation of certain areas of the river through sediment transport processes. Increase recharge rates in the Santa Ana River by reducing the armoring and incising of the river bed. Reduce coastal erosion processes by providing sediment to the Santa Ana River that will reach the Pacific Ocean. Enhance and restore high value habitat in Prado basin by preventing further accumulation of sediments in Prado basin. Minimize impacts to native vegetation within the Prado Basin. Collect data and monitor project effects. Significant Unavoidable Adverse Impacts The Project will have the potential to generate temporary construction noise impacts that could disrupt the breeding patterns of the Federal and State Listed Least Bells Vireo if it occurs within construction activity noise impact area. The Project will have the potential for native fish to occur within the project area and require physical relocation. The Project will have the potential to generate temporary construction noise impacts that could disrupt breeding patterns of nesting migratory birds. The Project during sediment re-entrainment activities could temporary exceeds the Regional Water Quality Control Board Basin Plan threshold for turbidity. Environmental Issues Not Considered The following environmental issues were determined to be less than significant in the Initial Study/Notice of Preparation prepared for the Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project. The Initial Study/Notice of Preparation is presented in Appendix A. In accordance with section 15063(C) of the CEQA Guidelines these issues do not require further evaluation in the Draft EIR. Agriculture/Forest Resources Mineral Resources Population/Housing Public Services Utilities/Service Systems Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-3

10 Executive Summary Project Impacts Table ES-1 provides a summary of project impacts and mitigation measures and a determination on the level of project impacts after the incorporation of mitigation measures. Summary of Project Alternatives The Draft EIR evaluates three alternatives to the Project. Alternative 1 No Project Alternative Under the No Project Alternative, the proposed sediment management demonstration project will not be implemented. No activities will occur to remove between 250,000 and 500,000 cubic yards of material from Prado Basin. There will be no change to the existing conditions at the Prado Basin, sediment will continue to build up in the Prado Basin reducing storage for water conservation and continuing to degrade existing riparian habitat in Prado Basin. The lower Santa Ana River will continue to be starved of sediment. Alternative 2 Sediment Storage Site/Green Waste Site Alternative Location Under Alternative 2, between 250,000 and 500,000 cubic yards of sediment will be dredged and removed from the sediment removal channel.. The sediment will be removed from the sediment removal channel by a hydraulic dredging method. Under Alternative 2 the sediment would be removed and conveyed to the sediment storage site with the same method as the Project and will require same mix of construction equipment. However, under Alternative 2 the green waste processing and sediment storage and handling activities will occur at an alternative sediment storage site and green waste site. At the sediment storage site the sediment will be re-mixed with water into slurry and conveyed by an above ground discharge pipeline to the sediment re-entrainment area, downstream of the highway 71 crossing. Alternative 3 Alternative Sediment Removal Method Under Alternative 3 the sediment removal channel will be excavated along the alignment of the Santa Ana River. Between 250,000 and 500,000 cubic yards of sediment will be removed from the channel with heavy construction equipment. The removed sediment will be transported by heavy equipment to an alternative sediment storage site. The sediment will be re-mixed into slurry and conveyed by an above ground discharge pipeline to the sediment with water re-entrainment area. Environmentally Superior Alternative The Project will result in the least amount of significant adverse impacts to the environment and will better achieve the project objective of minimizing impacts to Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-4

11 Executive Summary native vegetation within the Prado Basin. Therefore, the Project is considered to be the environmentally superior alternative. Areas of Controversy There are no controversy issues associated with the project. Public Review of Draft EIR The Draft EIR and its appendices are available for public review at the following location. Orange County Water District Ward Street Fountain Valley, CA Anaheim Public Library 500 W. Broadway Anaheim, CA, Corona Public Library 650 South Main Street Corona, CA Comments and questions regarding this Draft EIR should be directed to: Daniel Bott, Principal Planner Orange County Water District Ward Street Fountain Valley, CA Upon the completion of the 45-day public review period, written responses to all substantive environmental issues raised will be prepared and available for review at least 10 days prior to the public hearing before OCWD Board of Directors at which time the certification of the Final EIR would be considered. These environmental comments and their responses will be included as part of the environmental record for consideration by the Orange County Board of Directors. Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-5

12 Executive Summary Table ES-1: Executive Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures Impact Mitigation Measures Level of Impact After Mitigation Aesthetics The Project activities will have the potential to replace existing views into Prado Basin with construction equipment which will result in a short-term change to the existing aesthetic character of the project area. The Project will involve night time lighting which could have the potential to result in light and glare impacts on nearby land uses. Air Quality The Project will have the potential to be in conflict with or obstruct implementation of South Coast Air Quality Management District Air Quality Management Plan. A-1: After the Project is completed OCWD will return all areas impacted by the Project to their pre-project condition. A-2: Construction lighting fixtures will be shielded by providing side flap on lights. Onsite construction lighting will be arranged so that direct rays shall not shine in or produce glares to nearby residential uses. A-3: If the onsite construction lighting creates a lighting or glare problem for residential properties, OCWD will implement corrective measures to resolve the problem. Such corrective measures would include raising the height of temporary construction walls or other shielding for lighting, providing additional shielding on the light fixtures, and relocating light fixtures. AIR-1: One of the following options will be adhered to during Phase 2 Clearing and Grubbing, Phase 5 Reentrainment, and Phase 6 Mitigation. Option 1: Tier 3 engines will be used for all of the following equipment; Bulldozers, Off-road Trucks (Work Trucks, Dump Less than Significant Less than Significant Less than Significant Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-6

13 Executive Summary The Project will not result in significant adverse localized air quality impacts. The Project has the potential to result in significant cumulative air quality impacts. The Project will not generate significant adverse odor impacts. Trucks, Water Trucks), Rubber Tired Loaders, and Pumps. Option 2: If construction activity is substantially modified from the assumptions utilized in this analysis, then the following measure will be implemented. Prepare an air quality emission analysis for construction activity with project-specific information prior to start of construction for Phase 2 Clearing and Grubbing, Phase 5 Re-entrainment, and Phase 6 Mitigation. Emissions analysis will detail the off-road equipment list (including type of equipment, horsepower, and hours of operation), any emission control devices added onto off-road equipment, and engine tiers (if known). The analysis will demonstrate that construction will not exceed the South Coast Air Quality Management District s mass emissions thresholds of significance. If emissions could exceed any threshold, OCWD will decrease the amount of construction activity in a day, use additional emission control devices, or use higher tiered engines. The OCWD will ensure that construction managers adhere to the equipment and trip data utilized within the emissions analysis No mitigation measures are required. Mitigation Measure AIR-1 is required No mitigation measures are required. Less than Significant Less than Significant Less than Significant Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-7

14 Executive Summary Biological Resources The Project will have the potential to generate temporary construction noise impacts that could disrupt the breeding patterns of the Federal and State Listed Least Bells Vireo if it occurs within construction activity noise impact area. The Project will have the potential for native fish to occur within the project area and potentially require physical relocation. The Project will have the potential to generate temporary construction noise impacts that could disrupt breeding patterns of nesting migratory birds. BIO-1: All vegetation removal and clearing activities at the sediment removal channel and sediment storage site and green waste processing activities will be conducted outside of the migratory bird season from March 15 to September 15. Biological monitoring of the sediment removal channel and sediment storage site will begin in February to determine if active nests are present. If active nests are present vegetation clearing activities near the nests will not occur within 500 feet of an active nest. BIO-2: During vegetation removal activities, trees that are removed from the area will be inspected to determine if any nests are present. If nests are encountered they will either be relocated and if not feasible to be relocated a new substitute nest will be created and located outside of the construction activity impact area. BIO-3: After the sediment demonstration project is completed, OCWD will manage the alignment area of the sediment removal channel for five years to keep all disturbed areas free of exotic vegetation and to reestablished native vegetation. A 10-foot edge along the service road of the sediment removal channel will be maintained. OCWD will plant pole cuttings and remove all non-native vegetation that occurs with the 10-foot edge area BIO-4: To compensate for temporary loss of 8.27 acres of native riparian habitat OCWD will restore native riparian vegetation on a 1:1 ratio and manage the area for duration of the project. To compensate for the temporary loss of 2.3 acres of coastal sage scrub Significant Adverse Impact Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-8

15 Executive Summary habitat OCWD will restore and manage coastal sage scrub vegetation at a 1:1 ratio. The proposed mitigation will also involve removing 12 acres of arundo from the project area and restoring it with native vegetation. The removal and restoration of 12 acres of arundo with the restoration of 8.27 acres of riparian vegetation and 2.3 acres of coastal sage scrub will provide a total of acres of compensatory mitigation and mitigation to temporary impact ratio of 2.15 to 1. BIO-5: To ensure that significant construction noise impacts do not occur to active nests of special status species located within the 500 foot construction activity noise impact area, a construction noise mitigation program will be implemented, and will include the following measures. During the nesting season portable acoustical panels will be placed along the perimeter of the sediment removal channel where the floating dredge and/or heavy equipment is operating to reduce construction levels to less than 60 dba at the closest active nest of special status species. The acoustical panels will be a minimum of 10 foot by 8 foot with a 2 foot cantilevered top with a STC rating of 25 or greater During the nesting season portable acoustic panels will be installed as close as possible to the perimeter of the work area of the sediment storage site and sediment re-entrainment work area to reduce construction levels to less than 60dBA at the closest active nest of a special status species. The acoustical panels will be a minimum of 10 foot by 8 foot with a 2 foot cantilevered top with a STC rating of 25 or Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-9

16 Executive Summary greater. All construction equipment will be equipped with noise reduction features, such as mufflers and engine shrouds. Onsite generators and booster pumps will be enclosed entirely. During the nesting season a noise monitoring program will be implemented to ensure that construction noise levels are less than 60 dba at the closest active nest of a special status species During the nesting season weekly surveys will be conducted by a qualified biologist approved by CDFW within 500 feet of active construction areas. The purpose of the survey is to determine presence of active nests of special status species and breeding status of individuals. A qualified biologist approved by CDFW will monitor construction activities to determine if the construction activities would disrupt nesting of special status species that are present within 500 feet of an active work area. If it is determined that the construction activity is disrupting the nesting behavior of a special status species, additional mitigation will be provided. If additional mitigation is not feasible construction in that area will cease and be redirected until the nests of special status species are no longer active or until it is determined that the activity will not disrupt nesting behavior. Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-10

17 Executive Summary BIO-6: To avoid impacts to special status wildlife species, prior to any ground disturbing activities, during operation and during demobilization of construction equipment, a qualified biologist approved by CDFW will conduct a pre-construction sweep of the project site for special status wildlife species. During these surveys the biologist will 1) inspect the project site for any special status wildlife species and prepare a list of species observed and record their activity during construction and operation of the project, 2) ensure that habitats within the construction activity impact area are not occupied by special status species and that the quality of that habitat is maintained, 3) in the event of the discovery of a special status species determining if the construction activity would cause adverse impacts and 4) if it is determined that the project activity would have the potential to adversely affect special status species and no other measures are available to avoid adverse impacts the biologist will require the project activity to cease in the area until the species is no longer in harm s way or is relocated outside of the construction activity impact area. BIO-7: Prior to construction activities, a qualified biologist approved by CDFW will conduct a preconstruction training for all construction crew members. The training will focus on required mitigation measures and conditions of regulatory agency permits and approvals. The training will also include a summary of special status species and habitats potentially present within and adjacent to the project area. BIO-8: During the operation of the project, a qualified biologist approved by CDFW will monitor the construction activity impact area of the sediment removal channel and sediment storage site for active Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-11

18 Executive Summary nests. The focus of monitoring will be to identify the presence or absence of special status species nesting within the construction activity impact area. If nesting birds are present the biological monitor will determine if the construction activity will cause them to abandon their nests. If the biological monitor determines that the construction activity will not cause nest abandonment then the construction activities will proceed. If it is determined that the construction activity is causing nest abandonment and additional noise measures cannot be implemented to prevent nest abandonment, then construction activity shall be re-directed or ceased until it is determined by the biologist that the activity would not cause nest abandonment or the nest is no longer active. BIO-9: At the end of each work day a qualified biologist approved by CDFW will inspect the work area to ensure there are no components of the Project that could trap or injure wildlife. BIO-10: Prior to sediment handling activities each day a qualified biologist approved by CDFW will inspect the sediment storage site to ensure wildlife will not be adversely impacted by construction equipment. BIO-11: To minimize entrapment of fish during dredging, prior to start of sediment removal activities a 1/8 mesh net inch fish screen will be secured to a temporary gated pipe that would extend through the diversion berm to divert Santa Ana River flows into the sediment removal channel. A 1/8 inch blocking net will also be installed along the Santa Ana River upstream of the diversion berm. The blocking will be secured with rebar or T-posts that are hammered in at the water s edge and across the channel. The number of posts used will depend on the width and flow of the channel. Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-12

19 Executive Summary The segment of the river between blocking net and the diversion berm will be surveyed daily for fish. Nonnative fish captured will be removed from the site and destroyed. Native fish captured will be relocated to suitable locations outside of the project area. BIO-12: To avoid and minimize potential impacts to native fish and critical habitat a native fish impact mitigation program will be implemented and will include the following measures. Prior to surveys or construction activity, OCWD will submit the name and resumes of the qualified biologist conducting surveys. A qualified biologist to CDFW in regards to Santa Ana Suckers includes those individuals that hold a section 10(a) (1) (A) Recovery Permit. In regards to Arroyo Chubs a biologist is considered qualified if they have conducted a minimum of 40 hours of field activities with Arroyo Chubs under the supervision of a qualified biologist. Prior to construction activities within the wetted channel, a qualified biologist will conduct a preliminary survey of the affected water body noting habitat and any fish that are present. If native fish are present seining will be conducted to remove and relocate native fish. All captured native fish will be kept placed in ice chests filled with Santa Ana River water and aerated. The ice chests will be kept shaded at all times. Any native fish removed from the site will be relocated in suitable habitat upstream of the project area, as determined by a qualified biologist. Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-13

20 Executive Summary If capture and relocation of native fish is necessary, such capture will be achieved through use of one or more of the following methods; fine mesh (0.08 to 0.16 inch), knotless seine nets, fine mesh (0.16 to 0.24 inch) knot-less hoop nets, modified hoop nets, or similar traps or dip nets of 0.20 inch or finer mesh. The survey methods will be selected so as to minimize potential injury or mortality to native fish. Care will be taken to keep native fish in water as much as possible. Larval fishes will be kept submerged in a dip net until species is identified and released. Prior to activities that may involve handling of native fish, the qualified biologist will ensure that the hands of all participants are free of sunscreen, lotion or insect repellent. The qualified biologist will be present during the construction of the earthen berm to split flows between the Santa Ana River and the sediment removal channel. The qualified biologist will submit a report to USFWS and CDFW identifying the number of any native fish species that were relocated and other measures that were taken to minimize impacts to native fish. The report will be submitted to USFWS and CDFW no more than 60 days following capture and relocation activities. BIO-13: The construction contractor will be required to implement a water quality monitoring program throughout the construction and operation period of the Project and where needed make adjustments to ensure Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-14

21 Executive Summary water quality levels are maintained at acceptable levels. BIO-14: Prior to the start of ground disturbing activities, OCWD will prepare and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP will contain structural and non-structural Best Management Practices to manage storm water runoff, erosion and sedimentation to maintain water quality. BIO-15: Spoil sites will not be located within areas where spoil could be washed into the active stream channel, or where it will cover aquatic or riparian vegetation. BIO-16: To the extent possible equipment maintenance will occur in upland areas. In instances where equipment maintenance may need to occur near a water body primary and secondary containment measures will be employed to maintain water quality. BIO-17: OCWD construction contractor will prepare a Spill Prevention and Contingency Plan. The Plan shall be implemented prior to and during site disturbance and construction activities. The Plan will include measures to prevent or avoid an incidental leak or spill, including identification of materials necessary for containment and clean-up and contact information. The Plan and necessary containment and clean-up materials shall be kept within the construction area during all construction activities. Workers shall be educated on measures included in the plan at the preconstruction meeting or prior to beginning work on the project. BIO-18: Speed limits of 15 miles per hour or less will be required at all times to avoid potential injury to wildfire in the area. BIO-19: A qualified biologist will monitor access roads Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-15

22 Executive Summary The Project will have the potential to result adverse impacts to sensitive native vegetation communities. to ensure wildlife is not impacted by construction equipment. BIO-20: Prior to the start of construction of the sediment removal channel and prior to dredging each day a qualified biologist, approved by CDFW will survey the sediment removal channel to ensure there are no Southwestern Pond Turtles present. If Southwestern Pond Turtles are present they will be relocated to outside of the work area. Additionally, the biologist shall ensure that sediment removal channel is adequately screened to prevent access. Mitigation Measures BIO-3 and BIO-4 are required. BIO-21: Unpaved areas will be watered as needed to control dust on a continual basis. BIO-22: During the detailed design and construction phases of the project, OCWD will continue to minimize impacts to native vegetation and wildlife habitat whenever possible. This includes shifting footprints or alignment where necessary and possible. BIO-23: Upon development of final construction plans and prior to site disturbance, OCWD will clearly delineate limits of construction on project plans. All construction, site disturbance and vegetation removal will be located within the delineated construction boundaries. The storage of equipment and materials, and temporary stockpiling of soil will be located within designated areas only, and outside of habitat areas. BIO-24: OCWD shall monitor construction activities to assure that vegetation is removed only in designated areas. Riparian areas not to be disturbed shall be flagged. The perimeter of the work site shall be Less than Significant Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-16

23 Executive Summary The implementation of the Project will result in acres of temporary impacts to Wetland Waters of U.S./State and 3.58 acres temporary impacts to Waters of the U.S./State. The Project will have the potential adversely affect wildlife movement. adequately flagged and fenced to prevent damage to adjacent habitat. BIO-25: During construction, adjacent vegetation will be monitored by OCWD for signs of plant stress. BIO-26: OCWD will have an onsite biologist to review grading plans, monitor all grading, excavation and ground disturbing activities in the streambed associated riparian habitat and monitor all aspects of construction monitoring that pertain to biological resource protection. Mitigation Measures BIO-3 and BIO-4. BIO-27: Prior to start of construction activity OCWD will prepare a Habitat Management Plan to implement the project compensatory mitigation requirements and will receive permit approval from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The HMP will be approved by CDFW prior to the start of construction activity. Mitigation Measures Bio-4, BIO-8, BIO-18, BIO-19, and BIO-21. BIO-28: Construction lighting at the sediment reentrainment area will focus on the work site to prevent off site spill-over lighting impacts to wildlife. Construction lighting fixtures will be shielded by providing a side flap on the lights BIO-29: A litter control program will be implemented during construction to eliminate the accumulation of trash. Trash shall be removed from trash receptacles at the end of each work day to discourage wildlife movement into work areas. BIO-30: The configuration of the work area at the Less than Significant Less than Significant Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-17

24 Executive Summary The Project has the potential to result in conflicts with Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Management Plan. Cultural Resources The Project will have the potential to result in adverse impacts to unknown historical and archaeological resources. The Project has the potential to result in adverse impacts to unknown Native American sacred lands. sediment storage site will be designed so when it is not in operation it would allow for wildlife movement. Such design measures will include reducing the slope and height of stockpiled sediment and providing adequate spacing between sediment stockpiles and settling ponds. Mitigation Measures BIO-2, BIO-3 and BIO-27 are required. CR-1 Prior to the start of earthwork activities OCWD will be required to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Action and receive concurrence from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) that implementation of the Project will not result in significant adverse impacts to cultural resources. CR-2: In the event previously unknown resources are uncovered during implementation of the Project, OCWD will be required to comply with 36 CFR *00.11, Properties Discovered during Implementation of an Undertaking. In such an event, additional mitigation measures will be required. These additional mitigation measures will be developed in consultation with the SHPO and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. CR-3: As part of the Project compliance with Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act and prior to the start of earthwork activities the Corps and OCWD will conduct coordination with local Native American Tribes to determine if known Native American cultural Less than Significant Less than Significant. Less than Significant. Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-18

25 Executive Summary The project area has been determined to have low sensitivity for the discovery of paleontological resources. Geology/Soils The project area is located in a seismically active area and subject to potential seismic shaking impacts. The Project will uncover soils that could be subject to erosion caused by water and wind. Greenhouse Gas The Project emissions will be less than the SCAQMD draft significance threshold. There is no greenhouse gas reduction plan applicable to the Project. Hydrology/Water Quality Sediment re-entrainment activities will occur under high flows when there is a high level of turbidity in the water. During sediment reentrainment activities the Project could temporarily exceed the Regional Water Quality resources are present within the project area. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures required. GEO-1: Prior to the start of construction OCWD will obtain coverage under the General Construction Permit by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and in compliance with the permit shall file a Notice of Intent with the Regional Water Quality Control Board and prepare and implement Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. No mitigation measures are required. No mitigation measures are required. HWQ-1: To minimize turbidity impacts sediment reentrainment will be done in a manner to recreate natural storm glow conditions to the extent practicable, by pulsing the re-entrainment over a 24 to 72 hour period with 24 hours of no re-entrainment. The project Less than Significant Less than Significant Less than Significant. Less than Significant Less than Significant Significant Adverse Impact Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-19

26 Executive Summary Control Board Basin Plan threshold for turbidity. The construction and operation activities of the Project will have the potential degrade water quality. The Project will not extract underground water supplies. Therefore, the Project will not contribute to the depletion of existing ground water supplies. will implement a water quality monitoring program to monitor turbidity levels to ensure and where feasible to adjust rates of sediment re-entrainment to minimize turbidity impacts. If levels of turbidity are below the Basin Plan threshold, the pause period could be reduced and/or concentration of solids in the slurry could be increased providing turbidity levels are below the Basin Plan threshold. HWQ-2: The project will implement a water quality monitoring program that will include procedures to monitor for organic chemicals including pesticides, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and hydrocarbons, metals, total dissolved solids, indicator bacteria and dissolved oxygen upstream in the Prado Basin reservoir pool and downstream within the waters where sediment re-entrainment would occur. The monitoring program will be implemented before construction of the Project, during operation of the Project and after the Project is completed. If significant differences between upstream and downstream samples are observed during sediment re-entrainment activities, the rate of sediment re-entrainment would be adjusted to ensure they are within acceptable thresholds of the Regional Water Quality Control Board Basin Plain. The water quality monitoring plan will be coordinated with and approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board as part of the 401 Water Quality Certification for the Project. No mitigation measures are required. Less than Significant Less than Significant Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-20

27 Executive Summary The Project has the potential to increase sediment deposition along the lower Santa Ana River. The Project construction activities will increase the potential for degraded surface water impacts. The Project has the potential to expose structures to flood risks. Land Use/Relevant Planning The Project has the potential to result in land use conflicts with the Santa Ana River Trail. The Project has the potential to result in conflicts with biological resource policies of the Riverside County General Plan. HWQ-3: During the operation of the Project OCWD will re-grade and redistribute the re-entrained sediment in recharge area to maintain adequate freeboard along the river. HWQ-4: Prior to the start of the Project OCWD will coordinate with the Orange County Flood Control District on fair share responsibility to remove sediment that builds up near the Santa Ana River Tidal Prism. Mitigation Measure GEO-1 and HWQ-2 is required. HWQ-5: During the construction and operation of the project OCWD will coordinate with the Corps on weather forecasts for the project area. In the event a storm of sufficient magnitude is predicted that could jeopardize the safety of the area, OCWD will demobilize and remove all construction equipment from the project area. L-1: During final design, construction and operation of the Project OCWD will coordinate with Riverside County Parks and Open Space District and Orange County Parks on the construction and operation of the project. Mitigation Measures BIO-3 and BIO-4 are required. Less than Significant Less than Significant Less than Significant Less than Significant Less then Significant. The Project has the potential to result in L-2: After completion of the Project, OCWD will Less then Significant. Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-21

28 Executive Summary conflicts City of Corona future park plans for the sediment storage site. The Project has the potential to be in conflict with West Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. Noise The Project has the potential to expose persons to noise levels in excess of local noise standards. The Project has the potential to cause a temporary increase in ambient noise levels. The Project will result in less than significant vibration impacts. coordinate with the City of Corona on activities to return the sediment storage site to its pre-project condition. Mitigation Measures BIO-3 and BIO-4 are required. N-1: The Project will ensure that all booster pumps and generators are contained in sound attenuation enclosures. N-2: The Project will require construction contractors to use only construction equipment that have noisereduction features, such as mufflers and engine shrouds. N-3: The Project will ensure that during sediment reentrainment activities a sound attenuation enclosure is provided around the operating crane. N-4: OCWD will demonstrate that Mitigation Measure N-3 adequately reduces noise levels to meet City of Corona night time noise standards. During operation, noise measurements will be taken. If the noise measurements are above the night time standard additional sound attenuation measures shall be implemented to meet the noise standard. Mitigation Measures N-1, N-2, N-3 and N-4 are required. No mitigation measures are required. Less than Significant Less than Significant Less than Significant Less than Significant. Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-22

29 Executive Summary Transportation/Traffic The Project mobilization and demobilization of construction equipment and will have the potential to result in traffic congestion at offsite roadways and intersections and Project construction activities could result in onsite traffic conflicts. T-1: Construction equipment mobilization and demobilization activities will not occur during peak traffic periods on public roadways. T-2: Prior to the start of mobilization and demobilization activities OCWD will coordinate with City of Corona on the availability of project access along Auto Center Drive, the need for preparation of traffic control plans and truck hauling permit requirements. T-3: Prior to the start of construction and operation of the Project OCWD will coordinate with the Corps on the preparation of traffic control plans that coordinates onsite construction traffic within the project area. Less than Significant Draft Environmental Impact Report ES-23

30 Section 1 Introduction SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose and Authority This Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the implementation of the Orange County Water District Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project (Project). This Draft EIR has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Regulations, Title 14, Section ( ) et seq. and the rules, regulations and procedures for implementing CEQA as adopted by the Orange County Water District (OCWD). This document is a Project EIR, in conformance with of CEQA Guidelines and examines the short-term construction impacts and operational impacts to the environment associated with the implementation of the Project. As the Lead Agency for the Project, OCWD must complete the environmental review to determine if the Project will create significant adverse environmental impacts. This Draft EIR is intended to serve as an informational document for public agency decision-makers and the public, allowing decisions to be informed regarding the objectives and components associated with the implementation of the Project. This Draft EIR will address the potential adverse impacts associated with implementation of the Project, as well as identify feasible mitigation measures and alternatives that may be adopted to reduce or eliminate these impacts. This Draft EIR is the primary reference document for the formulation and implementation of a mitigation monitoring program for the Project. This Draft EIR document analyzes the environmental effects of the Project to the degree of specificity appropriate to the current proposed actions, as required by of the CEQA Guidelines. This analysis considers the issues associated with the discretionary actions required for project implementation to determine the potential short-term and long-term effects. Additionally, this Draft EIR discusses both the direct and indirect impacts of this Project, as well as the cumulative impacts associated with planned and foreseeable future development within the project area. 1.2 Public Consultation The scope of this Draft EIR includes issues identified by OCWD during preparation of the Notice of Preparation of EIR (NOP) and Initial Study (IS) for the Project, and issues raised by other agencies and the public in response to Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-1

31 Section 1 Introduction the IS/NOP. The IS/NOP was circulated for the mandated 30-day review period that ended January 3, 2014 and was circulated to various federal, State, regional and local governmental agencies and other interested parties who were contacted to inform them of the Project and to solicit comments regarding project implementation. Additionally, on December 2, 2013 OCWD conducted two Scoping Meetings to discuss the Project with stakeholders in the area. Stakeholders were encouraged to submit in writing comments and concerns about the Project. Comment letters that were received during the public review period are summarized below in Table 1. The IS/NOP, along with comment letters received, are included in Appendix A of this Draft EIR. Agency/Organization Orange County Public Works Table 1: IS/NOP Comment Letters Key Issues Identified Location In DEIR Where Addressed Provide description of project characteristics Section Santa with respect to water quality issues Ana River Basin Plan Identify receiving waters that might receive Section Existing runoff from project site Environmental Setting Describe sensitivity of receiving waters Section Santa Ana River Basin plan Characterization of potential water quality Section Impact Impacts. HWQ-1 Identification of downstream hydrologic Section Impact conditions of concern affected by project. HWQ- 3, HWQ-4 Identify thresholds of significance. Section Assessment of project impact significance to Section Impact water quality HWQ-6 Identify if project has potential to create new Section Impact storm water discharge to water body with HWQ-1 TMDL. Provide cumulative analysis of water quality Section 4.0 impacts. Address project compliance with California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act The Project does not involve the sale or exchange of sediment extracted from Prado Basin. All extracted material will be re-entrained into the Santa Ana River or be transported offsite to an appropriate disposal facility. Therefore the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act will not apply to the project. Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-2

32 Section 1 Introduction California Department Fish and Wildlife Orange County Coast Keeper South Coast Air Quality Management District Endangered Habitat League California Native American Heritage Commission Yorba Linda Water District Address issues related to the placement/storage of dredged material Coordinate with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on unknown cultural resources within the Study area. Provide analysis of downstream impacts on the lower Santa Ana River below Prado Dam. The study area should extend from Prado Dam to sediment re-entrainment area. Document existing biological conditions, special status plants and wildlife species and identify measures to minimize impacts to sensitive biological resources. Discuss project consistency with Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. Evaluate cumulative impacts to biological resources. Section Impact HWQ-5 Section 3.4 Section Impacts HWQ-3, HWQ-4 Section Existing Environmental Setting Santa Ana River Section Impact BIO-1 Section Impact BIO-5 Section 4.4 Evaluate alternatives to the project. Section 6.0 Characterize use of extracted sediments and materials Identify scope of methods to restore impacted areas. Provide analysis of en-entrained sediments including grain size, depth and quantification of potential contamination Section Impact BIO-1Santa Ana Sucker Section Proposed Mitigation Concept Section Impact BIO-1Santa Ana Sucker Project effects on aesthetic resources Section Project effects on biological resources Section Analysis of potential geologic and soil Section constraints and project impacts. Project effects on hydrology and water Section quality of Santa Ana River Project traffic impacts Section Project noise impacts Section and Consideration of Alternatives Section 6.0 Identify all potential adverse regional and Section Impact local air quality impacts from construction AIR-2, AIR-3, AIR-4 and operation of project. Letter of Support Appendix A Project impacts in Native American Sacred Lands Define criteria for higher flow conditions Section Impact C-3 Section 2.3 and Section 2.5 Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-3

33 Section 1 Introduction 1.3 Effects Determined Not Significant In accordance with Section (c) of the CEQA guidelines, based on the evaluations and findings in the IS/NOP certain environmental issues were determined to be less than significant or less than significant with the incorporation of mitigation measures, and therefore do not require further evaluation in this Draft EIR. The IS/NOP located in Appendix A of this Draft EIR provides the evaluations and findings that determined these issues to be less than significant or less than significant with the incorporation of mitigation measures. These issues include: Mineral Resources Population/Housing Public Services Utilities 1.4 Effects Determined To Be Potentially Significant Based on the findings in the IS/NOP, a determination was made that a Draft EIR was required to address potential significant environmental effects of the Project. The scope of this Draft EIR includes issues identified by the OCWD during the preparation of the IS/NOP for the Project, as well as environmental issues identified by agencies (see Table 1) and the public in response to the IS/NOP. The following issues were determined to be potentially significant and are addressed in this Draft EIR: Air Quality Biological Resources Cultural Resources Geology/Soils Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hydrology and Water Quality Hazards Noise Aesthetics Traffic/Transportation Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-4

34 Section 1 Introduction 1.5 Review of the Draft EIR Upon completion of this Draft EIR, OCWD has filed a Notice of Completion (NOC) with the State Office of Planning and Research to begin the public review period (Public Resources Code, Section 21161). Concurrent with the NOC, OCWD distributed a Notice of Availability (NOA) in accordance with of the CEQA Guidelines. This Draft EIR has been distributed to responsible and trustee agencies, other affected agencies, surrounding cities and municipalities, and all interested parties requesting a copy of this Draft EIR in accordance with Public Resources Code 21092(b)(3). During the public review period, this Draft EIR, including the technical appendices, will be available for review at the following location: Orange County Water District Ward Street Fountain Valley, CA Anaheim Public Library 500 W. Broadway Anaheim, CA, Corona Public Library 650 South Main Street Corona, CA Agencies, organizations, and interested parties not previously contacted, or who did not respond to the NOP, currently have the opportunity to comment on this Draft EIR during the 45-day public review period. Written comments on this Draft EIR should be addressed to: Daniel Bott, Principal Planner Orange County Water District Ward Street Fountain Valley, CA Comments may also be sent by to Daniel Bott at dbott@ocwd.com Draft Environmental Impact Report 1-5

35 Section 2 Project Description SECTION Background PROJECT DESCRIPTION Prado Dam is an existing earth-filled dam that was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) in 1941 to control floods occurring in the Santa Ana River Watershed. Prado Dam s primary purpose and beneficial use is flood control and the secondary beneficial use is water conservation. Through a joint agreement with OCWD and the Corps, the Corps temporarily stores water at Prado Dam for groundwater recharge purposes. Since commencement of operations at Prado Dam, sedimentation has occurred behind Prado Dam restricting the amount of sediment transported to the lower Santa Ana River and the beaches near the outlet of the river. Over time the sediment has accumulated in the Prado Dam reservoir area which is referred to as the Prado Basin. The accumulation of sediment in Prado Basin has reduced the amount of water conservation storage available for OCWD groundwater recharge operations. Since 1941, data suggests that at least 25,000 acre feet of storage has been lost below the 505 foot elevation due to sediment accumulation behind the dam. If the storage loss continues unabated at this rate of about 360 acre feet per year, ultimately all water conservation storage will be lost. Without sediment management, Prado Basin will continue to accumulate sediment and reduce water conservation storage. In addition to reduced storage below the dam is potentially associated with a number of downstream impacts, such as increased erosion and incising of the river bottom, reduced riparian habitat along the banks of the river, armoring of the river and lower groundwater infiltration rates. In response for the need for sediment management at Prado Basin, OCWD is proposing a sediment management demonstration project that will remove between 250,000 and 500,000 cubic yards of material from the Prado Basin and re-entrain it in a controlled manner back into the lower Santa Ana River, downstream of Prado Dam. When completed the sediment management demonstration project will provide data, conclusions and recommendations to assess whether to implement a long-term sediment management program at Prado Basin and if so to help design and implement that program. Any future long term sediment management program proposed in the Prado Basin would need to have subsequent CEQA environmental documentation prepared. 2.2 Project Area Setting The project area is situated within the Prado Basin in western Riverside County. As shown in Figure 1 Prado Basin is bordered to the south by State Route 91 and to the west by State Route 71. The most significant structure in the Prado Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-1

36 Section 2 Project Description Basin is Prado Dam. The dam provides flood control for 2,225 square miles of the 2,650 square mile Santa Ana River Watershed. There are four major water bodies that drain into the Prado Basin; Santa Ana River, Chino Creek, Cucamonga Creek/Mill Creek and Temescal Creek. All of these water bodies converge and are impounded behind Prado Dam in a flood control pool during storm flow conditions. Depending on the elevation of the impounded water, the Corps operates Prado Dam by providing controlled condition releases from the flood control pool to the Santa Ana River for use use by OCWD to replenish the Orange County Groundwater Basin. The water surface elevation of the impounded pool in Prado Basin varies depending on the time of year, basin inflow and basin outflow, while taking into account flood control, water conservation and natural resource objectives. The flood control activities at Prado Dam require that vast portions of Prado Basin be inundated with water for periods of time. These periods of inundation influence vegetation and wildlife at Prado Basin and has created the largest riparian forest in southern California. The periods of inundation also significantly restricts access and activities occurring in the Prado Basin. From May to September there is typically no impoundment of water behind Prado Dam. The Corps temporarily captures storm water to elevation 498 feet during the flood season and to elevation 505 feet during the non-flood season 2.3 Project Activities The OCWD is proposing a sediment management demonstration project that will remove between 250,000 and 500,000 cubic yards of sediment from the Prado Basin and re-entrain it in a controlled manner back into the lower Santa Ana River, downstream of Prado Dam. The Project will be implemented behind Prado Dam within the Prado Basin reservoir area. As part of the planning process for the Project, OCWD evaluated a series of alternative sediment removal channel locations along the Santa Ana River, Chino Creek and Temescal Wash. Through this process, the Santa Ana River was identified as the most feasible water body to remove sediment, in terms of quantity of sediment removed and least amount of potential impacts to sensitive biological resources. In comparison to the other water bodies, the Santa Ana River provides significantly more favorable sediments (more sands and less silts) for downstream re-entrainment as well as constant source of sediment replenishment. Because of its more favorable conditions, the Santa Ana River is the only water body proposed for sediment removal activities. Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-2

37 Chino Creek Mill Creek OCWD Wetlands A«Santa Ana River Temescal Wash Sediment Removal Channel Corona Airport K:\Prado\SedimentManagementPlan\MXD\EIR2014\F1_PradoRegional.mxd Sediment Re-entrainment Area Prado Dam Sediment Storage Site E & Green Waste Site AÆ Corona Wastewater Treatment Plant?» ,500 Feet Aerial Imagery Eagle Aerial Spring 2012 Proposed Project Areas Prado Basin SMDP Regional Vicinity Map Figure 1

38 Section 2 Project Description The Project involves three primary activities; the construction and operation of a sediment removal channel, the construction and operation of sediment storage and handling areas and green waste processing area, and sediment reentrainment. The components of the Project are shown on Figure 2. Sediment Removal Channel The sediment removed from Prado Basin for re-entrainment will be removed from a sediment removal channel. The sediment removal channel will parallel the alignment of the Santa Ana River in the southeast portion of Prado Basin. Portions of the lands where the sediment removal channel will be located are owned by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and OCWD. The western end of the sediment removal channel is located approximately 1,700 feet from the Prado Dam outlet works structure. As shown in Figure 3 the sediment removal channel has a length of 6,000 feet, a width of 200 feet and a depth of 12 feet. A 30 foot wide dirt access road will be provided along both sides of the channel alignment and between the sediment removal channel and the sediment storage site. The access road along the sediment removal channel will provide a buffer between the sediment removal activities and adjacent habitat areas. To minimize potential erosion of the sediment removal channel, the top of the side slopes of the channel will periodically be re-shaped. Additionally the access roads along the channel will be maintained and repaired when needed. The access roads will be maintained during the operation of the Project and during the post-operation site restoration and monitoring periods. After the monitoring period, OCWD will reestablish the access roads with native vegetation. A 300 foot buffer area is also proposed around the perimeter of the sediment channel. The intent of the buffer area is to allow for modifications to the alignment during the detail design phase to minimize impacts to sensitive biological resources. Additionally, the sediment removal channel will include a 300 foot vegetation buffer at the downstream end of the channel to decrease potential impacts from floating debris to the Prado Dam outlet structure. In order to construct the sediment removal channel all vegetation within the alignment of the channel will have to be removed. The alignment of the channel to the maximum extent possible will extend through areas that contain arundo or other non-native vegetation. The vegetation removal will occur outside of nesting season. The vegetation removal and clearing activities will be conducted when the water elevation behind Prado Dam is lowered enough to expose the base of the vegetation. The above-ground vegetation will be cleared, followed by removal of the vegetation root system. The removed vegetation will be trucked to the green waste processing area, shown on Figure 2 to be processed and converted to mulch and/or firewood. Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-4

39 A«Sediment Removal Channel Green Waste Site Sediment Storage Site E K:\Prado\SedimentManagementPlan\MXD\EIR2014\F2_PipelineAlternative3.mxd Sediment Re-entrainment Area AÆ ,500 Feet Proposed Access Roads Above Ground Pipeline Prado Basin SMDP Proposed Project Aerial Imagery Eagle Aerial Spring 2012 Figure 2

40 ! Existing Vegetation to Remain Approximate Clearing and Grubbing Limits Existing Vegetation to Remain! ôó õôó Access / Haul Route Approximate Sediment Removal Limits Access / Haul Route Path: K:\Prado\SedimentManagementPlan\MXD\EIR2013\SeptFigures\Fig3_ChannelCrossSection.mxd õ ' 30' 24' 152' 24' 30' 260' 12' 2 1 *Figure not to scale Prado Basin SMDP Sediment Removal Channel - Typical Cross-section View Figure 3

41 Section 2 Project Description Once the vegetation is removed from the alignment of the sediment removal channel heavy equipment will begin the excavation of sediment removal channel, outside of the river channel, to create a pool for hydraulic dredging of the sediment material. The material removed from the basin will be used to create a diversion berm between the river and the sediment removal channel. An area approximately 200 feet in length, 200 feet width and 12 feet in depth will be excavated to create a pool to place the dredge in. A portion of the Santa Ana River flows will be diverted into the sediment removal channel. A temporary, gated pipe will be placed through the diversion berm into the sediment removal channel to control the flow of water into the dredging pool. A 1/8 inch fish screen will be secured to the gated pipe and a 1/8 inch blocking net will be installed along the river, upstream of the diversion berm. The fish screen and blocking net will prevent both native and non-native fish from entering into the sediment removal channel. Prior to the start of dredging, the segment of the river between the diversion berm and the upstream blocking net will be seined daily and non-native fish and if present native fish will be removed. The native fish will be relocated to a suitable location outside of the project area. Any flow that is not diverted into the sediment removal channel will be allowed to flow around channel and through the Prado Basin as usual. When dredging is not occurring, the gated inlet pipe into the sediment removal channel would be closed to prevent incoming flows. The water levels in the dredging pool will be lowered by a combination of the water infiltrating into the ground and water drained through a screened outlet pipe. The dredging barge will travel up and down the sediment removal channel by anchoring spuds into the ground. As the suction pipeline operates one of the spuds is lifted while the other remains anchored. The barge will then pivot around the anchored spud causing the barge to rotate. This process is known as walking and is repeated along the entire sediment removal channel while drawing in slurry. As the barge walks along the sediment removal channel, a discharge pipeline will trail behind the hydraulic dredger while floating on top of the water surface. The channel will have slight downward slope, pending on where the dredging is occurring the water depth within the channel could range from zero to 12 feet. The collected sediment slurry will be conveyed to a sediment storage site through a temporary above ground 12 inch to 18 diameter inch discharge pipeline with the assistance of booster pumps. Pending on climate conditions, river flows will be diverted for three years into the sediment removal channel. After the third year, dredging within the sediment removal channel would cease and the diversion berm will be removed to allow the channel to fill up with river Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-7

42 Section 2 Project Description water and sediment. The rate of re-filling will depend upon rainfall conditions. It is anticipated that after dredging has ceased the channel will re-fill with sediment in approximately 2 years. It is anticipated that storm events could occur which could damage or wash away the diversion berm. In the event a significant storm event occurs that threatens the safety of personnel or equipment, the dredging barge and other heavy equipment would be demobilized and staged in an upland location approved by the Corps. In the event demobilization occurs, most likely the re-mobilization of construction equipment and reconstruction of the sediment removal channel and diversion berm will occur after the storm season. If the depth of the water in the basin is not high enough to require de mobilization of the construction equipment, the diversion berm will be reconstructed. Prior to re-construction of the diversion berm the water in the sediment channel will be lowered by a combination of letting the infiltrate into the ground and draining the water through a gated outlet pipe or by pumping the water out of the channel into the Santa Ana River. Once the water is low enough the sediment removal channel both native fish and nonnative fish will be removed. Any native fish removed will be relocated to suitable habitat upstream of the project area. Sediment Storage and Handling Area and Green Waste Processing Area The vegetation and sediment removed from the sediment removal channel will be processed at a acre site located south of the sediment removal channel. The site is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Currently, the City of Corona has a lease with the Corps for potential parks uses of the site. The vegetation from the sediment removal channel will be processed into mulch. The slurry collected from the hydraulic dredging will be dried out and processed at the sediment storage site to prepare it for re-entrainment into the river. Once adequate flows occur the sediment will remixed with water and the slurry will be conveyed to the sediment re-entrainment area. Sediment Re-entrainment Activities The sediment re-entrainment activities will occur along the Prado dam outlet channel. The outlet channel is on lands owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. When flows of 500 cfs and greater are released from Prado Dam, the dried out sediment will be re-mixed into a slurry using water from the flood control basin. A suction/discharge line with the assistance of a portable pump will pump water from the flood control basin to the sediment storage site for re-mixing. Once the slurry is re-mixed it will be pumped from the storage site through a temporary above ground 12-inch to 18-diameter inch pipeline to the sediment reentrainment area. The discharge pipeline will be located along the levee of the Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-8

43 Section 2 Project Description outlet channel. A crane will be position on the levee to secure the discharge end of the re-entrainment pipeline to insure even distribution of sediment into the Santa Ana River. 2.4 Project Monitoring Programs One of the purposes of the Project is to provide data, conclusions and recommendations to help design and implement a long-term sediment management program at Prado Basin. A series of monitoring plans have been incorporated into the Project to measure the effects to water quality, wildlife and aquatic species, riparian habitat and to the substrate of the Sana Ana River. The following is a summary of the project monitoring programs. Sensitive Species Monitoring Program The Project will implement Sensitive Species Monitoring Program to monitor the presence of special status species occurring in the project area and the quantity and quality of habitat during the duration of the Project. The focus of the program will be onsite monitoring conducted by qualified biologist, approved by CDFW to help direct project activities to avoid and/or minimize impacts to sensitive biological resources. The onsite biologist will 1) inspect the project site for any special status wildlife species and prepare a list of species observed and record their activity during construction and operation of the project, 2) ensure that habitats within the construction activity impact area are not occupied by special status species and the quality of that habitat is maintained, 3) in the event of the discovery of a special status species the biologist will determine if the project activity will cause adverse impacts and 4) if it is determined that the project activity will have the potential to adversely affect special status species and no other measures are available to avoid adverse impacts, the biologist will require the project activity to cease in that area until the species is no longer in harm s way or is relocated outside of the construction activity impact area. Riparian Habitat Monitoring Program The Project will implement a Riparian Habitat Monitoring Program to determine project effects in the lower Santa Ana River riparian habitat. Baseline surveys will be conducted in the soft bottom portions of the lower Santa Ana River to document existing habitat conditions and changes to riparian habitat after the Project is completed. A combination of aerial photography of before and after conditions and will be conducted. The monitoring plan will be implemented annually for 5 years following conclusion of the Project. Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-9

44 Section 2 Project Description Water Quality Monitoring Program The Project will implement a water quality monitoring plan that will monitor for a wide range of constituents. The monitoring program will include testing water quality for organic chemicals including pesticides, PCBs, PAHs and hydrocarbons, metals, turbidity, total dissolved solids, major ions, nutrients, and indicator bacteria. Water quality samples will be collected at multiple locations, including in the Prado Basin reservoir pool, at the below Prado Dam sampling location, and downstream within the waters where sediment re-entrainment will occur. The monitoring program will be implemented before construction of the project, during operation of the Project and after the Project is completed. The pre-project evaluation will include additional sampling of the sediment from the alignment along where sediment removal is to occur. Samples will be collected from bores advanced to the anticipated bottom of the dredge. Approximately 20 bores will be conducted. Sediment samples from the bores will be analyzed for grain size, metals, pesticides, PCBs, ammonia, and indicator bacteria. Aliquots of sediment samples from the bores will be used to further evaluate potential water quality impacts from the project by mixing the sediment with water to create a slurry similar to the slurry anticipated from the dredging. The supernatant from the sediment/water mixture will be tested for a range of constituents including metals, boron, oil and grease, pesticides, PCBs, ammonia, bacterial indicators, TDS, field parameters including dissolved oxygen, sulfides, MBAS, and turbidity. These analyses will be completed before sediment is dredged from the area of the corresponding bore and the data will be used to determine if any sediment should be left in place and not dredged. During re-entrainment of sediment, water quality sampling will be conducted at below Prado Dam (upstream of the re-entrainment site) and at a location immediately down gradient of the re-entrainment site. Comparison of the water quality data from these two sites will be used to assess water quality changes during the project. If significant differences between upstream and downstream samples are observed during sediment re-entrainment activities, the rate of sediment re-entrainment will be adjusted to ensure they are within acceptable threshold ranges that are provided in the Regional Water Quality Control Board s Basin Plan. However, because sediment re-entrainment will occur under high flow with elevated levels turbidity, there could be a temporary increase over the turbidity threshold level. The water quality sampling methodologies, sample frequency, and locations will be coordinated with and approved by Regional Water Quality Control Board prior to the start of any construction activity. Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-10

45 Section 2 Project Description Dam Operations and Structures Monitoring Program The Project will implement a Dam Operations and Structures Monitoring Program to determine if removal of sediments from Prado Basin affects dam seepage. The monitoring program will monitor and evaluate pre-project and post-project condition water levels near the dam. Water levels will be monitored with use of piezometers, boring samples or other approaches approved by the Corps. Sediment Movement Monitoring Program The Project will implement a Sediment Movement Monitoring Program to determine sediment profile changes in the Prado Basin and along segments of the lower Santa Ana River and upstream of sediment removal channel. The purpose of the monitoring plan to monitor changes to sediment deposition and erosion patterns along the lower Santa Ana River and head cutting and migration of sediments into the Prado Basin. The monitoring program will calculate volumes removed by dredging, volumes that accumulate after dredging, volumes that erode after dredging, areas of disposition and erosion. Sediment elevations will be surveyed and mapped at 0.15 meter contours throughout the lower Santa Ana River and upstream of the sediment removal channel within the Prado Basin. Airborne LiDar Bathymetry (ALB) will be used to conduct the surveys. The technique will involve the following methodology; A flight zone will be established with the appropriate sounding density for the LiDAR. A 1 meter by 1 meter would be appropriate for the lower Santa Ana River and upstream of the sediment removal channel. The flight elevation and number of paths are established for soundings. The aircraft is selected based on the sounding density, flight elevation, and number of paths. GPS base stations are established at a minimum of locations based on the total area to be surveyed. These stations will be used to tie the LiDAR results into a map grid and to verify LiDAR elevations. The survey is conducted The data is processed digitally and visually inspected by a photogrammetrist. Maps are plotted. Plots are verified by the GPS base station points and adjustments made as necessary. Within the Prado Basin, where ALP is not feasible due to water depths, surveys would be conducted with standard bathymetric methods with vessels utilizing ground positioning satellite equipment and depth sounding equipment such as Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-11

46 Section 2 Project Description sonar or mechanical sounding equipment. The bathymetric sediment profiles would be to the same precision as sediment profile contours elsewhere. 2.5 Construction Operations Site Access Regional access to the project area will be provided from State Route 91 and State Route 71. Local access into the project area will be provided from a combination of existing access roads. Potential access routes into the project area could include Serfas Club Drive to Auto Center Drive, Lincoln Avenue to Railroad Street and on an existing dirt service road located along the shoulder of the north side of the Santa Ana River. Pre-Construction Phasing Plan The Project will be implemented in several phases over a period of up to five years beginning in winter of The schedule of the Project is largely driven by environmental and climate conditions. As shown in Table 2 the Project will be performed in 6 distinct phases. Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5 Phase 6 Phase Table 2: Phasing Plan Activity Pre-Construction Monitoring Site Preparation Infrastructure Construction Sediment Removal Sediment Re-entrainment Monitoring, Mitigation and Site Restoration Phase 1: Construction Monitoring Phase 1 involves monitoring and data collection to establish baseline conditions in Prado Basin, in the area around Prado Dam and in the lower Santa Ana River from Prado Dam to the Pacific Ocean, prior to beginning construction activities. Wildlife and habitat in these areas will be monitored and surveyed to identify the presence of special status species and the quantity and quality of habitat. Additional studies will be performed to identify the physical characteristics of the project area, such as sediment quantities/locations, basin and river geometry and water quality parameters. Field activities for this phase of the Project include surveys and data collection. Vehicle access to the project area will occur along existing service roads. If existing service roads are not available, then access to the project area will occur by foot travel. The construction monitoring activities will occur before construction, during operation of the Project and after the Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-12

47 Section 2 Project Description Project is completed. The construction activity time frames and construction equipment mix for Phase 1 is shown in Table 3. Activity Water Quality Data Collection Wildlife/Habitat Monitoring Sediment Surveys Table 3: Phase 1: Pre-Construction Monitoring Equipment Description Equipment Quantity Hours Per Day Total Days Hours (Total) HP Rating Start Date Pickup Truck Dec Pickup Truck Feb Pickup Truck May 2015 Phase 2: Site Preparation Phase 2 involves the clearing, grubbing and rough grading of the sediment removal channel, access roads and the sediment storage site. A portion of the sediment storage site will be used to process the green waste from the vegetation clearing activities. Approximately 500 truck trips will be required to transport the removed vegetation from the sediment removal channel to the green waste processing site. Minor grading will also be performed to level the area for access roads and for the placement of above ground pipeline alignments. Geotechnical borings will also be performed during this phase along the alignment of the sediment removal channel. The site preparation activities will begin in September of 2015 and is anticipated to end January of The construction activity time frames and construction equipment mix for Phase 2 is shown in Table 4. Table 4: Phase 2: Site Preparation Activity Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing Clearing and Grubbing Equipment Description Equipment Quantity Hours Per Day Total Days Hours (Total) HP Rating Start Date Bulldozer Sep Tracked Sep Excavator Skidder Sep Off-Road Haul Oct Truck Dump Truck , Oct Tub Grinder Sep Wheel Loader Oct Water Truck Oct Work Truck , Sep Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-13

48 Section 2 Project Description Grading Bulldozer Oct Grading Tracked Skid Oct Loader Grading Water Truck Oct Grading Work Truck Oct Geotech Drill Rig Nov Borings (Truck Mounted) Geotech Bulldozer Nov Borings Geotech Borings Work Truck Nov Phase 3 Infrastructure Construction Phase 3 involves the construction of the temporary above ground pipelines, sediment storage area and re-entrainment facility. The Phase 3 infrastructure construction activity will begin in November of 2015 and will be anticipated to end in January of The construction activity and construction equipment mix for Phase 3 is shown in Table 5. Table 5: Phase 3 Infrastructure Construction Activity Equipment Description Equipment Quantity Hours Per Day Total Days Hours (Total) HP Rating Start Date Pipelines Bulldozer Nov Pipelines Tracked Nov Excavator Pipelines All Terrain Nov Forklift Pipelines Tracked Skid Nov Loader Pipelines Work Truck Nov Grading Bulldozer Oct Grading Tracked Skid Oct Loader Grading Scraper Oct Grading Compactor Oct Grading Water Truck Oct Grading Work Truck Oct Reentrainment Crane Dec Facility Reentrainment Backhoe Dec Facility Loader Reentrainment Facility Work Truck Dec Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-14

49 Section 2 Project Description Phase 4 Sediment Removal Phase 4 involves the activities in Prado Basin to remove the sediment from the sediment removal channel and transport it to the sediment storage site. A hydraulic dredge will be used to remove the sediment from the sediment removal channel. The removed sediment will be pumped along an above ground pipeline to the sediment storage site. Booster pumps will be required along the discharge line to transport the material. Once the sediment reaches the sediment storage site the water/sediment mixture will be separated in settling basins to remove the water. Once the water has been removed the sediment will be stockpiled to await re-entrainment. If excessive amount of debris are encountered, some of the sediment could be excavated with heavy equipment and loaded onto off-road haul trucks or scrapers and hauled to the storage site and stockpiled to await reentrainment. The dredging activities will begin November of 2015 and will occur for 188 days over a three year period. The construction activity timeframes and construction equipment mix for Phase 4 is shown in Table 6. Table 6: Phase 4 Sediment Removal Activity Equipment Description Equipment Quantity Hours Per Day Total Days Hours (Total) HP Rating Start Date Dredge Hydraulic Dredge , Jan Dredge Workboat , Jan Dredge Wheel Loader , Jan Dredge Scraper , Jan Dredge Booster Pump , Jan Dredge Work Truck Jan Phase 5 Sediment Re-entrainment Phase 5 involves activities for the re-entrainment of sediment when high flow releases, 500 cfs and greater are occurring from Prado Dam. This will be accomplished by mixing the dry sediment with water in the storage area and pumping the resulting slurry into the lower Santa Ana River immediately downstream of the concrete outlet channel. An above ground discharge line and booster pumps will transport the slurry to the outlet channel. At the outlet channel a crane will be used to position and rotate the discharge line to ensure the sediment is discharged evenly in the sediment re-entrainment area. The sediment re-entrainment will begin in January of 2016 and occur for 43 days over Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-15

50 Section 2 Project Description a four year period. The construction activity time frames and construction equipment mix for Phase 5 is shown in Table 7. Table 7: Phase 5 Sediment Re-entrainment Activity Equipment Description Equipment Quantity Hours Per Day Total Days Hours (Total) HP Rating Start Date Re-entrainment Hydraulic Feed Pump Nov Re-entrainment Water Makeup Pump Nov Re-entrainment Wheel Loader , Nov Re-entrainment Bulldozer Nov Re-entrainment Booster Pump , Nov Re-entrainment Work Truck Nov Re-entrainment Crane Nov Phase 6 Monitoring and Site Restoration Phase 6 activities include those required to monitor and collect data for the Project as well as to restore portions of the site disturbed by the project. The monitoring/data collection will include light vehicle traffic to different areas to assess wildlife/habitat conditions and to measure sediment transport rates. Site restoration will include removal of all equipment from the project site and regrading the sediment storage area to pre-project conditions. The monitoring and site restoration actives will begin in November of 2016 and will extend up to five years after the Project is completed. The construction activity and construction equipment mix for Phase 6 is shown in Table 8. Table 8: Phase 6 Monitoring and Site Restoration Activity Equipment Description Equipment Quantity Hours Per Day Total Days Hours (Total) HP Rating Start Date Monitoring Work Truck Nov Monitoring Workboat Nov Monitoring Airplane Nov Mitigation Bulldozer Jan Site Wheel Jan. Restoration Site Restoration Loader 2017 Dump Truck , Jan Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-16

51 Section 2 Project Description Site Restoration Site Restoration Site Restoration Site Restoration Site Restoration Site Restoration Site Restoration Work Truck Jan Bulldozer Mar Tracked Mar. Excavator 2017 Crane Mar Wheel Mar. Loader 2017 Water Truck Mar Work Truck Mar CEQA Project Objectives Section of CEQA Guidelines requires the Lead Agency to identify project objectives to help identify a reasonable range of alternatives to the project to evaluate in the EIR and to aid decision makers in preparing findings or a statement of overriding considerations if necessary. Below are the CEQA objectives for the Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project. Remove between 250,000 and 500,000 cubic yards of sediment material from Prado Basin to prevent further loss of storage capacity and to enhance water storage conservation capabilities. Prevent further degradation of the Santa Ana River due to sedimentstarved stream flows. Allow operation of Prado Dam to take place to maximize water diversion and infiltration between Imperial Highway and the 22 Freeway. Enhance and restore habitat in the Santa Ana River by preventing further degradation of certain areas of the river through sediment transport processes. Increase recharge rates in the Santa Ana River by reducing the armoring and incising of the river bed. Reduce coastal erosion processes by providing sediment to the Santa Ana River that will reach the Pacific Ocean. Enhance and restore high value habitat in Prado basin by preventing further accumulation of sediments in Prado basin. Minimize impacts to native vegetation within the Prado Basin. Collect data and monitor project effects. Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-17

52 Section 2 Project Description 2.7 Permits and Approvals The EIR prepared for the Sediment Management Demonstration Project will be used as the supporting CEQA documentation for the following approvals and permits. Orange County Water District Approval Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Permit Regional Water Quality Control Board 401 Water Quality Certification Regional Water Quality Control Board General Construction Storm Water NPDES permit California Department Fish and Game Streambed Alteration Agreement County of Orange County Encroachment Permit California Department of Transportation Encroachment Permit City of Corona Haul Permit Draft Environmental Impact Report 2-18

53 SECTION 3 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Sections 3.1 through 3.11 of this Draft EIR contain discussions of the potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the Orange County Water District Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project (Project). Environmental Issues The following environmental issues are addressed in this Draft EIR. Aesthetics, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology/Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards, Hydrology and Water Quality, Noise, and Transportation/Traffic. Impact Analysis Format The Draft EIR analysis section contains the following components: Regulatory Framework provides an understanding of the regulatory environment associated with the Project. Existing Environmental Setting identifies and describes the existing onsite physical environmental conditions associated with each of the impact sections. The Thresholds of Significance is the thresholds to determine if an impact is significant. Unless specifically identified within each environmental issue section of this document, the thresholds of significance used are those contained in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. Project Impacts describe environmental changes to the existing physical conditions that may occur if the proposed project is implemented, and evaluates these changes with respect to the thresholds of significance. Mitigation Measures are those specific measures that may be required of the Project by the Lead Agency in order to: (1) avoid an impact; (2) minimize an impact; (3) rectify an impact by restoration; (4) reduce or eliminate an impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations; or (5) compensate for the impact by replacing or providing substitute resources. Level of Significance after Mitigation describes the level of impact significance remaining after mitigation measures have been incorporated into the Project and implemented. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-1

54 3.1 AESTHETICS RESOURCES This section addresses the aesthetic and visual quality of the region and the local project area and evaluates potential aesthetic effects on visual resources and public views Regulatory Framework State Scenic Highway The State Scenic Highway Program was established to preserve and protect scenic highway corridors from change that will diminish the aesthetic value of lands adjacent to State highways. A scenic highway is designated under this program when a local jurisdiction adopts a scenic corridor protection program, applies to the California Department of Transportation for scenic highway approval and receives notification from California Department of Transportation that the highway has been designated as a Scenic Highway. According to the California Department of Transportation Scenic Highways Program, within the vicinity of the project area both State Route 71 and State Route 91 are Eligible State Scenic Highways. The location of both Eligible State Scenic Highways is relation to the project area is shown in Figure 4. Riverside County General Plan The Riverside County General Plan also identifies State Route 71 and State Route 91 as Eligible State Scenic Highways within the vicinity of the project area. The General Plan includes policies to provide for the protection of views from scenic highways Existing Environmental Setting The Prado Basin is the largest riparian forest in southern California. The basin is situated within the Santa Ana Canyon against the backdrop of the Chino Hills to the west. The southeast area of the basin contains Prado Dam which is the most significant structure in the basin. The aesthetic character of Prado Basin is natural open space. The open space aesthetic resources in the basin are influenced by the operation of Prado Dam. The dominate visual element in the basin is open water when the water level in the reservoir area is high. The dominate visual element in the basin is riparian forest lands when the water level in reservoir area is low. Other scenic resources in Prado Basin include; the Santa Ana River, Chino Creek and Mills Creek. The area contains large expanses of open space which provides visual relief to a predominately urbanized area. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-2

55 A«Sediment Removal Channel Green Waste Site Sediment Storage Site E K:\Prado\SedimentManagementPlan\MXD\EIR2014\F4_ScenicHighways.mxd Sediment Re-entrainment Area AÆ ,500 Aerial Imagery Eagle Aerial Spring 2012 Feet Eligible Scenic Highways Prado Basin SMDP Eligible State Scenic Highways Figure 4

56 Sweeping views of the Prado Basin is provided off of State Route 71, which is significantly higher in elevation. Other public scenic vistas into Prado Basin are provided from Chino Hills State Park, State Route 91 and from the Santa Ana River Trail. The interior of basin is natural open space and generally free of night time lighting and glare. The southwestern area of the basin near State Route 71 and State Route 91 is impacted with lighting from vehicle traffic. The closest sensitive receptor to the project area is existing residential land uses located approximately ½ mile west of the sediment re-entrainment area Thresholds of Significance Will the Project result in a substantial and permanent modification of a scenic vista? Will the Project damage scenic resources, including but limited to trees, rock outpourings, and historic buildings within a State Highway? Will the Project cause a substantial change to the aesthetic character of the project area? Will the Project create new sources of light and glare? Project Impacts IMPACT AR-1: Will the Project result in a substantial and permanent modification of a scenic vista? Public views into Prado Basin are provided from Chino Hills State Park, State Route 71 and State Route 91, and the Santa Ana River Trail. During construction and operation of the Project public views into portions of Prado Basin may be interrupted with construction equipment and construction activity. The aesthetic impacts will be confined to specific locations in Prado Basin where project construction and operational activities will occur and will not reduce the overall scenic value of the Prado Basin. The Santa Ana River Trail is proposed to extend along the perimeter of the sediment storage site and green waste processing site. The sediment storage and processing and green waste processing activities will be within the view shed of trail users along the Santa Ana River Trail. The impacts will be short term and once the Project is completed, all construction activity will cease and scenic views into Prado Basin will return to its pre-project condition. The short term adverse changes to existing scenic vistas within the project area will not be significant. Level of Impact before Mitigation Less than significant impact. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-4

57 Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required. Level of Impact after Mitigation Less than significant impact. IMPACT AR-2: Will the Project damage scenic resources, including but limited to trees, rock outpourings, and historic buildings within a State Highway? According to the California Department of Transportation Scenic Highways Program, both State Route 71 and State Route 91 are designated Eligible State Scenic Highways. During the construction and operation of the Project some activities may be within the view shed of motorist along State Route 91 and State Route 71. Existing views into Prado Basin will temporarily be replaced with construction equipment and construction activity. However, the impact will be short term and once the project is completed all construction activity will cease and existing views from State Route 91 and State Route 71 will return to their pre-project condition. With the implementation of Mitigation Measure A-1 potential significant impacts to scenic resources along a State Scenic Highway will be reduced to a less than significant level. Level of Impact before Mitigation Potential significant impact. Mitigation Measures A-1: After the Project is completed OCWD will return all areas impacted by the project to their pre-project condition to the maximum extent feasible. Level of Impact after Mitigation Less than significant impact. IMPACT AR-3: Will the Project cause a substantial change to the aesthetic character of the project area? The majority of the project area is undisturbed open space consisting of a mix riparian forest lands and upland vegetation. The construction and operation of the Project will result in short term aesthetic changes to the project area. The aesthetic changes to the project area will occur from the removal vegetation from the sediment removal channel and from the sediment storage site and from the onsite sediment processing activities. However, views of the project activities will most likely be obstructed because of the distances between the project activities and the public vistas and from the presence of dense vegetation. Once the Project is completed the portions of the project area disturbed by the Project will Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-5

58 be returned to its pre-project condition. With the implementation of Mitigation Measure A-1 potential adverse changes to aesthetic character of the project area will be reduced to a less than significant level. Level of Impact before Mitigation Potential significant impact. Mitigation Measure Mitigation Measure A-1 is required. Level of Impact after Mitigation Less than significant impact. IMPACT AR-4: Will the Project create new sources of light and glare? When adequate flows are available the sediment re-entrainment activities at the sediment re-entrainment area could operate up to 24 hours a day until the surface water flows are reduced below the required flow rate. To insure safe working conditions at the work site, night time lighting will be required. Within approximately ½ mile of the sediment re-entrainment area there are existing residential uses. There is some potential that existing residential uses within the line of sight of the flood lights could be adversely affected by spill over lighting. With the implementation of Mitigation Measure A-2 and A-3 potential adverse light and glare impacts will be reduced to a less than significant level. Level of Impact before Mitigation Potential significant impact. Mitigation Measures A-2: Construction lighting fixtures will be shielded by providing side flap on lights. Onsite construction lighting will be arranged so that direct rays will not shine in or produce glares to nearby residential uses. A-3: If the onsite construction lighting creates a lighting or glare problem for residential properties, OCWD will implement corrective measures to resolve the problem. Such corrective measures would include raising height of temporary construction walls or other shielding for lighting, providing additional shielding on the light fixtures, and relocating light fixtures. Level of Impact after Mitigation Less than significant impact. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-6

59 3.2 AIR QUALITY The following analysis is based on Air Quality Impact Report prepared by First Carbon Solutions in October of 2013 and updated in January The report is presented in Appendix B Regulatory Framework Air pollutants are regulated at the national, state and air basin level. Each agency has a different level of regulatory responsibility. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates at the national level. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) regulates at the state level and the South Coast Air Quality Management District regulates at the air basin level. Federal Regulation The EPA handles global, international, national and interstate air pollution issues and policies. The EPA sets national vehicle and stationary source emission standards, oversees approval of all State Implementation Plans, conducts research, and provides guidance in air pollution programs and sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), also known as federal standards. There are six common air pollutants, called criteria air pollutants, which were identified resulting from provisions of the Clean Air Act of The six criteria pollutants are Ozone, Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM 2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Lead and Sulfur Dioxide. The NAAQS were set to protect public health, including that of sensitive individuals. State Regulation A State Implementation Plan (SIP) is a document prepared by each state describing air quality conditions and measures that will be followed to attain and maintain NAAQS. The SIP for the State of California is administered by the ARB, who has overall responsibility for statewide air quality maintenance and air pollution prevention. The ARB also administers California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), for the ten air pollutants designated in the California Clean Air Act (CCAA). The ten state air pollutants include the six national criteria pollutants and visibility reducing particulates, hydrogen sulfide, sulfates and vinyl chloride. South Coast Air Quality Management District The project area is located within the South Coast Air Basin (Basin). The air pollution control agency for the basin is the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). The SCAQMD is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources. Additionally, SCAQMD in coordination with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is also responsible for Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-7

60 developing, updating and implementing the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the basin. An AQMP is a plan prepared by an air pollution control district for a county or region designated as non-attainment of the national and/or California ambient air quality standards. The term non-attainment area is used to refer to an air basin where one or more ambient air quality standards are exceeded. Presently, the basin has a National non-attainment status for Ozone, PM10 and PM2.5 and a State non-attainment status for PM10 and PM AQMP The 2007 AQMP outlines a detailed strategy for meeting the federal health-based standards for PM2.5 by 2015 and 8-hour ozone by 2024 while accounting for and accommodating future expected growth. The 2007 AQMP incorporates significant new emissions inventories, ambient measurements, scientific data, control strategies, and air quality modeling. Most of the reductions will be from mobile sources, which are currently responsible for about 75 percent of all smog and particulate forming emissions. The 2007 AQMP includes 37 control measures proposed for adoption by the SCAQMD, including measures to reduce emissions from new commercial and residential developments, more reductions from industrial facilities, and reductions from wood burning fireplaces and restaurant charbroilers AQMP The 2012 AQMP proposes Basin-wide PM2.5 measures that will be implemented by the 2014 attainment date, episodic control measures and transportation control measures to achieve air quality improvements that will only apply during high PM2.5 days. Most of the control measures focus on incentives, outreach, and education. There are multiple VOC and NOx reductions in the 2012 AQMP to attempt to reduce ozone formation, including further VOC reductions from architectural coatings, miscellaneous coatings, adhesives, solvents, lubricants, mold release products, consumer products. The 2012 also contains proposed mobile source implementation measures for the deployment of zero- and near-zero emission on-road heavy-duty vehicles, locomotives, and cargo handling equipment. There are measures for the deployment of cleaner commercial harborcraft, cleaner ocean-going marine vessels, cleaner off-road equipment, and cleaner aircraft engines. The 2012 AQMP also relies upon the Southern California Association of Governments regional transportation strategy, which is in its adopted Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy and 2011 Federal Transportation Improvement Program. The rules and regulations that apply to the Project include the following: Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-8

61 SCAQMD Rule 402 prohibits a person from discharging from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or property. SCAQMD Rule 403 governs emissions of fugitive dust during construction and operation activities. Compliance with this rule is achieved through application of standard Best Management Practices, such as application of water or chemical stabilizers to disturbed soils, covering haul vehicles, restricting vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour, sweeping loose dirt from paved site access roadways, cessation of construction activity when winds exceed 25 mph, and establishing a permanent ground cover on finished sites. SCAQMD Rule 1108 governs the sale, use, and manufacturing of asphalt and limits the volatile organic compound (VOC) content in asphalt used in the South Coast Air Basin. This rule will regulate the VOC content of asphalt used during construction. Therefore, all asphalt used during construction of the Project must comply with SCAQMD Rule SCAQMD Rule 1186 limits the presence of fugitive dust on paved and unpaved roads and sets certification protocols and requirements for street sweepers that are under contract to provide sweeping services to any federal, state, county, agency or special district such as water, air, sanitation, transit, or school district. State of California Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Diesel Particulate Matter from Portable Engines Rated at 50 horsepower and Greater. Portable engines rated at 50m horsepower and greater will comply with weighted reduced particulate matter emission fleet averages by compliance dates listed in the regulation. ARB Final Regulation Order, Requirements to Reduce Idling Emissions from New and In-Use Trucks requires that new 2008 and subsequent modelyear heavy-duty diesel engines be equipped with an engine shutdown system that automatically shuts down the engine after 300 seconds of continuous idling operation once the vehicle is stopped, the transmission is set to neutral or park, and the parking brake is engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, then the engine shutdown system shall shut down the engine after 900 seconds of continuous idling operation once the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is set to neutral or park. Any project trucks manufactured after 2008 will be consistent with this rule, which will ultimately reduce air emissions. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-9

62 ARB Regulation for In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicles On July 26, 2007, the ARB adopted a regulation to reduce diesel particulate matter and NOX emissions from in-use (existing) off-road heavy-duty diesel vehicles in California. Such vehicles are used in construction, mining, and industrial operations. The regulation limits idling to no more than five consecutive minutes, requires reporting and labeling, and requires disclosure of the regulation upon vehicle sale. The ARB is enforcing that part of the rule with fines up to $10,000 per day for each vehicle in violation. Performance requirements of the rule are based on a fleet s average NOX emissions, which can be met by replacing older vehicles with newer, cleaner vehicles or by applying exhaust retrofits. The regulation was amended in 2010 to delay the original timeline of the performance requirements making the first compliance deadline January 1, 2014 for large fleets (over 5,000 horsepower), 2017 for medium fleets (2,501-5,000 horsepower), and 2019 for small fleets (2,500 horsepower or less). ARB Airborne Toxic Control Measure The ARB approved an Air Toxic Control Measure for construction, grading, quarrying and surface mining operations to minimize emissions of naturally occurring asbestos. The regulation requires application of best management practices to control fugitive dust in areas known to have naturally occurring asbestos and requires notification to the local air district prior to commencement of ground-disturbing activities. The measure establishes specific testing, notification and engineering controls prior to grading, quarrying or surface mining in construction zones where naturally occurring asbestos is located on projects of any size. There are additional notification and engineering controls at work sites larger than one acre in size. These projects require the submittal of a Dust Mitigation Plan and approval by the air district prior to the start of a project Existing Environmental Setting The project area is located in the County of Riverside and is within the South Coast Air Basin (basin). The basin consists of Orange County, all of Los Angeles County except for the Antelope Valley, the non-desert portion of western San Bernardino County, and the western and Coachella Valley portions of Riverside County. The basin is divided into 36 Source Receptor Areas with Basin operating monitoring stations in most of the areas. These Source Receptor Areas are designated to provide a general representation of the local meteorological, terrain, and air quality conditions within the particular geographical area. The project is within Source Receptor Area 22, and the nearest basin operated monitoring station is located in Norco, California. Table 9 summarizes 2010 through 2012 published monitoring data, which is the most recent 3-year period Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-10

63 available. The data shows that during the past few years, the project area has exceeded the ozone, PM10, and PM2.5 standards. Air Pollutant Table 9: 2010 to 2012 Air Quality Monitoring Summary Averaging Time Item Ozone 1 1 Hour Max 1 Hour (ppm) Carbon monoxide Nitrogen dioxide Sulfur dioxide 2 Inhalable coarse particles (PM10) 3 Fine particulate Days > State Standard (0.09 ppm) Hour Max 8 Hour (ppm) Days > State Standard (0.07 ppm) Days > National Standard (0.075 ppm) Hour 4 Max 1 Hour (ppm) 3 ND ND Days > State Standard (20 ppm) 0 0 ND Days > National Standard (35 ppm) 0 0 ND 8 Hour 1 Max 8 Hour (ppm) Days > State Standard (9.0 ppm) Days > National Standard (9 ppm) Annual 1 Annual Average (ppm) ID ID 1 Hour 4 98th percentile (ppm) ND 1 Hour 1 Max 1 Hour (ppm) Days > State Standard (0.18 ppm) Annual Annual Average (ppm) ID 24 Hour Max 24 Hour (ppm) ID ID Days > State Standard (0.04 ppm) 0 0 ID 1 Hour Max 1 Hour (ppm) ID ID ID Days > State Standard (0.25 ppm) ID ID ID Days > National Standard (0.075 ppm) ID ID ID Annual Annual Average (µg/m3) ND 24 hour 24 Hour (µg/m3) ND Days > State Standard (50 µg/m3) 0 2 ND Days > National Standard (150 µg/m3) 0 0 ND Annual Annual Average (µg/m3) Hour 24 Hour (µg/m3) Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-11

64 matter (PM2.5) 1 Days > National Standard (35 µg/m3) Notes and Abbreviations: > = exceed ppm = parts per million µg/m3 = micrograms per cubic meter ID = insufficient data ND = no data max = maximum State Standard = California Ambient Air Quality Standard National Standard = National Ambient Air Quality Standard 1 From the Mira Loma-Van Buren monitoring station 2 From the Riverside-Rubidoux monitoring station 3 From the SCAQMD monitoring station No From the SCAQMD monitoring station No Sources: California Air Resources Board 2013a; South Coast Air Quality Management District 2013a. Attainment Status The EPA and the ARB designate air basins where ambient air quality standards are exceeded as nonattainment areas. If standards are met, the area is designated as an attainment area. If there is inadequate or inconclusive data to make a definitive attainment designation, they are considered unclassified. National nonattainment areas are further designated as marginal, moderate, serious, severe, or extreme as a function of deviation from standards. Each standard has a different definition, or form of what constitutes attainment, based on specific air quality statistics. For example, the Federal 8-hour CO standard is not to be exceeded more than once per year; therefore, an area is in attainment of the CO standard if no more than one 8-hour ambient air monitoring values exceeds the threshold per year. In contrast, the Federal annual PM2.5 standard is met if the three-year average of the annual average PM2.5 concentration is less than or equal to the standard. The current attainment designations for the basin are shown in Table 10. The basin is designated as nonattainment for the state and federal ozone, PM10, and PM2.5, standards. The basin is also in nonattainment for the state nitrogen dioxide annual standard, based on the data. Based on more recent data ( ), the basin will be in attainment for nitrogen dioxide; however, the State has not officially designated the basin as in attainment. The Los Angeles County portion of the basin is in nonattainment for lead. However, the project area is in attainment for lead. Table 10: South Coast Air Basin Attainment Status Pollutant State Status National Status Ozone Nonattainment Nonattainment Carbon monoxide Attainment Maintenance Nitrogen dioxide (annual) Nonattainment Attainment Nitrogen dioxide (1-hour) Attainment Maintenance Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-12

65 Pollutant State Status National Status Sulfur dioxide Attainment Attainment PM10 Nonattainment Nonattainment PM2.5 Nonattainment Nonattainment Lead (Los Angeles County) Lead (other parts of Basin, including the project area) Nonattainment Attainment Source of State status: California Air Resources Board 2013b. Source of National status: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Threshold of Significance Nonattainment Attainment The following air quality significance thresholds are contained in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines. A significant impact would occur if the project will: Will the Project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? Will the Project violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? Will the Project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable national or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? Will the Project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Will the project create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Project Impacts IMPACT AIR-1: Will the Project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? According to the 1993 SCAQMD Handbook, there are two key indicators that demonstrate consistency with the AQMP: Indicator 1: Whether the project will not result in an increase in the frequency or severity of existing air quality violations or cause or contribute to new violations, or delay timely attainment of air quality standards or the Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-13

66 interim emission reductions specified in the AQMP. This indicator is applicable to the Project and assessed below. Indicator 2: A project will conflict with the AQMP if it will exceed the assumptions in the AQMP in 2010 or increments based on the year of project build-out and phase. The Handbook indicates that key assumptions to use in this analysis are population number and location and a regional housing needs assessment. The parcel-based land use and growth assumptions and inputs used in the Regional Transportation Model run by the Southern California Association of Governments that generated the mobile inventory used by the SCAQMD for AQMP are not available. Therefore, this indicator is not applicable to the Project and is not assessed. The Indicator 1 analysis considers the recommended criteria in the SCAQMD s 1993 Handbook and utilizes the following criteria to address potential air quality impact and consistency with the AQMP. Step 1: Project s contribution to air quality violations Step 2: Assumptions in AQMP (SCAQMD s second indictor) Step 3: Compliance with applicable emission control measures in the AQMPs Step 1: Project s Contribution to Air Quality Violations According to the SCAQMD, a project is consistent with the AQMP if the project will not result in an increase in the frequency or severity of existing air quality violations or cause or contribute to new violations, or delay timely attainment of air quality standards or the interim emission reductions specified in the AQMP. If a project s emissions exceed the SCAQMD regional thresholds for NO X, VOC, PM 10, or PM 2.5, it follows that the emissions could cumulatively contribute to an exceedance of a pollutant for which the basin is in nonattainment (ozone, nitrogen dioxide, PM 10, PM 2.5 ) at a monitoring station in the basin. An exceedance of a nonattainment pollutant at a monitoring station will not be consistent with the goals of the AQMP to achieve attainment of pollutants. As shown in Table 12 the Project will exceed the regional significance threshold for NO X. This means that without mitigation, project emissions of NO X could combine with other sources and create ozone. This could result in an ozone exceedance at a nearby monitoring station. The air basin in which the Project is located is in nonattainment for ozone; therefore, the Project will not be consistent with the AQMP. The Project does not meet this criterion. However, as shown in Table 13 with implementation of Mitigation Measure AIR-1 this impact will be reduced to less than significant. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-14

67 Step 2: Assumptions in AQMP Section 3 According to the SCAQMD s CEQA Air Quality Handbook, the purpose of the consistency finding is to determine whether a project is inconsistent with the assumptions and objectives of the regional air quality plans, and thus whether it will interfere with the region s ability to comply with federal and State air quality standards. If a project is inconsistent, the local government needs to consider project modifications or inclusion of mitigation to eliminate the inconsistency. Consistency with the AQMP implies that a project is consistent with the goals, objectives, and assumptions in the respective plan to achieve the national and State air quality standards. To assess the environmental impacts of new or renovated developments accurately, environmental pollution and population growth are projected for future scenarios. Since the AQMP are intended to be based on local general plans, projects that are deemed consistent with the general plan are found to be consistent with the AQMP. The Riverside County General Plan has designated the project area as Open Space-Conservation and Open Space -Water. Since the project s intended actions are consistent with the current General Plan, implementation of the Project will not require any amendments to the County s General Plan designations for the project site. Therefore, the Project will be within the County s General Plan designation and is consistent with the adopted SCAQMD AQMP according to this criterion. Step 3: Control Measures This step involves assessing the Project s compliance with the control measures in the AQMPs AQMP: The 2003 AQMP contains a number of land use and transportation control measures including the following: the District s Stationary and Mobile Source Control Measures; State Control Measures proposed by ARB; and Transportation Control Measures provided by Southern California Association of Governments. The Project indirectly will comply with the control measures set by ARB and Southern California Association of Governments AQMP: The focus of the 2007 AQMP is to demonstrate attainment of the federal PM 2.5 ambient air quality standard by 2015 and the federal 8-hour ozone standard by 2024, while making expeditious progress toward attainment of state standards. This is to be accomplished by building upon improvements from the previous plans and incorporating all feasible control measures while balancing costs and socioeconomic impacts. The 2007 AQMP indicates that PM 2.5 is formed mainly by secondary reactions or sources. Therefore, instead of reducing Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-15

68 fugitive dust, the strategy for reducing PM 2.5 focuses on reducing precursor emissions of SO X, directly emitted PM 2.5, NO X, and VOC. The Final 2007 AQMP control measures consist of four components. The first component is SCAQMD s Stationary and Mobile Source Control Measures. The Final 2007 AQMP includes 30 short-term and mid-term stationary and seven mobile source control measures for SCAQMD implementation. Some of the measures will become new rules and some will be amendments to existing rules. When the rules pass, the owner-operator will follow the applicable rules. The second component is ARB s Proposed State Strategy, which includes shortand mid-term control measures aimed at reducing emissions from sources that are primarily under state jurisdiction, including on-road and off-road mobile sources, and consumer products. These measures are required in order to achieve the remaining emission reductions necessary for PM 2.5 attainment. When these measures are implemented by the ARB, the Project will be required to follow them. The third component is SCAQMD Staff s Proposed Policy Options to Supplement ARB s Control Strategy. This strategy does not apply to the Project. The fourth component consists of Regional Transportation Strategy and Control Measures provided by Southern California Association of Governments. Transportation plans within the basin are statutorily required to conform to air quality plans in the region, as established by the 1990 Federal Clean Air Act and reinforced by other Acts. In general, Transportation Control Measures are those projects that provide emission reductions from on-road mobile sources, based on changes in the patterns and modes by which the regional transportation system is used. Strategies are grouped into three categories; high occupancy vehicle strategy, transit and systems management, and information-based technology (traveling during a less congested time of day). Southern California Association of Governments approved the transportation measures in the Regional Transportation Plan, which have been included in the region s air quality plans. The Transportation Control Measures will be implemented and will subsequently reduce emissions in the Basin AQMP: The 2012 AQMP was adopted December 7, The purpose of the 2012 AQMP for the Basin is to set forth a comprehensive and integrated program that will lead the Basin into compliance with the federal 24-hour PM 2.5 air quality standard, and to provide an update of the Basin s projections in meeting the federal 8-hour ozone standards. Similarly to the prior AQMPs, the Project will comply with all applicable rules and regulations enacted as part of the AQMP. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-16

69 SIPs: Geographical areas in the state that exceed the federal air quality standards are called nonattainment areas. The project area is in nonattainment for ozone, PM 10, PM 2.5, and nitrogen dioxide. State Implementation Plans (SIPs) show how each area will attain the federal standards. To do this, the SIPs identify the amount of pollutant emissions that must be reduced in each area to meet the standard and the emission controls needed to reduce the necessary emissions. The SCAQMD is currently 94 percent of the way towards achieving the 2014 emissions levels identified in its PM 2.5 SIP. The SIP takes into account ARB rules and regulations. The Project will comply with applicable rules and regulations. Summary Analysis Step 1: The Project will potentially contribute to air quality violations because its construction emissions exceed the SCAQMD regional significance threshold for NO X. However, as shown in Table 13, the construction emissions will be reduced to less than significant with implementation of Mitigation Measure AIR-1. Therefore, the Project is consistent with this criterion with mitigation. Analysis Step 2: The Project will be within the County s General Plan designation and is consistent with the adopted SCAQMD AQMP. Therefore, the Project is consistent with this criterion. Analysis Step 3: The Project will comply with all applicable rules and regulations. Therefore, the Project is consistent with this criterion. Level of Significance before Mitigation Potential significant impact. Mitigation Measures MM AIR-1: One of the following options will be adhered to during Phase 2 Clearing and Grubbing, Phase 5 Re-entrainment, and Phase 6 Mitigation. Mitigation Option 1.A: Tier 3 engines will be used for all of the following equipment; Bulldozers, Off-road Trucks (Work Trucks, Dump Trucks, Water Trucks), Rubber Tired Loaders, and Pumps Mitigation Option 1.B: If construction activity is substantially modified from the assumptions utilized in this analysis, then the following measure will be implemented. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-17

70 Prepare air quality emissions analysis for construction activity with projectspecific information prior to start of construction for Phase 2 Clearing and Grubbing, Phase 5 Re-entrainment, and Phase 6 Mitigation. Emissions analysis will detail the off-road equipment list (including type of equipment, horsepower, and hours of operation), any emission control devices added onto off-road equipment, and engine tiers (if known). The analysis will demonstrate that construction will not exceed the South Coast Air Quality Management District s mass emissions thresholds of significance. If emissions could exceed any threshold, OCWD will decrease the amount of construction activity in a day, use additional emission control devices, or use higher tiered engines. The OCWD will ensure that construction managers adhere to the equipment and trip data utilized within the emissions analysis. Level of Significance after Mitigation Less than significant impact. IMPACT AIR-2: Will the Project violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation? Two criteria are used to assess the significance of this impact: (1) the localized construction analysis and (2) the CO hot spot analysis. Localized Construction Analysis The SCAQMD Governing Board adopted a methodology for calculating localized air quality impacts through localized significance thresholds. Localized significance thresholds represent the maximum emissions from a project that will not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the most stringent applicable state or federal ambient air quality standard. Localized significance thresholds were developed in recognition of the fact that criteria pollutants such as CO, NO X, and PM 10 and PM 2.5 in particular, can have local impacts at nearby sensitive receptors as well as regional impacts. The localized significance thresholds are developed for each source receptor area and are applicable to NO X, CO, PM 10, and PM 2.5. The localized assessment methodology limits the emissions in the analysis to those generated from onsite activities. The onsite emissions during construction are compared with the localized significance thresholds and are summarized in Table 11. Onsite emissions are from fugitive dust during grading and off-road diesel emissions. As shown in Table 11, unmitigated emissions during construction will not exceed the localized significance thresholds. As shown in Table 11, Phase 5 Sediment Re-entrainment is anticipated to generate the highest maximum daily emissions of NO X, CO, and PM 2.5. Phase 2 - Site Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-18

71 Preparation: Clearing and Grubbing is estimated to generate the highest maximum daily emissions of PM 10. Table 11: Localized Significance Analysis (Construction) Activity (year) Onsite Emissions (pounds per day) Phase 1 - Preconstruction Monitoring NO X CO PM 10 PM 2.5 Water Quality Wildlife Sediment Phase 2 - Site Preparation Clearing and Grubbing Grading Geotech Boring Phase 3 - Infrastructure Construction Grading Pipeline Re-entrainment Phase 4 - Sediment Removal Option 1: Dredge Phase 5 - Sediment Re-entrainment Sediment Re-entrainment Phase 6 Monitoring, Mitigation and Site Restoration Monitoring Mitigation Site Restoration Maximum Daily Emissions Localized Significance Threshold 378 5, Exceed Threshold? No No No No Notes: 1. From Phase 5- Sediment Re-entrainment: Sediment Re-entrainment (2015) 2. From Phase 2 - Site Preparation: Clearing and Grubbing (2014) NO X = nitrogen oxides CO = carbon monoxide PM 10 and PM 2.5 = particulate matter Phases are assumed to not overlap; therefore, the maximum daily emissions are from the highest representative phase. Source of emissions: FCS Source of thresholds: South Coast Air Quality Management District 2009, for SRA 22, 200 meters, 2-acre site. The localized construction analysis uses thresholds that represent the maximum project emissions that will not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the most Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-19

72 stringent applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard. If the project results in emissions that do not exceed the localized significance thresholds, it follows that those emissions will not cause or contribute to a local exceedance of the appropriate ambient air quality standard. The localized construction analysis demonstrates that the Project will not exceed the localized significance thresholds for CO, nitrogen dioxide, PM 10, or PM 2.5. Therefore, the Project will not violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation during construction. Carbon Monoxide Hot Spot Analysis Carbon monoxide (CO) hot spot thresholds ensure that emissions of CO associated with traffic impacts from a project in combination with CO emissions from existing and forecasted regional traffic do not exceed state or federal standards for CO at any traffic intersection impacted by the project. Project concentrations may be considered significant if a CO hot spot intersection analysis determines that project generated CO concentrations cause a localized violation of the state CO 1-hour standard of 20 ppm, state CO 8-hour standard of 9 ppm, federal CO 1-hour standard of 35 ppm, or federal CO 8-hour standard of 9 ppm. Localized high levels of CO are associated with traffic congestion and idling or slow-moving vehicles. To provide a worst-case scenario, CO concentrations are estimated at project-impacted intersections, where the concentrations will be the greatest. The Project consists of construction and monitoring activities for a short-term sediment management demonstration project. The majority of soils and material hauling will occur within the project site and will not contribute to onroad vehicular traffic. In addition, the Project will not generate operational vehicular trips. On-road trips associated with the Project will be primarily generated by construction employees. This analysis follows the recommended CO Protocol guideline of the SCAQMD. According to the CO Protocol, intersections with Level of Service (LOS) E or F require detailed analysis. In addition, intersections that operate under LOS D conditions in areas that experience meteorological conditions favorable to CO accumulation require a detailed analysis. The SCAQMD recommends that a local CO hot spot analysis be conducted if the intersection meets one of the following criteria: 1) the intersection is at LOS D or worse and where the project increases the volume to capacity ratio by 2 percent or 2) the project decreases LOS at an intersection from C to D. The Project will not affect the LOS of intersections in the project area. Therefore, the Project will not significantly contribute to a CO hotspot. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-20

73 Level of significance before mitigation Less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Level of significance after mitigation Less than significant impact. IMPACT AIR-3: Will the Project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is nonattainment under an applicable national or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? To result in a less than significant impact, the following criteria must be true: 1. Regional analysis: emissions of nonattainment pollutants must be below the regional significance thresholds. 2. Summary of projections: the project must be consistent with current air quality attainment plans including control measures and regulations. 3. Cumulative health impacts: the project must result in less than significant cumulative health effects from the nonattainment pollutants. Step 1: Regional Analysis If an area is in nonattainment for a criteria pollutant, then the background concentration of that pollutant has historically exceeded the ambient air quality standard. It follows that if a project exceeds the regional threshold for that nonattainment pollutant, then it will result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of that pollutant and result in a significant cumulative impact. The South Coast Air Basin is in nonattainment for PM 10, PM 2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Therefore, if the project exceeds the regional thresholds for PM 10, or PM 2.5, then it contributes to a cumulatively considerable impact for those pollutants. If the project exceeds the regional threshold for NO X or VOC, then it follows that the project will contribute to a cumulatively considerable impact for ozone. If the project exceeds the NO X threshold, it could contribute cumulatively to nitrogen dioxide concentrations. Regional emissions include those generated from all onsite and offsite activities. Regional significance thresholds have been established by the SCAQMD Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-21

74 because emissions from projects in the Basin can potentially contribute to the existing emission burden and possibly affect the attainment and maintenance of ambient air quality standards. Projects within the South Coast Air Basin region with regional emissions in excess of any of the thresholds presented in Table 12 (for construction) are considered to have a significant regional air quality impact. Construction Regional Emissions Table 12 summarizes construction-related emissions without mitigation. The information shown in Table 12 indicates that the SCAQMD regional emission thresholds will be exceeded for NO X emissions during 3 separate phases of construction. Specifically, the NO X threshold will be exceeded during: Phase 2 - Site Preparation Phase 5 - Sediment Re-entrainment Phase 6I Monitoring and Site Restoration Therefore, without mitigation, the short-term construction emissions are considered to have a potentially significant regional impact. Table 12: Regional Construction Air Pollutant Emissions Source Emissions (pounds per day) Phase 1- Preconstruction Monitoring VOC NO X CO SO X PM 10 PM 2.5 Water Quality Wildlife Sediment Phase 2- Site Preparation Clearing and Grubbing Grading Geotech Boring Phase 3- Infrastructure Construction Grading Pipeline Re-entrainment Phase 4 Sediment Removal Option 1: Dredge Phase 5 Sediment Re-entrainment Sediment Reentrainment Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-22

75 Phase 6 Monitoring and Site Restoration Monitoring Site Restoration Site Restoration Maximum Daily Emissions Significance Threshold Significant Impact? No Yes No No No No Notes: Activities within each phase are assumed to not overlap; therefore, the maximum daily emissions are from the highest representative Activity. VOC = volatile organic compoundsno X = nitrogen oxides CO = carbon monoxide SO X = sulfur oxides PM 10 and PM 2.5 = particulate matter Source of emissions: Appendix A: CalEEMod Output. Table 13 provides the project s emissions after application of Mitigation Measure AIR-1. Table 13 contains only those construction phases that were identified as having a potentially significant impact. Table 13: Mitigated Construction Air Pollutant Emissions Source Emissions (pounds per day) Phase 2- Site Preparation VOC NO X CO SO X PM 10 PM 2.5 Clearing and Grubbing Phase 5 - Sediment Re-entrainment Sediment Reentrainment Phase 6- Monitoring, Mitigation and Site Restoration Site Restoration Maximum Daily Emissions Significance Threshold Significant Impact? No No No No No No The maximum daily emissions refer to the maximum emissions that would occur in one day; therefore, their emissions are not summed. VOC = volatile organic compounds NO X = nitrogen oxides CO = carbon monoxide SO X = sulfur oxides PM 10 and PM 2.5 = particulate matter Source of emissions: Appendix A: CalEEMod Output. Source of thresholds: South Coast Air Quality Management District 2011a. Step 2: Plan Approach In accordance with CEQA Guidelines 15130(b), this analysis of cumulative impacts is based on a summary of projections analysis. This analysis considers the current CEQA Guidelines, which includes the recent amendments approved Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-23

76 by the Natural Resources Agency and effective on March 18, This analysis is based on the 2003 and 2007 AQMPs. The South Coast Air Basin is in nonattainment for ozone, particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ), and nitrogen dioxide, which means that concentrations of those pollutants currently exceed the ambient air quality standards for those pollutants. When concentrations of ozone, PM 10, PM 2.5, and nitrogen dioxide exceed the ambient air quality standard, then those sensitive to air pollution (i.e., children, elderly, sick) could experience adverse health effects. Under the amended CEQA Guidelines, cumulative impacts may be analyzed using other plans that evaluate relevant cumulative effects. The AQMPs describe and evaluate the future projected emissions sources in the South Coast Air Basin and sets forth a strategy to meet both state and federal Clean Air Act planning requirements and federal ambient air quality standards. Therefore, the AQMPs are relevant plans for a CEQA cumulative impacts analysis. The 2003 AQMP updates the attainment demonstration for the federal standards for ozone and PM 10 ; replaces the 1997 attainment demonstration for the federal CO standard and provides a basis for a maintenance plan for CO for the future; and updates the maintenance plan for the federal nitrogen dioxide standard that the South Coast Air Basin has met since The 2007 AQMP focuses on ozone and PM 2.5. The AQMP also incorporates significant new scientific data, emission inventories, ambient measurements, control strategies, and air quality modeling. The geographic scope for cumulative criteria pollution from air quality impacts is the South Coast Air Basin, because that is the area in which the air pollutants generated by the sources within the basin circulate and are often trapped. The SCAQMD is required to prepare and maintain an AQMP and a State Implementation Plan to document the strategies and measures to be undertaken to reach attainment of ambient air quality standards. While the SCAQMD does not have direct authority over land use decisions, it is recognized that changes in land use and circulation planning are necessary to maintain clean air. The SCAQMD evaluated the entire Basin when it developed the AQMP. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15064, subdivision (h) (3), a lead agency may determine that a project s incremental contribution to a cumulative effect is not cumulatively considerable if the project complies with the requirements in a previously approved plan or mitigation program. The Project will comply with the control measures in the 2003 and the 2007 AQMP and all of the SCAQMD s applicable rules and regulations. However, because the Project exceeds the SCAQMD s CEQA significance thresholds, the analysis contained in Impact AIR-1 demonstrates that the Project is not consistent with the most recent AQMP and State Implementation Plan without mitigation. Therefore, the Project Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-24

77 presents a significant impact according to this criterion. Implementation of Mitigation Measure AIR-1 is required to reduce the impact to less than significant. Step 3: Cumulative Health Impacts The Basin is in nonattainment for ozone, nitrogen dioxide, PM 10, and PM 2.5, which means that the background levels of those pollutants are at times higher than the ambient air quality standards. The air quality standards were set to protect public health, including the health of sensitive individuals (such as the elderly, children, and the sick). Therefore, when the concentration of those pollutants exceeds the standard, it is likely that some sensitive individuals in the population will experience health effects. However, the health effects are a factor of the dose-response curve. Concentration of the pollutant in the air (dose), the length of time exposed, and the response of the individual are factors involved in the severity and nature of health impacts. If a significant health impact results from project emissions, it does not mean that 100 percent of the population would experience health effects. The regional analysis indicates that without mitigation, the Project will exceed the SCAQMD regional significance thresholds for NO x (an ozone precursor). Because ozone is a secondary pollutant (it is not emitted directly but formed by chemical reactions in the air), it can be formed miles downwind of the project site. Project emissions of VOC and NO x may contribute to the background concentration of ozone and cumulatively cause health effects. Implementation of Mitigation Measure AIR-1 is required to reduce the impact to less than significant. Level of significance before mitigation Potential significant impact. Mitigation Measures Mitigation Measure AIR-1 is required. Level of Significance after Mitigation Less than significant impact. IMPACT AIR-4: Will the Project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? For purposes of CEQA, the SCAQMD considers a sensitive receptor to be a location where a sensitive individual could remain for 24 hours, such as residences, hospitals, or convalescent facilities. Commercial and industrial facilities are not included in the definition because employees do not typically remain onsite for 24 hours. However, when assessing the impact of pollutants with 1-hour or 8-hour standards (such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide), Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-25

78 commercial and/or industrial facilities will be considered sensitive receptors for those purposes. Localized Significance Threshold Analysis The localized construction analysis demonstrated that the Project will not exceed the localized thresholds for CO, nitrogen dioxide, PM 10, or PM 2.5. Therefore, during construction, the Project will not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations of CO, nitrogen dioxide, PM 10, or PM 2.5. Criteria Pollutant Analysis Emissions of NO X and VOC (ozone precursors) during construction from only the Project will not expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. CO analysis The CO hotspot analysis demonstrated that emissions of CO during operation of the Project will not result in an exceedance of the most stringent ambient air quality standards for CO. The standards are set to protect the health of sensitive individuals. If the standards are not exceeded, then the sensitive individuals will not be significantly impacted. The Project will not generate or substantially contribute to a CO hotspot. Therefore, according to this criterion, air pollutant emissions during operation will result in a less than significant impact. Toxic Air Pollutants - Onsite Workers There are a variety of state and national programs that protect workers from safety hazards, including high air pollutant concentrations. Onsite workers are not required to be addressed through this health risk assessment process. A document published by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA, 2009), Health Risk Assessments for Proposed Land Use Projects, indicates that onsite receptors are included in risk assessments if they are persons not employed by the project. Persons not employed by the project will not remain onsite for any significant period. Therefore, a health risk assessment for onsite workers is not required or recommended. Toxic Air Pollutants - Construction The construction equipment will emit diesel particulate matter, which is a carcinogen. However, the diesel particulate matter emissions are short-term in nature. Determination of risk from diesel particulate matter is considered over a 70-year exposure time. Guidance published by the CAPCOA (2009), Health Risk Assessments for Proposed Land Use Projects, does not include guidance for health risks from construction projects addressed in CEQA; risks near Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-26

79 construction projects are expected to be included later when the toxic emissions from construction activities are better understood. Additionally, the nearest sensitive receptors (residences) will be located approximately 400 meters from the project site. Therefore, considering the dispersion of the emissions and the short time frame, exposure to diesel particulate matter is anticipated to be less than significant. Level of significance before mitigation Less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Level of Significance after Mitigation Less than significant impact. IMPACT AIR-5: Will the project create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people? Odors can cause a variety of responses. The impact of an odor results from interacting factors such as frequency (how often), intensity (strength), duration (in time), offensiveness (unpleasantness), location, and sensory perception. Odor is typically a warning system that prevents animals and humans from consuming spoiled food or toxic materials. Odor-related symptoms reported in a number of studies include nervousness, headache, sleeplessness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach ache, sinus congestion, eye irritation, nose irritation, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and asthma exacerbation. The SCAQMD s role is to protect the public s health from air pollution by overseeing and enforcing regulations. The SCAQMD s resolution activity for odor compliance is mandated under California Health & Safety Code Section 41700, and falls under SCAQMD Rule 402. This rule on Public Nuisance Regulation states: A person shall not discharge from any source whatsoever such quantities of air contaminants or other material which cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or which endanger the comfort, repose, health or safety of any such persons or the public, or which cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or property. The provisions of this rule shall not apply to odors emanating from agricultural operations necessary for the growing of crops or the raising of fowl or animals. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-27

80 Project Analysis The SCAQMD recommends that odor impacts be addressed in a qualitative manner. Such an analysis will determine whether the project will result in excessive nuisance odors, as defined under the California Code of Regulations and Section of the California Health and Safety Code, and thus will constitute a public nuisance related to air quality. Land uses typically considered associated with odors include wastewater treatment facilities, waste-disposal facilities, or agricultural operations. The Project does not contain land uses typically associated with emitting objectionable odors. Diesel exhaust and VOCs will be emitted during construction of the Project, which can be objectionable to some individuals; however, emissions will disperse rapidly from the project site and therefore should not reach an objectionable level at the nearest sensitive receptors. Level of significance before mitigation Less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Level of significance after mitigation Less than significant impact. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-28

81 3.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES The following analysis is based on an Existing Biological Conditions Report prepared for the Prado Basin Sediment Management Demonstration Project by the Orange County Water District Natural Resource Department in January of The Existing Biological Conditions Report is presented in Appendix C Regulatory Framework The following federal, state and regional regulatory programs are applicable to the Project. Federal Regulations Federal Endangered Species Act The Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) designates threatened and endangered animals and plants and provides measures for their protection and recovery. The Take of listed animal and plant species in areas under the federal jurisdiction is prohibited without obtaining a federal permit. A Take is defined as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect or attempt to engage in any such conduct. Harm includes any act which kills or injures fish or wildlife, including significant habitat modification or degradation that significantly impairs essential behavioral patterns of fish or wildlife. Activities that damage the habitat of listed species require approval from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for terrestrial species or from National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for marine species. FESA also requires determination of critical habitat for listed species and impacts to the critical habitat is prohibited. ESA contains two pathways for obtaining permission to take listed species. Under Section 7 of FESA, a federal agency that authorizes, funds or carries out a project that may affect a listed species or its critical habitat must consult with USFWS or NMFS, to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or modification of the critical habitat of these species. A Biological Opinion (BO) will be prepared by USFWS or NMFS to determine if the activity will jeopardize the continued existence of the listed species. If the BO determines that the activity will not threaten the existence of the listed species and a no jeopardy opinion is provided, then the project may proceed. If the BO finds that the project will result in jeopardy to the listed species (jeopardy opinion), then reasonable and prudent measures will need to be incorporated into the project to reduce potential effects to a level that will not be likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Under Section 10 of FESA private parties with no federal nexus may obtain an Incidental Take Permit to harm listed wildlife species incidental to the lawful Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-29

82 operation of a project. To obtain an Incidental Take Permit, the applicant must develop a habitat conservation plan that specifies impacts to listed species, provides minimization and mitigation measures and alternatives to minimize impacts. If USFWS finds that the habitat conservation will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of the species, USFWS will issue an incidental take permit. Critical Habitat The Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) requires the federal government to designate critical habitat for any species it lists under the FESA. Critical habitat is defined as: (1) specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing, if they contain physical or biological features essential to conservation, and those features may require special management considerations or protection; and (2) specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species if the agency determines that the area itself is essential for conservation. Critical habitat designations must be based on the best scientific information available, in an open public process, within specific timeframes. Before designating critical habitat, careful consideration must be given to the economic impacts, impacts on national security, and other relevant impacts of specifying any particular area as critical habitat. The Secretary of Commerce may exclude an area from critical habitat if the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of designation, unless excluding the area will result in the extinction of the species concerned. The FESA protects threatened and endangered species in several ways. Under Section 7, all federal agencies must ensure that any actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species, or destroy or adversely modify its designated critical habitat. These complementary requirements apply only to federal agency actions, and the latter only to habitat that has been designated. A critical habitat designation does not set up a preserve or refuge, and applies only when federal funding, permits, or projects are involved. Critical habitat requirements do not apply to citizens engaged in activities on private land that do not involve a federal agency. Federal Clean Water Act The Clean Water Act is intended to restore and maintain the quality and biological integrity of Waters of the United States (U.S.) According to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, any activity that involves the discharge of dredged or fill material into Waters of the United States is subject to approval of a 404 Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Depending on the level of Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-30

83 impacts occurring, an activity affecting waters of the U.S. could qualify for one of fifty two separate Nationwide Permits or requires approval of an individual permit. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires that an applicant for a federal license or permit to discharge into navigable waters must provide the federal agency with a water quality certification, declaring that the discharge will comply with water quality standards requirements of the Clean Water Act. The issuance of a 404 permit triggers the requirement that a section 401 certification must also be obtained from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Migratory Bird Treaty Act The Migratory Bird Treaty Act implements international treaties between the United States and other nations that protect migratory birds, including their nests and eggs, from killing, hunting, pursuing, capturing, selling and shipping unless expressly authorized or permitted. State Regulations California Environmental Quality Act The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was enacted in 1970 to provide for full disclosure of environmental impacts before issuance of a permit by a state or local public agency. In addition to state and federally listed species, sensitive plants and animals receive consideration under CEQA. Sensitive species include Wildlife Species of Special Concern listed by CDFG and plant species on the California Native Plant Society list 1A, 1B or 2. California Endangered Species Act The California Endangered Species Act (CESA) provides protection and prohibits the take of plant, fish and wildlife species listed by the State of California. Unlike FESA, state-listed plants have the same degree of protection as wildlife. A Take is defined similarly to FESA and it is prohibited for both listed and candidate species. Take authorization may be obtained from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) under Section 2091 and 2081 of CESA. Section 2091 of CESA, similar to Section 7 of FESA provides for consultation between a state lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act and CDFW, with issuance of take authorization if the project does not jeopardize the listed species. Section 2081 of CESA allows take of a listed species for educational, scientific or management purposes. California Fish and Game Code Section 1600 The State of California defines Waters of the State as any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters within the boundaries of the State. In Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-31

84 accordance with Section 1600 of the Fish and Game Code, CDFW must be notified prior to beginning any activity that will obstruct or divert the natural flow of, use material from or deposit or dispose of material into a river, stream, or lake, whether permanent, intermittent or ephemeral water bodies. The notification occurs through the issuance of a Streambed Alteration Agreement. CDFW has 60 days to review the proposed actions and propose measures to protect affected fish and wildlife resources. The final proposal that is mutually agreed upon by CDFW and the applicant is the Streambed Alteration Agreement. California Fish and Game Code Fully Protected Species The legislature of the State of California designated species as fully protected prior to the creation of the California Endangered Species Act. Most fully protected species have since been listed as threatened or endangered under California Endangered Species Act and/or the Federal Endangered Species Act. These species may not be taken or possessed at any time, with the only exception being permits issued for limited scientific study. California Fish and Game Code Sections 3503, 2505, 3513, 3800, 3801 These California Fish and Game Code Sections protect all birds, birds of prey and all non-game birds, as well as their eggs and nests, for species that are not already listed as fully protected and that occur naturally within the State. Specifically, it is unlawful to take any raptors or their nests and eggs. Regional Resource Planning Programs Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (NCCP) The Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (NCCP) Act of 1991, codified in Fish and Game Code Sections , authorizes the preparation of Natural Community Conservation Plans. The NCCP Act provides for regional planning to conserve listed and candidate species, their habitats and natural communities through habitat-based conservation measures while allowing economic growth and development. Under the NCCP Act, CDFW is responsible for implementing conservation guidelines for NCCP Programs. Local governments and landowners may then prepare the NCCP so they can comply with both the Federal and State Endangered Species Acts. The applicable Natural Community Conservation Planning Program that will apply to the project area is the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-32

85 3.3.2 Existing Environmental Setting Section 3 Regional Setting The project area is located within the Santa Ana River Watershed. The Santa Ana River Watershed encompasses over 2,650 square miles of varying terrain, which includes portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange Counties. The primary water body in the watershed is the Santa Ana River which extends over 100 miles long and consists of over 50 contributing tributaries. The headwaters for the Santa Ana River and its tributaries originate in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains to the north and the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains to the east. The river drains southwest into the Prado Basin, where it is impounded for flood control and water conservation purposes. The impounded water at the dam is released to downstream segments of the Santa Ana River, where it is used to help replenish the Orange County Groundwater Basin. The proposed Sediment Management Demonstration Project will be implemented within the Prado Basin. The biological setting in the Prado Basin is significantly influenced by the presence of Prado Dam. Prado Dam is situated where Chino Creek, Mill Creeks and Temescal Wash meet with the Santa Ana River. As a result of a combination of high groundwater, storm flow accumulation held in the reservoir, ongoing sewage treatment plant effluent and irrigation runoff, perennial flows occur throughout much of the Prado Basin. The presence of the dam has caused vast potions of the Prado Basin to remain inundated with water for long periods of time. The extended periods of inundation has significantly influenced the type of vegetation and wildlife that occurs in the Prado Basin. The presence of the dam has also caused a buildup of sediment in the basin and has converted a once rock cobble substrate of the Santa Ana River to an almost entirely sandy bottom substrate. Additionally, the buildup of sediment has been consistent with an increase in the amount of non-native vegetation and has reduced the quality of existing native aquatic habitat in the Prado Basin. Prado Basin consists of a wide mixture of biological resources and habitats, including; cottonwood/willow riparian forest, riparian scrub, herbaceous riparian, freshwater ponds, freshwater marsh, and riverine. Riparian forest is the most dominant wetland habitat in the Prado Basin. The dominant plant species within the riparian forest are black willow, (Salix goodingii), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), Freemont cottonwood, (Populus fremontii) eucalyptus, sycamore (Platanus recemosa), and mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). The riparian habitat within Prado Basin is a dynamic community that is dependent upon periodic flooding. Winter flows create areas of scour and sedimentation that cycle the community back to earlier successional stages. Periodic floods of large magnitude and migration of the river channel lay down Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-33

86 fresh alluvial deposits where seeds can germinate and plant roots can take hold. The basin contains an expansive riparian forest. At lower elevations in the basin, the riparian forest coverage is nearly complete with an overstory of trees reaching as high as 50 feet and an understory of both native vegetation and nonnative vegetation. At the higher elevations in the basin the forest is patchier and the understory consists of more non-native vegetation. The riparian forest in the Prado Basin contains an abundance and diversity of bird species. Neotropical migrants depend on deciduous trees and shrubs for foraging during migration. The mature trees provide numerous cavities for cavity dependent wildlife and the taller trees are used by nesting raptors. The emergent vegetation at the water s edge provides escape cover, shade and a source of food for fish. The basin supports a wide variety of mammal, amphibian and reptile species, several of which are biologically significant. Additionally, the Santa Ana River and the Prado Basin function as a wildlife movement corridor to and from the Chino Hills. Biological Resources Vegetation Communities As shown in Figure 5 the project area is located on USGS Quadrangle maps for the Prado Dam and North Corona. The project area contains a diverse assemblage of vegetation communities. For mapping purposes similar vegetation types were grouped together under one classification. The vegetation classifications identified within the project area include: Cottonwood/Willow, Mixed Riparian, Coastal Sage Scrub, Mixed Coastal Sage Scrub, Non-Native Grasslands/Weeds, Arundo, Eucalyptus, and Open Water. To further define Cottonwood/Willow area, the classification distinguishes if it has either native vegetation understory or non-native vegetation understory. The vegetation communities at the sediment removal channel alignment and sediment storage sites are shown on Figure 6 and Figure 7. A statistical summary of vegetation communities at the sediment removal channel and sediment storage site is shown in Table 14. The description of each vegetation classification and a listing of the plant species that can be found in each vegetation community are presented in Table 14. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-34

87 117 39'0"W '30"W '0"W '30"W '0"W 33 54'0"N A«33 54'0"N Sediment Removal Channel 33 53'30"N Green Waste Site Sediment Storage Site E 33 53'30"N K:\Prado\SedimentManagementPlan\MXD\EIR2014\F5_USGS_Topo.mxd Sediment Re-entrainment Area AÆ 33 53'0"N 33 53'0"N '0"W '30"W '0"W '30"W '0"W ,600 Feet Proposed Project Areas Proposed Access Roads Prado Basin SMDP USGS Location Figure 5

88 Santa Ana River 498 K:\Prado\SedimentManagementPlan\MXD\EIR2014\F6_SAR_Align_Habitat.mxd Feet Buffer Area Area of Impact Eucalyptus Cottonwood / Willow with Native Understory Arundo Cottonwood / Willow with Non-Native Understory Aquatic Mixed Riparian Prado Basin SMDP Sediment Removal Channel Water Conservation Elevations data source: Army Corp of Engineers 2008 Elevations are referenced to Vertical Datum NGVD 29 Aerial Imagery Eagle Aerial Spring 2012 Figure 6

89 Sediment Removal Channel Sediment Storage Site E / Green Waste Site? K:\Prado\SedimentManagementPlan\MXD\EIR2014\F7_StorageArea_Habitat.mxd Sediment Re-entrainment Area AÆ Feet Sediment Storage/ Green Waste Sites Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration Cottonwood / Willow with Native Understory Non-Native Grasses / Weeds Aquatic Mixed Riparian Disturbed Eucalyptus Oak Tree 50/50 Arundo Prado Basin SMDP Sediment Management Storage Site E Aerial Imagery Eagle Aerial Spring 2012 Figure 7

90 Table 14: Vegetation/Land Cover (Acres) SAR Sediment Channel Alignment Storage Site E Cottonwood/Willow-Native Understory 11.45(1) 0 Cottonwood/Willow-Non-Native Understory 10.85(1) 0 Mixed Riparian Coastal Sage Scrub 0 0 Mixed Coastal Sage Scrub /Non-Native Grasses/Weeds Non-Native Grasslands/Weeds Arundo Eucalyptus Open Water Total (1)Includes 1.75 acres Impacts for access roads Cottonwood/Willow-Native Understory: The Cottonwood/Willow classification has been designated on lands that consist predominately of Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), black willow (Salix gooddingii), with minor components of arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), narrow-leaf willow (Salix exigua) and western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). This classification includes an understory that consists of 50 percent of cover or greater of native vegetation. Native vegetation understory includes: cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), wild grape (Vitis girdiana), Beggar s Ticks (Bidens frondosa) and mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia). Cottonwood/Willow-Non-Native Understory: The Cottonwood/Willow classification has been designated on lands that consist predominately of Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), black willow (Salix gooddingii), with minor components of arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), narrow-leaf willow (Salix exigua) and western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). This classification includes an understory that consists of 50% of cover or greater of non-native vegetation. Non-native vegetation understory includes: Arundo (Arundo donax), Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) and Tamarisk (Tamarix ramossima). Mixed Riparian: The Riparian Mixed classification has been applied to lands that consist of a mixture of riparian vegetation. Riparian Mixed vegetation within the project area consists of mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia), elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), cocklebur (Xanthium) and strands of black willow and arroyo willow. Coastal Sage Scrub: The Coastal Sage Scrub classification has been applied to areas that consist of 90% of cover or greater of coastal sage scrub vegetation. The Coastal Sage Scrub Series includes California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), California buckwheat (erigonum fasciculatum), black sage (Salvia mellifera) and white sage (Salvia apiana). Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-38

91 Mixed Coastal Sage Scrub /Non-Native Grasses/Weeds: The Mixed Coastal Sage Scrub /Non-Native Grasses/Weeds have been applied to areas that consist of approximately 50% cover of coastal sage scrub and 50% cover non-native grasses and weeds. The Coastal Sage Scrub Series includes California sagebrush (Artemisia californica), California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), California buckwheat (erigonum fasciculatum), black sage (Salvia mellifera) and white sage (Salvia apiana). Non-native grasses and non-native weeds includes; black mustard (Brassica nigra), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), starthistle (Centaurea spp.), and castor bean (Ricinus communis). Non-Native Grasses/Weeds: The Non-native grasslands and weeds classification has been designated on lands that consist of 90% cover or more of non-native grasses and non-native weeds. Non-native grasses and non-native weeds include; black mustard (Brassica nigra), poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), starthistle (Centaurea spp.), and castor bean (Ricinus communis). Eucalyptus: The Eucalyptus classification has been applied to lands that consist predominantly of Eucalyptus Trees, with less than 10% cover of other vegetation. Arundo: The Arundo (Arundo donax) classification has been applied to lands that consist predominantly of Arundo, with less than 10 % cover of other vegetation. Open Water: The open water classification represents portion of the project area that consists of water bodies, including stream systems, pools and ponds with no significant emerging floating vegetation except along the edges where species such as cattail (Typha latifolia), bulrush (Scirpus), and smartweed (Polygonum lapathifolium) occur. Sensitive Communities/Special Status Plants A literature search conducted of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Diversity Database identified that there are two sensitive communities known to occur within the project area. These communities include; Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest and California Arroyo Chub/Santa Ana Sucker Stream. Below is a description of the sensitive vegetation communities and where they have been identified in the project area. Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest Southern cottonwood and willow riparian habitat is typically dominated by cottonwood and willow trees and shrubs with understory species such as mugwort, stinging nettle and wild cucumber. The riparian habitat is considered to be an early successional stage as the vegetation community is known to germinate almost exclusively on recently deposited or exposed alluvial soils. In Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-39

92 the absence of disturbance, this habitat type will transition to include oaks and sycamores or, at higher elevations, will include white alder. Within the project area the Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest is dominated by Black Willows. It occurs throughout the project area and has been mapped as either Cottonwood/Willow/Native Understory or Cottonwood/Willow/Non-Native Understory. Southern California Arroyo Chub/Santa Ana Sucker Perennial Stream Southern California Arroyo Chub/Santa Ana Sucker Stream habitats are defined as perennial streams that contain essential habitat elements for Santa Ana suckers and Southern California arroyo chubs. Both of these species tend to complement each other s distributions within the Santa Ana River Watershed. Therefore, for purposes of defining habitat they are grouped together. Arroyo chubs prefer low gradient portions of streams with sand and mud substrates and often spawn in warmer water compared to the Santa Ana sucker. Santa Ana suckers are found in higher elevations and higher gradient portions of stream segments. The segment of the Santa Ana River within the Prado Basin does not contain the essential habitat elements to support populations of Santa Ana Suckers or Southern California Arroyo Chubs and therefore these areas would not be considered perennial stream habitat. Special Status Plant Species A review of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Diversity Data Base for the Prado Dam, and Corona North USGS Quadrangles was conducted to determine the potential for special status plant species to occur within the project area. A complete listing of special status plant species identified within both quadrangle areas and the potential for the species to occur within the project area is shown in Table 15. A combination of literature searches and field surveys conducted by OCWD Natural Resources Department were used to determine the potential for special status plant species to occur within the project area. The determination on the potential for the species to occur within the project area was based on the following criteria; Present: High: Moderate: The species is commonly observed or observed within the project area within the last year. The project area supports suitable habitat and the species has been observed within last 5 years and within 5 miles of the project area The project area supports suitable habitat and the species has not been observed within last 5 years and not within 5 miles of the project area. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-40

93 Low: The project area lacks suitable habitat for the species and/or the species has not been observed within last 10 years and not within 10 miles of project area. Plants Chaparral nolina (Nolina cismontane) Chaparral sand verbena (Abronia villosa var. aurita) Coulters saltbrush (Atriplex coulteri) Intermediate mariposa lily (Calochortus weedii var. ntermus) Jokerst s monardella Table 15: Sensitive Plant List Federal State CNPS MSHCP General Habitat NL NL 1B.2 NC Coastal Sage Scrub NL NL 1B.1 NC Coast Bluff Scrub & Chaparral with sandy soils. Flowering period January to September. NL NL 1B.1 NC Coastal Bluff Scrub, Strand, Coastal Sage Scrub, valley and foothill grass lands. Flowering period March to October. NL NL 1B.2 C Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, Valley and Foothill Grasslands. Flowering period May to July. NL NL 1B.1 NC Coniferous forests Potential Occurrence Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not contain adequate amounts suitable habitat. Last reported 2004 Coal Canyon Ecological reserve Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not contain adequate amounts suitable habitat. Species last reported 1933 in lower Santa Ana Canyon. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not support adequate amount suitable habitat. Species last reported in 1917 Chino Creek, south of City of Ontario. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site not support adequate amount suitable habitat. Species last reported in 1977 in Santa Ana Canyon. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site not support adequate amount Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-41

94 Robinsons pepper grass (Lepidium virginicum var. robinsonii) Santa Barbara morningglory (Calystegia sepium ssp. Binghamiae) Smooth tarplant (Centromadi a pungens ssp. Laevis) Slender horned Spineflower (Dodecahem a leptoceras) Manystemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis) NL NL 1B.2 NC Coastal Sage Scrub NL NL 1B.1 NC Coastal Marshes NL NL 1B.1 C Chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, riparian woodlands valley and foothill grasslands with alkaline soils. Flowering period April to September. E E 1B.2 C Sandy places Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, cismontane woodlands, stream banks and washes. Flowering period April to June. NL NL 1B.2 C Coastal Sage Scrub, chaparral, Valley grasslands. Flowering period April to July. suitable habitat. Species last reported in miles south Chino Prison. Low Potential. Small patch reported in 2010 at sediment storage site. Site has been weeded and replanted with riparian plants. Due to disturbed condition of site low potential for species to occur. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site not support adequate amount suitable habitat. Single population reported in Chino in Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and sediment storage site do not support adequate amount of suitable habitat. The Species last reported 1903 near City of Ontario. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and storage site do not support adequate amount habitat. Species last reported 2005, 1.5 miles east of Valley Vista and State Highway 74. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not support adequate amount suitable habitat. Species last reported 1983,.8 mile west of Prado Dam Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-42

95 Santa Ana River woollystar (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. Sanctorum) White rabbit tobacco (Pseudogna phalium leucocephal um) Coulters matilija poppy (Romneya coulteria) Salt Spring checkerbloo m (Sidalalcea neomexican) San Bernardino aster (Symphyotri chum defoliatum) Legend Federal E- Endangered T-Threatened SSC- Special Species of Concern C-Candidate for Listing NL-Not Listed State Listing (California E E 1B.1 C Sandy gravelly Soils on River Floodplain. Flowering period May to September. NL NL 2.2 C Occurs in sandy washes. Flowering period July to November. NL NL 4.2 C Dry washes,, disturbed sage scrub, chaparral and often found in burn areas. Flowering period March to July. NL NL 2.2 NC Chaparral, Coastal Scrub, lower montane conifer forest. Flowering period March to June. NL NL 1B.2 NC Occurs in freshwater Wetlands. Flowering period July to November. California Native Plant Society CNPS 1A-Plants presumed extinct in California 1B- Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere 2-Plants rare, threatened, or Section 3 along west facing slope of Santa Ana Canyon. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not support adequate amount suitable habitat. Species last reported 1927 near Weir Canyon SR 91 exit. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not support adequate amount suitable habitat. Species last reported 1928 near Historic Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden. High Potential. Foothills above sediment reentrainment area contain patches of coastal sage habitat. The species was observed in 2009 after recent burn and is within known distribution area. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not support adequate amount suitable habitat. Species was reported in 1917 in Chino Creek, south of City of Ontario. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not support adequate amount suitable habitat. Species last reported miles southeast City of Chino. Multi-species Habitat (Conservation Plan C (MSHCP C covered NC not covered Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-43

96 Endangered Species Act, CDFG FP-Fully Protected E-Endangered T-Threatened S-Sensitive SSC-Special Species of Concern WL-Watch List NL-Not Listed endangered in California but more common elsewhere 3-Plants about which we need more review 4-Plants of limited distribution CNPS Threat Rank.1 Seriously Endangered.2 Fairly Endangered.3 Not Very Endangered Special Status Plant Species with Moderate or Higher to Potential to Occur Coulter s Matilija Poppy The site nearest to the project area where Coulter s Matilija Poppy was observed was in Chino Hills. The area is outside the construction activity impact area. Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts to Coulter s Matilija Poppy will occur. MSHCP Narrow Endemic Plants According to the MSHCP, the project area is located within the Narrow Endemic Plant Survey Area for the following plant species. The MSHCP requires focused plant surveys be prepared to determine the presence of these species, if the project area supports suitable habitat. Brand s phacelia (Phacelia stellaris), San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila), San Miguel savory (Satureja chandleri). After review of the general habitat requirements for the plant species and the habitat conditions at the project area it was determined that there was low potential for the plant species to occur and no focused surveys are required. Therefore, no direct or indirect impacts to Brand s phacelia, San Diego ambrosia and San Miguel savory will occur. Wildlife The following descriptions of general wildlife populations occurring in Prado Basin and environs are based on several biological studies that have been conducted within the Prado Basin over the last several years. These studies include general biological assessments prepared in association with the Corps SAR Mainstem Project, Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and annual bird surveys conducted by OCWD and Santa Ana Watershed Association. Avian Species Prado Basin contains a vast expanse of riparian habitat and associated bird populations. The Prado Basin area is extremely important to migratory bird species. In the spring, there is an influx of migratory passerines. In winter, there Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-44

97 are great numbers of wintering waterfowl and raptors. Over 175 different bird species have been observed within the Prado Basin. These species are closely associated with riparian and open-water habitats. Bird species known to occur in emergent willows and freshwater marsh areas, include; Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), marsh wrens (Cistothorus palustris), pied-billed grebes (Podilymbus podiceps), American avocet (Recurvirostra Americana), black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), killdeer (Charadrius vociferous), common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas), tricolored blackbirds (Agelaius tricolor), American bitterns (Botaurus lentiginosus), Virginia rails (Rallus limicola), common moorhens (Gallinula chloropus), acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), Nuttall s woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii), Pacific-slope flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis), ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens), oak titmouse (Parus inornatus), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), orange-crowned warbler (Vermivora celata), lesser goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria), California quail (Callipepla californica), western wood-pewee (Contopus sordidulus), belted kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon) and northern rough-winged swallows (Stelgidopteryx serripennis). Bird species known to occur along the edge of the Prado Basin, within taller stands of willow trees and along the river where the canopy is thick, include; Least Bells vireo (Vireo Bellii pusillus), southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), Yellow warblers (Dendroica petechia), yellowbreasted chats (Icteria virens), black phoebes (Sayornis nigricans), green herons (Butorides viresens), lazuli buntings (Passerina amoena), blue grosbeaks (Guiraca caerulea), great blue heron (Ardea herodias), double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), and tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Species of ducks that are known to occur in the Prado Basin include; American coots (Fulica americana), ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera), northern shovelers (Anas clypeata), northern pintail (Anas acuta), green-winged teal (Anas crecca), American widgeon (Anas Americana), and ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris). Along the edge of the reservoir, above the riparian habitat with low shrub lands, the following species are known to occur; the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), horned lark (Eremophila alpestris), loggerhead shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus), California towhee (Pipilo crissalis), lesser goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria), bushtit, (Psaltriparus minimus) California thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), spotted towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), Bewick s wren (Thryomanes bewickii), California quail Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-45

98 (Callipepla californica), wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), lazuli bunting (Passerina amoena). Bird species known to occur in the Prado Basin woodlands include; the house wren (Troglodytes aedon), American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), black-headed grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus), brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), spotted towhee (Pipilo maculatus), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), Bullock s oriole (Icterus bullockii), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Bewick s wren (Thryomanes bewickii), bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus), song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis), Cassin s kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans), hooded oriole (Icterus cucullatus), Anna s hummingbird (Calypte anna), house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), blue grosbeak (Passerina caerulea), ash-throated flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens), common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), northern flicker (Colaptes auratus), yellow-rumped warblers (Dendroica coronata), White-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), American pipets (Anthus rubescens), savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), Say s phoebes (Sayornis saya), western bluebirds (Sialia mexicana), and mountain bluebirds (Sialia currucoides). Raptors and birds of prey known to occur within the Prado Basin include; whitetailed kites (Elanus leucurus), red-shouldered hawks, (Buteo lineatus), red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis),, Cooper s hawk (Accipiter cooperii), golden eagle (Aguila chrysaetos), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), osprey (Pandion haliaetus) northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus), ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius), common barn owl (Tyto alba), western screech-owl (Otus kennicottii), great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia ) and long-eared owl (Asio otus). Aquatic Species Historically, the Santa Ana River supported seven species of native freshwater fishes, a freshwater shrimp and a freshwater clam. Presently, only three native fishes, the Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae), Santa Ana speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) and the Arroyo chub (Gila orcutti) are known to occur in the Santa Ana River. The decline of the native fish population is attributed to the presence of predatory exotic fish, reduced and fragmented habitat and the presence of flood control structures and improvements that prevent downstream and upstream movement. Today, fish within the Santa Ana River largely consist of non-native fish species. Common species include carp (Cyprinus carpio), fathead minnow (Pimaphales), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), largemouth Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-46

99 bass (Micropterus salmoides), yellow bullhead (Ameriurus natalis), channel catfish (Ictalurus ounctatus), tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), bluegill (lepomis macrochirus), threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense), and the mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis). Amphibian Species Ten species of amphibians are known to occur in the Prado Basin. The most common native amphibians are the Pacific tree frogs (Pseudacris regilla) and western toad (Anaxyrus boreas). The most common non-native amphibian are the bullfrog (Bufo catesbeiana) and the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). Other amphibian species that may have occurred historically or are no longer present within the Prado Basin includes; ensatina (Ensatina eschescholtzii), black-bellied salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris), Pacific slender salamander (Batracoseps pacifus), and western spade toad (Spea hammondii). The California red-legged frog (Rana aurora) was historically thought to occur within the Prado Basin, but has not been reported for many years. The last sighting of a red-legged frog was along the south shore of the Prado Basin in It is believed that the species has been extirpated, in large part due to competition with, and predation by bullfrogs. Reptile Species About 20 species of reptiles are known to occur in the Prado Basin and environs. The western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) and the side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) are the two most commonly encountered reptile species. Other reptiles found in the study area include: coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii), orange throated whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra), silvery legless lizard (Anniella pulchra), western skink, (Piestiodon skiltonianus), southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicannatus), western whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris), racer (Coluber constrictor), coachwhip snake (Masticophis glagellum), California whip snake (Masticophis lateralis), gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus), common king snake (Lampropeltis getulus), night snake (Hypsiglena torquata), and Southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus virdis). Three turtle species: the redeared slider (Pseudodemys scripte), the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata pallida), and the sprung soft shell (trionyx spuiforus) are known to occur in the Prado Basin. Mammal Species Large mammals known to occur within the Prado Basin and environs include fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), coyote (Canis latrans), bobcat (Lynx rufus), mountain lion (Puma concolor), and deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Small mammals known to occur within the Prado Basin include: broad-footed moles Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-47

100 (Scapanus latimanus), jackrabbits (lepus californicus bennettii), cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus audubonii), raccoon (Procyon lotor), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), Pacific kangaroo rat (Dipodomys agilis), California pocket mice (Chaetodipus californicus), whitefooted mice (Peromyscus spp.), harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis), voles (Microtus californicus), deer mice (peromysus maniculatus), house mice (mus musculus), and pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae). Special Status Wildlife Species A review of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Diversity Data Base for the Prado Dam, and Corona North USGS Quadrangles was conducted to determine the potential for special status wildlife species to occur within the project area. A complete listing of sensitive wildlife species identified within both quadrangle areas and the potential for the species to occur within the project area is shown in Table 16. A combination of site visits conducted in the project area, annual surveys conducted by Santa Ana Watershed Association and local knowledge of the project area was used to determine the potential occurrence of sensitive wildlife species. The determination on the potential for the species to occur within the project area was based on the following criteria. Present: High: The species commonly observed or trace signs of the species were observed within the project area within the last year. The project area supports suitable habitat and the species has been observed within the last 5 years and within 5 miles of the project area. Moderate: The project area supports suitable habitat but the species has not been observed within the last 5 years and not within 5 miles of the project area. Low: The project area lacks suitable habitat and/or species has not been observed within last 10 years and within 10 miles of the project area. Reptiles Southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata pallida) Orangethroated whiptail Table 16: List of Special Status Wildlife Species Federal State MSHCP General Habitat Potential Occurrence NL SSC C Perennial Ponds, Lakes, Rivers, Streams, Creeks, Marshes, and Irrigation Ditches NL SSC C Low level Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Grass land, Oak Woodland. High Potential. Rarely, but observed in Prado Basin. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat. Moderate Potential The sediment storage site contains marginal suitable Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-48

101 Federal State MSHCP General Habitat Potential Occurrence (Aspidosceli hyperythra) Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) Coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) California redsided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis) Birds Tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) Long-eared owl (Asio otus) Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) Coastal cactus wren (Campylorhync hus brunneicapillus ) Prefers washes and sandy areas with patches of brush and rocks. NL SSC C Chaparral, Woodland and grassland and desert areas that have dense brush and large rocks or boulders. NL SSC C Most common in lowlands along sandy washes with scattered low brushes, requires open areas for sunning, bushes for cover and abundant supply of ants and other food sources. NL SSC C Forest, mixed woodlands, grassland, marshes and streams.. NL SSC C Wetlands, Agricultural Fields NL SSC C Dense grasslands on rolling hills, in valleys and on hillsides, prefer native grasslands with scattered shrubs. NL SSC C Riparian bottomlands within tall willow and cottonwood trees, live oak trees near streams, needs adjacent open land productive of food sources and the presence of old nests. NL SSC C Open, dry perennial or annual grassland and scrublands characterized by low growing vegetation, subterranean nester. NL SSC C Coastal Sage Scrub in southern California closely associated with areas containing patches of cholla or prickly pear cacti. habitat. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel and sediment storage site lack suitable habitat. Species last reported in 2001, 1 mile north of Santa Ana River at Horse Shoe Bend in Chino Hills Moderate Potential. The sediment storage site contains marginal suitable habitat. Moderate High Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat, and the species is known to reside in Prado Basin. Moderate High Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat. Moderate Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and sediment storage site contain marginal suitable amount of habitat. Moderate Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and sediment storage site do not support adequate amount of suitable foraging/roosting opportunities. Species last reported mile north of Chino Airport Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and sediment storage site do not support adequate amount of suitable habitat. Species last reported in Chino Hills 4 Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-49

102 Federal State MSHCP General Habitat Potential Occurrence Yellow Warbler (Dendroica Brewsteri) Least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) Coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica) Western yellow billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) Cooper s hawk (Accipiter cooperii) White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) NL SSC C Riparian vegetation associations, prefers willows, cottonwood, sycamores for nesting and foraging. E E C Summer resident of southern California in low riparian habitats in vicinity of water or dry river bottoms, nests placed along margins of bushes or on twigs landing on pathways, usually willow, mesquite or mulefat. T SSC C Permanent resident of coastal sage scrub, low scrub, in arid washes, on mesas and slopes. C E C Riparian Woodlands with Thick stands of Cottonwoods and Willows NL WL C Woodlands, nest sites mainly in riparian growths of deciduous trees. NL FP C Typically nests at lower elevations in riparian trees, including oaks, willows and cottonwoods, forages over open areas. miles west of Prado Dam Present. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat and species is commonly reported to occur in Prado Basin. Present. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat and species is annually reported in the Prado Basin. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and sediment storage site lack suitable habitat. Species last reported 2000 in Norco Hills. Low Potential. Species typically require a minimum of 25 acres of area and forage predominantly in cottonwood tree stands. Surveys conducted by OCWD and SAWA over the last eight years have not reported any sightings of cuckoos within Prado Basin. Based on the lack of occurrence of the species in recent years, it is anticipated that the species could be extirpated from the area (Santa Ana River Interceptor Line Protection/Relocation EIS/EIR, U.S. Army Corps Engineers 2009). Based on the lack of occurrence of the species, the species is presumed to be absent from the project area. Present. The sediment removal channel alignment and areas near green waste site contain suitable habitat. Species is commonly reported to occur in Prado Basin. Present. The sediment removal channel alignment and area near green waste site support suitable habitat. Species is commonly reported to occur in Prado Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-50

103 Federal State MSHCP General Habitat Potential Occurrence Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) Yellow breasted chat (Icteria virens) Double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) American bittern (Botaurus Lentiginosus) Swainsons hawk (Buteo swainsoni) Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) E E C Breeds in willow riparian forest and shrub ands NL SSC C Summer resident, inhibits riparian thicket of willow and other brushy thickets near water courses, nests in low dense riparian vegetation. NL WL C Inhabits lakes, rivers, reservoirs, estuaries or ocean for foraging, nests in tall trees or rugged slopes near aquatic environments. NL SSC C Inhabits shallow estuaries, fresh and saline emergent wetland areas. NL FP C Uncommon resident in southern California, nests primarily in rugged, isolated mountain areas. NL WL C Nests in conifer and riparian forests, prefers north facing slopes near water. NL NL C Found in emergent freshwater marsh habitat and vegetate borders of ponds and lakes. NL T C Breeds in interior valleys and high desert with scattered large trees or riparian woodland corridors surrounded by open fields. NL NL C Forages widely over many habitats, roosts communally in open trees, nests on cliffs, or steep mountains in shrubby or rocky sites. Basin. Moderate Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat. Most recent reporting was in 2007 in the vicinity of sediment storage site Present. The sediment removal channel alignment support suitable habitat. Species is commonly reported to occur in Prado Basin. Present. Observed The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat and species is commonly reported in Prado Basin. Present. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat and species has commonly been reported in Prado Basin. Moderate Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and sediment storage site do not support adequate amount of suitable habitat. However, species has historically been reported nesting in Chino Hills Moderate Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat Moderate Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat. Moderate Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site all contain suitable foraging habitat. Present. Observed. The sediment removal channel alignment and the area near the green waste site all support suitable foraging habitat. Species has commonly been reported in Prado Basin. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-51

104 Federal State MSHCP General Habitat Potential Occurrence Vaux s swift (Chaetura vauxi) Northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) California horned lark (Eremophila alpestris action) Merlin (Falco columbarius) Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Lincoln sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) Downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) Amphibians Western spadefoot (spea hammondii) Northern leopard frog (Lithobates) Mammals Mexican longtongued bat (Choeronycete NL SSC NC Breeds in coniferous and mixed coniferous forests, requires large diameter trees, hollow trees form breeding, forages in areas of open water. NL SSC C Prefers open country, grasslands, stepps, wetland meadows, agriculture fields, roost and nest on ground in shrubby vegetation often at edge of marshes. NL WL C Short-grass prairie, mountain meadows, open coastal plains and fallow grain fields. NL WL C Tidal estuaries, open woodlands. Edges of grasslands, requires clumps of trees or windbreaks for roosting in open country. NL SSC C Broken woodland, riparian woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland and washes, NL NL C Breeds in montane wetlands, meadows, and riparian scrub. NL NL C Forests and woodlands, especially riparian areas, builds nests in dead trees. NL SSC C Vernal Pools, Riparian Habitats NL SSC NC Grasslands. Meadows, Forest, Woodlansds, Marshes and Canals Present: Seasonal Migrant, sediment removal channel alignment supports suitable habitat. Species has been commonly reported in Prado Basin. High Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the area near the green waste site support suitable habitat and species has been reported in Prado Basin. High Potential. The sediment storage sites does support marginal suitable habitat. Species has been reported in Prado Basin. High Potential. Species known to occur in Prado Basin as winter visitor and is likely to forage or fly over Prado Basin. Moderate Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment support suitable habitat and species is known to forage in upland habitats within Prado Basin. Moderate Potential. Not observed in Prado Basin. The sediment removal channel alignment support suitable habitat. Present. The sediment removal channel alignment and area near green waste site support suitable habitat and species has been commonly reported in Prado Basin. Moderate Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment contain suitable habitat. Low. The sediment removal channel alignment lacks and sediment storage site lack suitable habitat. Species last reported miles west of City of Corona. NL SSC NC Well Lighted Caves Low Potential. The sediment removal alignment and the sediment Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-52

105 Federal State MSHCP General Habitat Potential Occurrence ris mexicana) San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvusi) Western mastiff bat (Eumops perotis californicus) San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus Caolifornicus) Pocketed freetailed bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus) Coyote (Canis latrans) Mountain lion (Felis concolor) Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata) Aquatics Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae) Southern California arroyo chub (Gila orcutti) E NL C Alluvial Scrub, Sandy Loam Substrate NL SSC NC Roosts in cracks and small holes, prefers man-made structures NL SSC C Open Range, Agricultural Lands, Coastal Shrub NL SSC C Crevices in Rocky Cliffs, caves, tunnels mines under roof tiles NL NL C Opportunistic predatory, exists in many habitats. NL NL C Large areas where prey is available. NL NL C Opportunistic predator, many habitats. NL NL C Generalist predator, mainly on small animals T SSC C Cool, Clear Streams, Rivers, rocky Bottom in riparian woodlands NL SSC C Freshwater Rivers, Creeks, and Streams in riparian woodlands Legend Federal Endangered Species Act E- Endangered T-Threatened SSC- Special Species of Concern C-Candidate for Listing California Endangered Species Act/California Department Fish Game storage site do not have caves. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not contain adequate amounts of suitable habitat. Species last reported miles southeast Corona Airport. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site all do not contain adequate amounts of suitable habitat. Present. Species is commonly observed throughout Prado Basin vicinity. Low Potential. The sediment removal channel alignment and the sediment storage site do not contain adequate amounts of suitable habitat. Present. Known to occur throughout the Prado Basin vicinity. Present. Known to occur in Prado Basin and Chino Hills State Park. Present. Known to occur in Prado Basin vicinity. Present. The sediment removal channel alignment and sediment storage site all supports suitable habitat and species has been observed in Prado Basin. Moderate Potential. The segment of SAR within project area contains marginal essential habitat elements. Moderate Potential. The segment of SAR within project area contains marginal essential habitat elements. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-53

106 E-Endangered FP-Fully Protected S-Sensitive SSC-Special Species of Concern T-Threatened WL-Watch List Multi species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) C-Covered NC-Not Covered Federal State MSHCP General Habitat Potential Occurrence Special Status Wildlife Species with Moderate or Higher Potential to Occur within Project Areas Federal/State-Endangered, Threatened, Fully Protected Species Least Bell s Vireo (Vireo belli pusillus) Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Swainson s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae) Federal/State-Candidate, Species of Special Concern Southwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) Orange Throated Whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythra) Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) California Red-Sided Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis inferbalis) Tri-colored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) Long-Eared Owl (Asio oyus) Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia brewsteri) Yellow-Breasted Chat (Icteria virens) Great Blue Heron (Ardea Herodias) Vaux s Swift (Chaetura vauxi) Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) Western Spadefoot (spea hammondii) San Diego Black-Tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettii) Southern California Arroyo Chub (Gila orcutti) Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) State Watch List Species Cooper s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) Double-Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) California Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris alpestris actia) Merlin (Falco columbarius) MSHCP Covered Species Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-54

107 Lincoln s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) Coyote (Canis latrans) Mountain Lion (Felis concolor) Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) Critical Habitat Least Bell s Vireo Critical Habitat Section 3 In 1994 USFWS designated approximately 48,000 acres as critical habitat for the least Bell s vireo. The designation encompasses portions of six counties in California including Riverside County and San Bernardino County. The Primary Constituent Elements for the least Bell s vireo include riparian woodland vegetation that generally contains both canopy and shrub layers, and includes some associated upland habitats. As shown in Figure 8, the sediment removal channel is located on lands designated as critical habitat for the least Bell s vireo. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Critical Habitat In 1997 USFWS designated critical habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher for portions of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The Primary Constitute Elements of for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher are thickets of riparian shrubs and small trees with adjacent surface water. The surface water must be available from May to September during breeding season. As shown on Figure 8 portions of the sediment removal channel are located on lands that have been designated Critical Habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Coastal California Gnatcatcher Critical Habitat In 2007 USFWS re-designated 197,303 acres of habitat in portions of San Diego County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County and Ventura County as critical habitat for Coastal California Gnatcatcher. The Primary Constituent Elements for the Coastal gnatcatcher are: (1) dynamic and successional sage scrub habitats such as Venturan coastal sage scrub, Diegan coastal sage scrub, Riversidean sage scrub, maritime succulent scrub, Riversidean alluvial fan scrub, southern coastal bluff scrub, and coastal sage chaparral scrub and (2) non-sage scrub habitats such as chaparral, grassland, riparian areas, in proximity to sage scrub habitats that provide space for dispersal, foraging and nesting. As shown on Figure 8 none of the project area is located on lands that have been designated Critical Habitat for the California Gnatcatcher. Draft Environmental Impact Report 3-55

108 Sediment Removal Channel A«Sediment Re-entrainment Area AÆ Sediment Storage Site E / Green Waste Site K:\Prado\SedimentManagementPlan\MXD\EIR2014\F8_Critical_Habitats.mxd 0 1,000 2,000 Feet Least Bell's Vireo Critical Habitat California Gnat Catcher Critical Habitat Santa Ana Sucker Critical Habitat Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Critical Habitat Prado Basin SMDP Critical Habitat Aerial Imagery Eagle Aerial Spring 2012 Figure 8