APPENDIX G BIOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT FOR THE SAN DIEGUITO LAGOON W-19 RESTORATION PROJECT

Transcription

1 APPENDIX G BIOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT FOR THE SAN DIEGUITO LAGOON W-9 RESTORATION PROJECT San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft EIR March 207 Appendices

2 DRAFT BIOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT FOR THE SAN DIEGUITO LAGOON W-9 RESTORATION PROJECT SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Prepared for: San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority 8372 Sycamore Creek Road Escondido, California Prepared by: AECOM 40 West A. Street, Suite 200 San Diego, California 920 February 207

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS... v CHAPTER.0 INTRODUCTION.... Background....2 Project Limits and Purpose Project Limits Purpose of the Proposed Project Project Alternatives... 3 CHAPTER 2.0 METHODS Biological Study Area Biological Field Surveys and Data Sources Vegetation Mapping Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands Delineation Surveys Special-Status Plant Surveys Special-Status Wildlife Surveys... 3 CHAPTER 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS Vegetation Communities Wetlands and Riparian Vegetation Communities Upland Vegetation Communities Cover Types Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands Flora Federally Listed Plant Species State-Listed Plant Species Nonlisted Special-Status Plant Species Fauna Special-Status Wildlife Critical Habitat Wildlife Movement CHAPTER 4.0 PROJECT IMPACTS guidelines for determining significance Proposed Project San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page i

4 Section Page 4.2. Vegetation Communities Jurisdictional Resources Special-Status Plant Species Special-Status Wildlife Species Wildlife Corridors/Connectivity Alternative B Vegetation Communities Jurisdictional Resources Special-Status Plant Species Special-Status Wildlife Species Wildlife Corridors/Connectivity Alternative C Vegetation Communities Jurisdictional Resources Special-Status Plant Species Special-Status Wildlife Species Wildlife Corridors/Connectivity CHAPTER 5.0 AVOIDANCE AND MINIMIZATION MEASURES CHAPTER 6.0 REFERENCES APPENDICES A Monthly Volunteer Bird Count Results Report February 206 B Jurisdictional Delineation Report C Plant Species Observed within the BSA D Coastal California Gnatcatcher Survey Reports E Least Bell s Vireo Survey Report F Light-footed Ridgway s Rail and Belding s Savannah Sparrow Survey Report G Pacific Pocket Mouse Habitat Assessment Report H Table of Sensitive Plant Species with Potential to Occur within the BSA I Table of Sensitive Wildlife Species with Potential to Occur within the BSA Page ii San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

5 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page - Regional Map Vicinity Map Ownership Proposed Habitat Distribution Wetlands Maintenance and Material Placement Proposed Project Wetlands Maintenance Areas Alternative B Habitat Distribution Alternative C Habitat Distribution Biological Study Area Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in the W-9 Site and BSA Vegetation Communities Disposal Site and BSA Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S Potential Jurisdictional Waters of the State Special-Status Plants Detected in the BSA Special-Status Wildlife Detected in the BSA Limits of Disturbance Proposed Project Alternative B Limits of Disturbance Alternative C Limits of Disturbance... 2 LIST OF TABLES Table Page - Anticipated Inlet Maintenance Requirements after Storm Events Anticipated Interior Wetland Sediment Maintenance Required Alternative B Anticipated Inlet Maintenance Requirements after Storm Events Alternative C Anticipated Inlet Maintenance Requirements after Storm Events Anticipated Interior Wetland Sediment Maintenance Required BSA Acreages by Area Focused Surveys Conducted in the BSA Previous Project Studies Conducted in San Dieguito Lagoon Vegetation Communities and Other Cover Types within the W-9 Site and Buffer (Acres) San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page iii

6 Table Page 3-2 Vegetation Communities and Other Cover Types within the Disposal Site, Haul Route and Buffers (Acres) Potential Waters of the U.S. and State Occurring BSA Proposed Project Permanent Impacts to Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in the W-9 Site Post-Restoration Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in the Disposal Site and Haul Route Proposed Project Temporary Impacts to Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in the W-9 Site Proposed Project Temporary Impacts to Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in the Disposal Site and Haul Route Proposed Project Permanent Impacts to Listed Wildlife Species Habitat in the W-9 Site Proposed Project Permanent Impacts to Listed Wildlife Species Habitat in the Disposal Site and Haul Route Proposed Project Direct Temporary Impacts to Listed Species Habitat in the W-9 Site Proposed Project Direct Temporary Impacts to Listed Habitat in Disposal Site and Haul Route Alternative B Permanent Impacts to Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in W Alternative B Temporary Impacts to Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in the W-9 Site Alternative B Direct Permanent Impacts to Listed Wildlife Species Habitat in W Alternative B Direct Temporary Impacts to Listed Species Habitat in the W-9 Site Alternative C Permanent Impacts to Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in W Alternative C Temporary Impacts to Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in the W-9 Site Alternative C Direct Permanent Impacts to Listed Wildlife Species Habitat in the W-9 Site Alternative C Direct Temporary Impacts to Listed Species Habitat in the W-9 Site Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures Page iv San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

7 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS BSA Caltrans CDFG CDFW CFR City CNDDB CNPS Corps dba ERCE ESA FTA GPS I-5 JPA Konecny L max MHPA MMU MSCP RWQCB SANDAG SCE SDG&E JPA USDA USFWS Biological Study Area California Department of Transportation California Department of Fish and Game California Department of Fish and Wildlife Code of Federal Regulations City of San Diego California Natural Diversity Database California Native Plant Society U.S. Army Corps of Engineers A-weighted decibel ERC Environmental and Energy Services Co. Endangered Species Act Federal Transit Administration global positioning system Interstate 5 Joint Powers Authority Konecny Biological Services maximum noise level Multiple Habitat Planning Area minimum mapping unit Multiple Species Conservation Program Regional Water Quality Control Board San Diego Association of Governments Southern California Edison San Diego Gas and Electric San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page v

8 CHAPTER.0 INTRODUCTION. BACKGROUND San Dieguito Lagoon is located within the San Dieguito river valley in the City of San Diego (City), San Diego County, California (Figure -). The San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project (proposed project) would be located within San Dieguito Lagoon, east of Interstate 5 (I-5), south of Via de la Valle, and west of El Camino Real. The proposed project site is located within lands owned by the San Dieguito River Park Joint Power Authority (JPA), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the City, and is within the Focused Planning Area of the San Dieguito River Park (Figure -2). Historically, San Dieguito Lagoon and its adjoining coastal wetlands occupied much of the western San Dieguito river valley and included a mix of vegetated salt and brackish marsh, with associated tidal embayments, sloughs, and mudflats. The San Dieguito wetlands have experienced extensive filling and alteration, beginning as early as the late 800s. Between these impacts and simultaneous development of the surrounding area, less than half of the historical wetlands remain intact. Consequently, the ecological function of the tidal marsh ecosystem and the regular influence of the ocean tidal waters have been substantially diminished (SANDAG 20). Development, infrastructure, and the progressive closing of river and lagoon mouths throughout the San Diego region have led to the conversion and loss of coastal wetlands. The restoration of coastal wetlands can offset this historical loss, enhance and maintain sensitive wetland habitats and native species, promote coastal biodiversity within the region, and enrich functional wetland habitat within San Diego. The purpose of the proposed project is to restore coastal wetlands, which would be used as mitigation for transportation projects within the coastal corridor of north San Diego County and would partially offset wetland losses within the San Dieguito River system. The proposed project would restore habitat that historically occurred within the lagoon, taking into consideration constraints now imposed by existing adjacent land uses and other recently implemented and planned projects. The proposed project would encompass an area historically identified as a restoration opportunity by the JPA in their 2000 Park Master Plan for the Coastal Area of the San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park (Park Master Plan; San Dieguito River Park JPA 2000) and would amend that plan to encompass all of the restoration site, and update its designation to W-9. In addition, the California Department of Transportation San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page

9 Project Location I Figure - Regional Map San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project BSR P:\202\ _SD_W9\05Graphics\5.4_Proj_Graphics\Figures\Figregmap.ai dbrady 7/5/5

10 Via de La Valle San Andres Drive Birdwing Open Air Classroom Del Mar Horse Park San Diego Polo Fields DS40 W6 Camino del Mar DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS W4 NS3 W0 W-9 Restoration Site Fairbanks Ranch Golf Course San Dieguito Road W7 Railroad Jimmy Durante Blvd W2!"^$ W6A El Camino Real Old El Camino Real W3 W NS = Nesting Site W = Wetland DS = Disposal Site Source: JPA: Dokken 205 I, ,000 Feet Scale: :2,000; inch =,000 feet San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BSR\Overview.mxd, /9/207, paul.moreno DS36 * The proposed materials placement sites are the same as those used for maintenance dredging required by the SCE Restoration Project (DS-40). Proposed Project Components Project Area Disposal Site Material Placement (Post-Storm Event)* Other Projects/Features Coast to Crest Trail LEGEND 22nd DAA Del Mar Fairgrounds South Overflow Lot Project SCE San Dieguito Lagoon Restoration Project SCE Project Disposal Sites Figure -2 Vicinity Map

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12 (Caltrans) and San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) identify the site as part of the overall wetland mitigation strategy for infrastructure projects along the North Coast Corridor within northern San Diego County in the Public Works Plan and Transportation and Resource Enhancement Program (Caltrans 204). The proposed project is intended to be used for mitigation for infrastructure projects being planned by SANDAG, Caltrans, and/or the City (e.g., El Camino Real Bridge Replacement Project). Reserve wetlands and/or uplands for future projects by others could also be established as part of the proposed project. The JPA proposes to restore lagoon functions within part of the lagoon called W-9, or the restoration site, as a part of a larger goal to protect a diverse assemblage of self-sustaining coastal habitats important to the region. The proposed project aims to create and enhance hydrological connections of the lagoon by proposing the creation of tidal salt and brackish marsh habitats and hydraulic connections to the San Dieguito River to sustain them. In addition, disposal of materials excavated from the restoration site would be placed south of the W-9 site on a disposal site partially used previously as a disposal site by other projects (Figure -2). Other portions of the San Dieguito Lagoon system have already undergone restoration efforts, and the proposed project would complement existing restoration efforts. Southern California Edison (SCE) implemented the San Dieguito Wetland Restoration Project (SCE restoration project), which encompassed approximately 440 acres between El Camino Real and the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to and west of the proposed project area. The SCE restoration project included excavation, restoration of tidal wetlands, reestablishment of historical uplands, and enhancement and expansion of freshwater and seasonal coastal wetland areas, as well as a public access and interpretation component (USFWS and San Dieguito River Park JPA 2000). The proposed project would be designed to integrate with and expand upon the SCE restoration project. The proposed project would also be designed to accommodate ongoing efforts of wetland creation and restoration west of I-5 and south of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, as well as integrate with the proposed El Camino Real Bridge Replacement Project planned by the City. The brackish marsh and riparian enhancement portions of the proposed project are anticipated to provide mitigation for the City's El Camino Real Bridge Replacement Project (Caltrans 205). The purpose of this Biological Survey Report (report) is to summarize the biological resources known to occur, or with the potential to occur, in the restoration and disposal sites, as well as to analyze the short-term and long-term impacts (both positive and negative) of the proposed project. This report represents a compilation of both existing information, and specific focused studies conducted for the proposed project. San Dieguito Lagoon and the restoration site have been the subject of several biological studies conducted specifically for this project and historically for other projects, as well as ongoing/continuous studies in the lagoon. These efforts have been driven by different projects, individuals, and/or agencies, and have been conducted at San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 5

13 different levels of detail or within different portions of the lagoon. These efforts, in conjunction with a number of focused studies, have been considered in the preliminary planning process for the proposed project, as described in Chapter PROJECT LIMITS AND PURPOSE.2. Project Limits The W-9 restoration site is located on the south side of the San Dieguito River within the San Dieguito River Park. The restoration site is located just upstream from the SCE restoration project limits. The disposal site is located on City-owned land approximately 0.4 mile south of the W-9 site. Off-road temporary access routes would allow travel between the two sites without the use of public roads. A portion of the proposed disposal site is used for materials disposal for the SCE restoration project (DS-36) (Figure -2). Maintenance of restored wetland areas within W-9 would also be included in the proposed project. Deposited sediment would be removed from the W-9 site after severe storm events and placed on area beaches adjacent to the lagoon inlet (maintenance placement sites). These beaches are currently used as placement sites for the SCE restoration project inlet maintenance, and are located within the City of Del Mar west of the Del Mar Fairgrounds (Figure -2). The proposed project would be incorporated into the overall vision of the restored San Dieguito Lagoon system, including other restoration projects as described below, and the vision of the Park Master Plan, which would be updated as part of the proposed project. The Park Master Plan provides a framework for implementing community goals for the restoration of the San Dieguito Lagoon ecosystem, both tidal and nontidal, and for the provision of public access trails and amenities for public enjoyment and nature study (San Dieguito River Park JPA 2000). The project would restore areas identified in the Park Master Plan (see areas identified as U9, W36, M32, M33, and M37 in the Park Master Plan), as well as other areas west of El Camino Real owned by the City and CDFW (Figures -2 and -3). The existing recreational trail system in the San Dieguito Lagoon ecosystem would also be expanded as part of the project. The Park Master Plan would be amended to redesignate the restored areas as W-9 and incorporate the updated boundaries of restoration and proposed habitat types associated with the proposed project..2.2 Purpose of the Proposed Project The purpose of the proposed project is to restore coastal wetlands that can be maintained into the future, which would be used as mitigation for transportation projects within the coastal corridor of north San Diego, partially offsetting wetland losses within the San Dieguito Lagoon system. Page 6 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

14 *The westernmost parcels are currently owned by the City of San Diego, who has an agreement to sell the land to SANDAG once the W-9 site has received all necessary federal and state permits. SANDAG will transfer the property to the JPA after the site meets its success criteria. San Andres Drive Via de La Valle San Dieguito River San Dieguito Rd. Old El Camino Real!"^$ El Camino Real Source: JPA: Dokken 205 I, ,250 Feet Scale: :5,000 inch =,250 feet San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BSR\Ownership.mxd, 2/23/207, paul.moreno Legend Project Area Disposal Site Temporary Haul Route Ownership City of San Diego SANDAG* San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority (JPA) 22nd District Agricultural Association California Department of Fish and Wildlife SANDAG Technical Services - GIS Figure -3 Ownership

15 Accordingly, the primary objectives of the proposed project include: Establish a functional mix of coastal wetlands that includes approximately 50 acres of tidal salt marsh and contribute to the upland mitigation need identified in Table of the Resource Enhancement and Mitigation Plan of the PWP/TREP (Caltrans 206a). Establish approximately 5 acres of brackish wetlands and 3 acres of riparian habitat, and enhance an additional 2 acres of riparian habitat as identified in the El Camino Real Bridge Replacement Project Recirculated EIR (SCH No ). Enhance connectivity of the San Dieguito River to the river valley to promote functionality of the broader lagoon ecosystem. Promote a sustainable system of native wetland and terrestrial vegetation communities that is resilient against the effects of sea level rise. Promote recreational trail connectivity and enhancement of public access within and adjacent to the San Dieguito River Park and San Dieguito Lagoon. Complement existing restoration efforts (e.g., SCE s restoration project). Maintain coastal littoral zone conditions along the beach/coastline. Maintain or enhance current flood protection, specifically for existing infrastructure and development. The proposed project would restore approximately 4 acres to a functional mix of tidal salt marsh, brackish marsh, and transitional/upland habitats. Tidal salt marsh habitat would be established west of the existing utility corridor and brackish marsh habitat east of the utility corridor. Upland/transitional habitats would be placed adjacent to wetland habitat to support ecological function of the restoration project (Figure -4). The existing utility corridor would be enhanced (e.g., through planting with transitional habitat consisting of low-growing, native species that would be maintained by San Diego Gas and Electric [SDG&E]) as part of the proposed project. As part of the proposed project, approximately 60 acres of tidal salt marsh would be established west of the existing utility corridor and south of the river. Tidal connection with the San Dieguito River would be constructed at the west end of the project site in the vicinity of the existing least tern nesting island. A vegetated berm planted with a mix of transitional and upland habitat would be constructed between the salt marsh and the San Dieguito River channel to protect the wetlands from damage due to flood and sedimentation, and to maintain sand movement through the river channel. Figure -4 depicts the approximate boundaries of habitat that would be created Page 8 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

16 San Andres Drive Brackish Marsh Inlet San Dieguito River El Camino Real Old El Camino Real Saltwater Marsh Inlet Source: JPA: Dokken 205 I Feet Scale: :4,800 inch = 400 feet San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BSR\Alt_A_Habitats.mxd, /9/207, paul.moreno Project Area Rock Slope Protection Maintenance Road Proposed Trail Existing Trail Proposed Habitat Open Water Mud Flat Low Salt Marsh Mid-High Salt Marsh LEGEND Coastal Brackish Marsh Riparian Riparian Enhancement Transitional Transitional (Maintained) Coastal Sage Scrub Alkali Marsh Developed Disturbed/Bare Ground Non-native Grassland SANDAG Technical Services - GIS Figure -4 Proposed Habitat Distribution

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18 by the proposed project. Protection from erosion within the site would be provided along the utility corridor as well as at the outlet of the existing stormwater culvert extending under El Camino Real. East of the existing utility corridor, approximately 5 acres of brackish marsh would be established as part of the proposed project, and riparian establishment and enhancement would be completed. An open water channel from the San Dieguito River would be constructed through the brackish marsh area. Similar to the salt marsh area, a vegetated berm planted with coastal sage scrub would be constructed between established brackish marsh habitats and the San Dieguito River channel. The vegetated berm would be designed to protect the wetlands from damage due to flood and sedimentation, and to maintain sand movement to the ocean. Implementation of the proposed project would require relocation of an existing 69-kilovolt electrical line and poles that extend through the W-9 site. The City of San Diego is planning to underground that segment within existing and planned roadways in the future, but if timing requires relocation prior to that planned implementation, the proposed project would coordinate the relocation to incorporate the line along the existing utility corridor, either within the corridor easement or by increasing the easement up to 20 feet, if necessary. The electrical line would then be redirected along El Camino Real west to reconnect with the system extending south of the W-9 site. In this scenario, the City may underground the electrical line as part of the future project. Habitat restoration activities would include excavation of material to lower elevations and opening of the area to tidal and/or river influence. Excavated material and excess sediment removed during restoration would be transported using off-road trucks for disposal on City of San Diego land south of the project (Figure -3). The proposed project would also include construction of a new trail adjacent to El Camino Real (Figure -4). This new trail would extend north from the existing Dust Devil Nature Trail (previously identified as the Mesa Loop Trail in the Park Master Plan) to provide increased recreational opportunities in the lagoon. In addition, a maintenance road extending west from the utility corridor would be constructed within the vegetated berm to provide access to the salt marsh and existing least tern nesting island. Wetlands Maintenance Deposition of sediment following large storm events would result in a number of changes within the W-9 site, including habitat shifts and mortality of existing plants and infauna (Chris Nordby, personal communication, 206). Therefore, maintenance of the W-9 inlets would be required after large storm events (25-year event or larger) to remove accumulated deposited San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page

19 material. Large storm events (25-year storm or larger) have the potential to result in measurable sediment accumulation in the salt marsh and brackish marsh inlet connections to the San Dieguito River. Inlet closure could cause the habitat distribution within the restored wetlands to change and would result in reduced circulation and tidal exchange. Therefore, to avoid largescale conversion of habitat and/or water quality issues in restored wetland areas, maintenance to remove accumulated sediment from the inlets of the W-9 salt and brackish marsh after large storm events would be required. The frequency of storm events severe enough to warrant inlet maintenance is highly variable and difficult to predict, and sediment deposition is anticipated to occur primarily during these events rather than steadily accumulate. Therefore, maintenance intervals are unknown and volumes of inlet maintenance (shown in Table - below) are based on deposition anticipated after specific storm events (25-50-, 00-year). Table - Anticipated Inlet Maintenance Requirements after Storm Events Storm Frequency Maintenance Area Maintenance Volume (cy) Truck Round Trips (8 cy/trip) Duration (working days) 2 25-year Total 5, Salt Marsh Inlet,000 Brackish Marsh Inlet 4, year Total 20,000 2, Salt Marsh Inlet,000 Brackish Marsh Inlet 9, year Total 5,000, Salt Marsh Inlet,000 Brackish Marsh Inlet 4,000 cy = cubic yards, cy/trip = cubic yards per trip Maintenance volumes assume 25 percent of deposited material would remain in place and would not be removed. 2 Activities on the beach would be 2 days less than overall maintenance activities; rates for removal/transport are assumed to be 500 cy per day, working 0 hours per day. Mobilization and demobilization and construction of temporary access roads would require an additional 3 days. Vegetation may be temporarily impacted from sedimentation and/or maintenance activities within the areas but would be anticipated to recover over time. The following criteria would be utilized to determine when sediment maintenance would be required: If sediment delivered by a storm is blocking tidal flows to wetlands, If sediment has created stagnant areas, and/or If 6 or more inches of sediment is deposited in wetlands designated for adaptive management and replanting on top of the sediment would not support the habitat type present just before the storm event. Material removed from the W-9 site during maintenance is anticipated to be suitable for placement on the nearby beach. It is anticipated that material removed from the W-9 site during Page 2 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

20 maintenance would be suitable for reuse and would be transported by trucks to nearby beaches for placement/disposal. The placement sites and placement approach would be the same as those currently used for maintenance dredging of the San Dieguito River inlet as part of the SCE restoration project, which includes material being transported by trucks, placed on the beach, and spread by bulldozers. These sites are shown in Figure -5. Portions of the restored wetlands beyond the designated inlet maintenance areas could also experience sediment deposition following 50-year or larger storm events. Figure -6 shows the areas that modeling suggests would require maintenance after these events. However, because the precise location of this deposition is difficult to predict, analysis would be conducted following storms of this severity to identify deposition areas and depths. The same criteria that would trigger inlet maintenance, as described for W-9 inlet maintenance earlier in this section, would be applied to determine if sediment maintenance is necessary. Overall volumes of sediment anticipated to be removed under 50- and 00-year storms are shown in Table -2. Table -2 Anticipated Interior Wetland Sediment Maintenance Required Storm Frequency Maintenance Volume (cy) Truck Round Trips (8 cy/trip) 50-year 0,000, year 45,000 5, Duration (working days) 2 cy = cubic yards, cy/trip = cubic yards per trip Maintenance volumes assume 25 percent of deposited material would remain in place and would not be removed. 2 Activities on the beach would be 2 days less than overall maintenance activities; rates for removal/transport are assumed to be 500 cy per day, working 0 hours per day. Mobilization and demobilization and construction of temporary access roads would require an additional 3 days..2.3 Project Alternatives Two alternatives to the proposed project have been identified for the restoration site. Alternative B Alternative C Two alternatives to the proposed project are also being evaluated for the salt marsh portion of the site, including an alternative that would allow large flood flows down the San Dieguito River into the established salt marsh area (Alternative B, Figure -7), and an alternative that would establish two tidal salt marsh channel systems (Alternative C, Figure -8) separated by a vegetated berm. Alternatives to the brackish marsh area east of the utility corridor are also being considered, including an alternative that would allow flood flows into the brackish marsh (Alternative B). San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 3

21 Each of the alternatives to the proposed project would restore approximately 75 to 85 acres to a functional mix of tidal salt marsh and brackish marsh. Similar to the proposed project, the alternatives would establish tidal salt marsh habitat west of the existing utility corridor and brackish marsh habitat east of the utility corridor. Upland/transitional habitats would also be established adjacent to wetland to provide a gradient of habitat types Alternative B Under Alternative B, the habitat distribution would be very similar to that under the proposed project. This alternative would create a lower elevation separation between the river and established wetland than under the proposed project, allowing storm flows from the river to flow into the wetland areas more frequently than under the proposed project. Development of this alternative was a result of early coordination with wildlife and regulatory agencies that expressed a desire to see a more naturally functioning wetland system that could be influenced by episodic sedimentation and evolve over time. Approximately 60 acres of tidal salt marsh would be established west of the existing utility corridor, with a western tidal connection to the San Dieguito River south of the existing least tern nesting island. The proposed vegetated berm would be planted with a mix of transitional and coastal scrub species, but the elevation of the upland berm would be much lower than that identified for the proposed project. Rather than an ultimate elevation of 20 feet, under Alternative B the vegetated berm would have an elevation of approximately 0 feet and be overtopped during a 25-year or larger storm event. This alternative would therefore be influenced by both tidal exchange and upstream river (fluvial) processes. This differs from the proposed project, which would create a system primarily influenced by tidal exchange and would remain protected from fluvial processes by a berm (e.g., sedimentation or channel migration) from up to a 50-year flood event. Figure -7 depicts the approximate boundaries of habitat that would be created under Alternative B. Similar to the proposed project, protection from erosion within the site would be provided along the utility corridor, as well as at the outlet of the existing stormwater culvert extending under El Camino Real. Under Alternative B, the existing utility corridor would also be enhanced (e.g., through planting with transitional habitat to be maintained by SDG&E) as described for the proposed project. East of the existing utility corridor, approximately 5 acres of brackish marsh would be established as part of Alternative B. Similar to the proposed project, an open water channel from the San Dieguito River would be constructed through the brackish marsh area. A vegetated berm would be created between the brackish marsh habitat and the San Dieguito River channel at an elevation of 8 to feet; much lower than the 22-foot elevation berm under the proposed project, and it is anticipated that this lower berm would be overtopped during a 0-year or greater storm. Page 4 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

22 Via de La Valle San Andres Drive Birdwing Open Air Classroom Del Mar Horse Park San Diego Polo Fields Þ Camino del Mar Fairbanks Ranch Golf Course Railroad Del Mar Fairgrounds San Dieguito Road Jimmy Durante Blvd!"^$ El Camino Real Old El Camino Real Þ LEGEND Project Area Material Placement (Post-Storm Event) Sediment Haul Route Proposed Habitat Open Water Mud Flat Low Salt Marsh Mid-High Salt Marsh Riparian Scrub Riparian Enhancement Transitional Transitional (Maintained) Coastal Sage Scrub Alkali Marsh Developed Disturbed/Bare Ground Non-native Grassland Coastal Brackish Marsh Source: JPA: Dokken 205 I, ,000 Feet Scale: :2,000; inch =,000 feet San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BSR\Wetlands_Maintenance.mxd, /0/207, paul.moreno Figure -5 Wetlands Maintenance and Material Placement

23 San Andres Drive San Dieguito River El Camino Real Old El Camino Real Source: SANDAG 204: Dokken 205. I Feet Scale: :4,800 inch = 400 feet San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BSR\Wetlands_Maintenance_Areas A.mxd, /0/207, paul.moreno Project Area Inlet Maintenance (25-Year & Greater Storm) Anticipated Areas Requiring Sediment Removal (50-Year & Greater Storm) Proposed Habitat Open Water Mud Flat Low Salt Marsh LEGEND Mid-High Salt Marsh Coastal Brackish Marsh Riparian Riparian Enhancement Transitional Transitional (Maintained) Coastal Sage Scrub Developed/Maintenance Road Disturbed/Bare Ground Non-native Grassland SANDAG Technical Services - GIS Figure -6 Proposed Project Wetland Maintenance Areas

24 San Andres Drive Brackish Marsh Inlet San Dieguito River Saltwater Marsh Inlet Source: JPA: Dokken 205 I Feet Scale: :4,800 inch = 400 feet San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BSR\Alt_B_Habitats.mxd, /0/207, paul.moreno El Camino Real Project Area Rock Slope Protection Maintenance Road Proposed Trail Existing Trail Inlet Maintenance Areas Proposed Habitat Open Water Mud Flat Low Salt Marsh Mid-High Salt Marsh Coastal Brackish Marsh Riparian Scrub LEGEND Old El Camino Real Riparian Enhancement Coastal Sage Scrub Transitional Transitional (Maintained) Alkali Marsh Developed Disturbed/Bare Ground Non-native Grassland SANDAG Technical Services - GIS Figure -7 Alternative B - Habitat Distribution

25 San Andres Drive Brackish Marsh Inlet San Dieguito River Source: JPA: Dokken 205 I Saltwater Marsh Inlet Feet Scale: :4,800 inch = 400 feet San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BSR\Alt_C_Habitats.mxd, //207, paul.moreno El Camino Real Project Area Maintenance Road Proposed Trail Existing Trail Rock Slope Protection Inlet Maintenance Areas Anticipated Areas Requiring Sediment Removal after 50-Year or Greater Storm Proposed Habitat Open Water Mud Flat Low Salt Marsh Mid-High Salt Marsh LEGEND Old El Camino Real Coastal Brackish Marsh Riparian Riparian Enhancement Coastal Sage Scrub Transitional Transitional (Maintained) Alkali Marsh Developed Disturbed/Bare Ground Non-native Grassland SANDAG Technical Services - GIS Figure -8 Alternative C - Habitat Distribution

26 The existing 69-kilovolt electrical line and poles that extend through the W-9 site would be relocated as part of Alternative B, as described for the proposed project, and habitat restoration activities would include excavation of material to lower elevations and open the area to tidal and/or river influence. Excavated material and excess sediment removed during restoration would be transported for disposal, as described for the proposed project. Construction of a new trail adjacent to El Camino Real extending north from the existing Dust Devil Nature Trail (previously identified as the Mesa Loop Trail) to provide increased recreational opportunities in the lagoon would be included as part of Alternative B. In addition, a maintenance road extending west from the utility corridor along the vegetated berm would be constructed to provide access to the salt marsh and existing least tern nesting island. Wetlands Maintenance As described under the proposed project, hydrologic modeling predicted that large storm events (25-year or greater events) would have the potential to result in sediment accumulation, particularly in the salt marsh and brackish marsh inlets. Inlet maintenance would therefore be required after 25-year or larger storm events to remove sediment deposited in wetland inlet areas. Areas that would require maintenance after large storm events under Alternative B are shown in Figure -7. Wetlands inlet maintenance methods described for the proposed project would also be used under Alternative B. Anticipated volumes of material removed after a range of storm events, as well as the corresponding duration and truck trips, is described in Table -3. Table -3 Alternative B Anticipated Inlet Maintenance Requirements after Storm Events Alternative B Maintenance Volume (cy) Storm Frequency Maintenance Area Truck Round Trips (8 cy/trip) 25-year Total 2, Salt Marsh Inlet,000 Brackish Marsh Inlet, year Total 5,000, Salt Marsh Inlet,000 Brackish Marsh Inlet 4, year Total 20,000 2, Salt Marsh Inlet,000 Brackish Marsh Inlet 9,000 cy = cubic yards, cy/trip = cubic yards per trip Maintenance volumes assume 25 percent of deposited material would remain in place and would not be removed. 2 Duration (working days) 2 Activities on the beach would be 2 days less than overall maintenance activities; rates for removal/transport are assumed to be 500 cy per day, working 0 hours per day. Mobilization and demobilization and construction of temporary access roads would require an additional 3 days. San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 9

27 The design of Alternative B was influenced by resource agency input to allow the wetland/upland habitat distribution to evolve over time based on river dynamics. Therefore, Alternative B does not include protective berms between the active low flow river channel and the restored wetland areas. As a result, river flows would enter restored wetland areas under smaller/more frequent storm events than under the proposed project. This would result in larger volumes of sediment deposited within the site, including in areas of sensitive habitat. Unlike under the proposed project, adaptive management to maintain appropriate elevations for specific habitats within the interior portions of the wetland would not be conducted under Alternative B. Instead, the site would evolve as sediment continues to deposit within the site. Inlet maintenance would be conducted under this alternative to ensure continued tidal exchange and prevent water quality concerns and human health hazards from developing Alternative C Under Alternative C (Figure -8), the habitat distribution would consist of two separate tidal channel systems, one directly adjacent to the San Dieguito River, and one separated from the river by a vegetated berm. A deliberate design feature of Alternative C includes restoration of salt marsh adjacent to the active low flow river channel, which would allow the salt marsh to be directly influenced by river dynamics and evolve over time. The purpose of this design is to allow the natural dynamics of the river to dictate the site and modify elevations and habitats naturally over time. To allow this evolution, adaptive management to maintain habitat would not be conducted within the portion of the wetland adjacent to the river under Alternative C. Approximately 70 acres of tidal salt marsh would be established west of the existing utility corridor, with approximately one-third of that (22 acres) located adjacent to the river and twothirds (47 acres) protected by the vegetated berm. The protected portion of the site would have a western tidal connection to the San Dieguito River south of the existing least tern nesting island. The portion of the site adjacent to the river would connect to the river east of the nesting site, but would be anticipated to evolve from wetlands to transitional and upland over time as storm flows from the river deposit river sediment on the site. The proposed vegetated area would be planted with a mix of transitional and coastal scrub species, and would be at an elevation of 20 feet, similar to that identified for the proposed project. Alternative C would provide systems representative of both the proposed project and Alternative B; the area protected by the vegetated berm would be primarily tidally influenced, similar to the proposed project, while the area adjacent to the river would be initially influenced both by tidal and fluvial processes, but, after major storms of 25-year or greater frequency, the unprotected wetlands area would be filled with river sediment. Figure -8 depicts the approximate boundaries of habitat that would be created under Alternative C. Similar to the proposed project, protection from erosion within the site would be provided along the utility corridor, as well as at the outlet of the existing stormwater culvert extending under El Camino Real. Under Alternative C, the existing utility corridor would Page 20 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

28 also be enhanced (e.g., through planting with transitional habitat to be maintained by SDG&E) as described for the proposed project. East of the existing utility corridor, the brackish portion of the site would be established as discussed under the proposed project. Approximately 5 acres of brackish marsh would be established as part of Alternative C, with an open water channel through the site. Similar to the salt marsh area, a vegetated berm planted with coastal sage scrub would be constructed at an elevation of approximately 22 feet between established brackish marsh habitats and the San Dieguito River channel. The vegetated berm would protect the wetlands from damage due to flood and sedimentation, and would maintain sand movement to the ocean. The existing 69-kilovolt electrical line and poles that extend through the W-9 site would be relocated as part of Alternative C, as described for the proposed project, and habitat restoration activities would include excavation of material to lower elevations and would open the area to tidal and/or river influence. Excavated material and excess sediment removed during restoration would be transported for disposal onsite, as described for the proposed project. Construction of a new trail adjacent to El Camino Real extending north from the existing Dust Devil Nature Trail (previously identified as the Mesa Loop Trail) to provide increased recreational opportunities in the lagoon would be included as part of Alternative C. In addition, a maintenance road extending west from the utility corridor along the vegetated berm would be constructed to provide access to salt marsh and the existing least tern nesting island. Wetlands Maintenance Hydraulic modeling predicts that sedimentation would occur under Alternative C, as discussed for the proposed project, and inlet maintenance would be required. Similar to the proposed project, inlet maintenance would be required after large storm events (25-year event or greater) to remove accumulated sediment from the restored inlet connections within the site. Areas that would require maintenance after large storm events under Alternative C are shown in Figure -8. Under this alternative, the same criteria described under the proposed project would trigger sediment maintenance. Anticipated volumes of material removed after a range of storm events, as well as the corresponding duration and truck trips, are described in Table -4. Under this alternative, sedimentation would occur at a much higher rate in the portion of tidal wetlands located directly adjacent to the San Dieguito River. After severe storm events, sediment accumulation would bury most of the portion of the site directly adjacent to the river, and other areas of the site would be eroded as a new river channel develops. Maintenance within the portion of the wetland adjacent to the river would not occur under this alternative in order to allow the site to evolve based on river dynamics. San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 2

29 Table -4 Alternative C Anticipated Inlet Maintenance Requirements after Storm Events Storm Frequency Maintenance Area Alternative C Maintenance Volume (cy) Truck Round Trips (8 cy/trip) Duration (working days) 2 25-year Total 6, days Salt Marsh Inlet,000 Brackish Marsh Inlet 5, year Total 20,000 2, days Salt Marsh Inlet 2,000 Brackish Marsh Inlet 8, year Total 0,000, days Salt Marsh Inlet 2,000 Brackish Marsh Inlet 8,000 cy = cubic yards, cy/trip = cubic yards per trip Maintenance volumes assume 25 percent of deposited material would remain in place and would not be removed. 2 Activities on the beach would be 2 days less than overall maintenance activities; rates for removal/transport are assumed to be 500 cy per day, working 0 hours per day. Mobilization and demobilization and construction of temporary access roads would require an additional 3 days. Established wetlands beyond the designated inlet maintenance areas and the river-adjacent wetland could also experience sediment deposition following 50-year or larger storm events. Figure -8 shows the anticipated areas that modeling suggests would require maintenance after these events. However, because the precise location of this deposition is difficult to predict, field monitoring and analysis would be conducted following storms of this severity to identify deposition areas and depths. The same criteria that would trigger inlet maintenance, as described for W-9 inlet maintenance earlier in this section, would be applied to determine if sediment maintenance is necessary. Overall volumes of sediment anticipated to be removed under 50- and 00-year storms are shown in Table -5. Table -5 Anticipated Interior Wetland Sediment Maintenance Required Storm Frequency Maintenance Volume (cy) Truck Round Trips (8 cy/trip) Duration (working days) 2 50-year 5, year 20,000 2, cy = cubic yards, cy/trip = cubic yards per trip Maintenance volumes assume 25% of deposited material would remain in place and would not be removed. 2 Activities on the beach would be 2 days less than overall maintenance activities; rates for removal/transport are assumed to be 500 cy per day, working 0 hours per day. Mobilization and demobilization and construction of temporary access roads would require an additional 3 days. Page 22 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

30 CHAPTER 2.0 METHODS 2. BIOLOGICAL STUDY AREA The Biological Study Area (BSA) encompasses the potential impact footprint of the project, as well as a 00-foot buffer. The potential impact footprint for the proposed project and the two alternatives is contained within the same boundaries, and therefore the BSA encompasses one area applicable to all alternatives. The BSA is divided into four areas: W-9 restoration site, disposal site, haul route between the two sites, and maintenance material placement site (Figure 2-). The W-9 restoration site is bounded by the San Dieguito River to the north, El Camino Real to the east and south, and the SCE restoration project site to the west. The disposal site is located west of El Camino Real and east of I-5, and portions have been previously cleared and graded. These specific areas that constitute the BSA are summarized in Table 2-, including the general location and approximate acreage of each area. Table 2- BSA Acreages by Area Area (includes associated 00-foot buffer) General Location Acreage W-9 Restoration Site Between El Camino Real and the San Dieguito River 79 Disposal Site West of El Camino Real, south of W-9 45 Haul Route North-south linkage between W-9 and the disposal site 9 Maintenance Material Placement Site Beaches west of San Dieguito Lagoon 30 TOTAL BIOLOGICAL FIELD SURVEYS AND DATA SOURCES Biological field surveys completed for this project include vegetation mapping, special-status plant surveys, special-status wildlife surveys, and a jurisdictional wetlands delineation, each conducted 20 through 203. The surveys were conducted by various consultants including AECOM, Nordby Biological Consulting, Konecny Biological Services, and agencies such as Caltrans. The subjects of these surveys, their location and year, and the surveyors are listed in Table 2-2 below. San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 23

31 Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BTR\BSA.mxd, 0/20/206, paul.moreno San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR San Dieguito River Via de La Valle!"^$ GF! El Camino Real GF! Old El Camino Real LEGEND GF! Project Area Disposal Site Temporary Haul Route 00ft Buffer - BSA Temporary Construction Entrance Source: Dokken 205; AECOM; SANDAG 204. I, ,250 Feet Scale: :5,000 inch =,250 feet Figure 2- Biological Study Area

32 Specific methods for surveys, including descriptions of the areas covered per survey type, are provided below. The focused surveys conducted for this project, described above and in Table 2-2 will be referred to as focused surveys throughout this report. Generally, focused surveys were conducted where suitable habitat was determined present. If suitable habitat was not present, then focused surveys were not conducted in that area. Table 2-2 Focused Surveys Conducted in the BSA Survey Information Year Collected Source Area Surveyed Vegetation Surveys Vegetation mapping 202 Nordby Biological W-9 Site Consulting Disposal Site Special-status plant species 203 AECOM W-9 Site Disposal Site Avian Surveys California gnatcatcher 20 Caltrans W-9 Site 203 AECOM Disposal Site Belding s savannah sparrow 202 Konecny Biological W-9 Site Services Light-footed Ridgway s rail 202 Konecny Biological W-9 Site Services Least Bell s vireo 202, 203 Nordby Biological W-9 Site Consulting Disposal Site Mammal Surveys Pacific pocket mouse habitat W-9 Site 203 AECOM assessment Jurisdictional Resources Wetland delineation 20, 203 Caltrans W-9 Site Prior to initiating focused surveys, biologists consulted regional databases including the CDFW California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) (CDFW 206a,b,c,d), California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (CNPS 206), and Natural Resources Conservation Service Web Soil Survey (USDA 203) to assess the potential for special-status plant and wildlife species to occur within the BSA. The San Dieguito Lagoon area is also the focus of a number of ongoing annual and past wildlife survey efforts by various individuals and/or agencies, including the San Dieguito River Park JPA and SCE. This information is incorporated herein as knowledge of the existing conditions of the San Dieguito Lagoon area, while it may not be specific to the project area or the BSA. Existing studies have included fish and invertebrate studies, wildlife inventories, and special-status wildlife studies. Specifically, the monthly volunteer bird counts Appendix A), the SCE Project Environmental Impact Report (USFWS and San Dieguito River Park JPA 2000), the El Camino Real Bridge Replacement Project Natural Environmental Study (Caltrans 205), and the North San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 25

33 Coast Corridor Public Works Plan/Transportation and Resource Enhancement Program (Caltrans 204) provided data on the existing conditions in the general San Dieguito Lagoon area. This report references these studies as previous project studies, and provides results that can provide information on the existing conditions in the BSA. Table 2-3 summarizes the previous project studies. Survey Information Bird surveys Mammal surveys Table 2-3 Previous Project Studies Conducted in San Dieguito Lagoon Years Collected Source Area Surveyed Reference Monthly volunteer bird N/A counts San Dieguito 993 MEC Analytical Systems USFWS and San Lagoon Dieguito River Park JPA Nordby Biological consulting El Camino Real Natural Environmental Study Area Caltrans MEC Analytical Systems USFWS and San Dieguito River Park San Dieguito JPA SJM Biological Consulting Lagoon USFWS and San 2009 Nordby Biological consulting 960 Carpelan, L.H. 984 Greenwald, G.M. 979 Pacific Southwest Fish surveys Biological Services 993 MEC Analytical Systems 998 Schroeter, S.C., Reed, D., and Boland, J. Reptile surveys 993 MEC Analytical Systems Amphibian surveys 997 Josselyn, M., and Welchel, A. Wandering skipper survey 202 Geomorph Information Systems El Camino Real Bat Study Area San Dieguito Lagoon San Dieguito Lagoon San Dieguito Lagoon Patches of saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) within the Caltrans right-of-way in San Dieguito Lagoon Dieguito River Park JPA 2000 Caltrans 205 USFWS and San Dieguito River Park JPA 2000 USFWS and San Dieguito River Park JPA 2000 USFWS and San Dieguito River Park JPA 2000 GeomorphIS 202 Page 26 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

34 As noted, these surveys were conducted by various individuals and/or agencies, and varying methodology and level of detail are available for each survey. In addition, these studies were conducted in various locations in the lagoon, and not necessarily within the BSA Vegetation Mapping Vegetation community mapping was conducted within the W-9 site and buffer by Chris Nordby of Nordby Biological Consulting in 202. Vegetation mapping was conducted in 203 within the disposal site and buffer, and haul route and buffer by Fred Sproul, Jonathan Dunn, and Lance Woolley of AECOM. Surveyors conducted vegetation mapping within the BSA through a combination of field reconnaissance and photo-interpretation. Field computers equipped with geographic information system software (ArcGIS) and global positioning system (GPS) were used to map a portion of the polygons in the field. This method allowed the vegetation ecologist to develop an understanding of the photographic signatures of each of the vegetation classifications. Final polygons were drawn in an office setting through an extrapolation of the field delineations. Habitats were classified based on the dominant and characteristic plant species, plant physiognomy, and soils in accordance with the Draft Vegetation Communities of San Diego County (Oberbauer et al. 2008) based on the Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California (Holland 986), or The Ecology of Tijuana Estuary (Zedler et al. 992). Vegetation communities mapped using the differing classification systems were crosswalked based on common community characteristics and dominant plant types. This was done so that pre- and post-restoration impacts could be evaluated using a shared classification system. A minimum mapping unit (MMU) of 0.5 acre was used for mapping the BSA, as it is of sufficient resolution to distinguish key ecological features for a project of this size/extent. With an MMU of 0.5 acre, features of less than 0.5 acre are generally not differentiated from adjacent or surrounding vegetation. Incidental observations of special-status plants were documented and recorded with GPS during vegetation field reconnaissance Jurisdictional Waters and Wetlands Delineation Surveys Delineation of jurisdictional wetlands and an evaluation of waters potentially under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), CDFW, and/or Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) were performed within the BSA by Chris Nordby (Nordby Biological Services) and Sue Scatolini (Caltrans) in April 20 and July 203. The formal jurisdictional delineation applied both a presurvey investigation and field reconnaissance to determine the presence (type, area, and extent) or absence of potential jurisdictional waters of the U.S. and state. A comprehensive description of the formal delineation methodologies (i.e., San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 27

35 federal and state) is provided in the Jurisdictional Delineation Report (Appendix B). Summary descriptions of the federal and state delineation methodologies are provided below. Federal jurisdictional waters also exist at the maintenance beach placement site. General jurisdictional boundaries are discussed below for the beach placement sites and acreages of jurisdictional areas impacted by maintenance activities would be determined prior to permitting. Delineation of Federal Waters Jurisdictional waters of the U.S. (including wetlands) include those waters listed in 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 328 (Definitions of Waters of the United States). Waters of the U.S. were delineated to their jurisdictional limits as defined by 33 CFR (Limits of Jurisdiction) for the restoration and disposal sites. The W-9 restoration site and a 00-foot buffer were evaluated for the presence of, at a minimum, three types of federally regulated waters (wetlands, other waters, and tidal waters) (Caltrans 206), and was formally delineated to determine the presence of these waters. Other areas of the BSA were not formally delineated because they consist of upland habitat and lack potentially jurisdictional waters. Federal jurisdictional waters along the coast include beach/water below the High Tide Line under Section 404 and 40 of the Clean Water Act and below the Mean High Water Line under Section 0 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. A survey to identify specific portions of the beach within federal jurisdictional waters would be conducted prior to permitting. Delineation of State Waters California Department of Fish and Wildlife Jurisdictional waters of the state include those waters listed in the California Fish and Game Code Section 600 et seq. Section 60(a) is based on Title 4 California Code of Regulations 720, which designates waters of the state regulated by CDFW to be: all rivers, streams, lakes, and streambeds in the State of California, including all rivers, streams, and streambeds which may have intermittent flows of water. However, in practice, CDFW usually extends its jurisdictional limit and assertion to the top of a bank of a stream, the bank of a lake, or outer edge of the riparian vegetation, whichever is wider. Page 28 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

36 Formal delineations for jurisdictional waters of the state as regulated by CDFW included aquatic features occurring within the BSA, including any isolated aquatic features and the furthest riparian lateral extent. Regional Water Quality Control Board In practice, RWQCB usually extends its jurisdictional limit to waters of the state (as defined by California Water Code Section 3050[e]) that support or present beneficial uses, once beneficial uses are designated within a regional Basin Plan. Formal delineations for jurisdictional waters of the state as regulated by RWQCB included aquatic features occurring within the W-9 restoration site portion of the BSA, including isolated aquatic features, swale features, and the farthest riparian lateral extent Special-Status Plant Surveys Special-status plant species surveys were conducted for the restoration site and disposal site by AECOM botanists Jonathan Dunn, Fred Sproul, and Lance Woolley in 203. Special-status plant surveys covered the W-9 site and disposal site, and associated 00-foot buffers. Each site and associated buffer were surveyed a total of three times from early spring through the beginning of fall 203. Special-status plant surveys followed established survey guidelines: Guidelines for Conducting and Reporting Botanical Inventories for Federally Listed, Proposed, and Candidate Plants (USFWS 2000); Guidelines for Assessing the Effects of Proposed Projects on Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants and Natural Communities (CDFG 2009); and CNPS Botanical Survey Guidelines (CNPS 200). For the purposes of this report, species are considered to have special status if they meet at least one of the following criteria: Listed as endangered, threatened, or proposed for listing by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) (USFWS 206a,b,c,d); Listed as endangered, threatened, or rare by the California ESA (CDFW 206a,b,c); Considered special vascular plants, bryophytes, or lichens (CDFW 206d); On the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (CNPS 206); o CNPS: California Native Plant Society s California Rare Plant Rank: B: Considered rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 29

37 2: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere 3: Plants for which we need more information review list 4: Plants of limited distribution watch list Decimal notations:. Seriously endangered in California,.2 Fairly endangered in California,.3 Not very endangered in California; and Listed under the City of San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Program, Subarea Plan (City of San Diego 997). Surveys were conducted by walking meandering transects of varying width ensuring complete visual coverage of suitable natural habitats and general traversal coverage of unsuitable habitats (i.e., developed/disturbed areas). A comprehensive list of vascular plant species observed was maintained (Appendix C). Vascular plant species observed were identified to a taxonomic level, which allowed rarity to be determined. Plant species taxonomy and nomenclature follow Jepson Manual, Second Edition (Baldwin et al. 202). Special-status plant species detected were geo-referenced with a GPS unit, with either points or polygons representing species distribution. Data collected for each special plant species detected included population estimates, phenology and general condition of the population, and potential threats to the population. The surveys covered accessible locations within the BSA where suitable habitats for specialstatus plant species were present. Suitable habitats were determined based on geography, slope aspect, soil substrate, vegetation community, associated plant species, and familiarity with each species based on reference populations and historical surveys conducted in the region. Survey dates were selected based on the most phenologically appropriate time for each plant species, when reproductive structures (i.e., flowers and fruits) and distinctive leafy parts were present and easily identifiable. Several rounds of focused surveys were required to accommodate the distinct phenologies of different rare plant species. If a special-status plant population was detected, the population was assessed and individuals were counted. All special-status plant locations identified were recorded with a GPS unit or onto an orthotopographic map and digitized into a geographic information system. Page 30 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

38 2.2.4 Special-Status Wildlife Surveys Wildlife surveys were conducted within the W-9 and disposal sites to determine presence/absence of special-status wildlife species. Focused surveys were conducted for coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica), least Bell s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), light-footed Ridgway s rail (Rallus longirostris levipes), and Belding s savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi). A habitat assessment for Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) was also conducted as described in Table 2-2 and in the sections below. Coastal California Gnatcatcher Surveys Focused protocol California gnatcatcher surveys were performed within the W-9 site by Sue Scatolini, Mike Connelly, Ted Thurston, Rachel Cotroneo, and Bob James of Caltrans in May and June of 20. Surveys were conducted by walking through suitable habitat while passively listening and then playing a tape of male California gnatcatcher vocalizations and listening for responses. The survey report is included as Appendix D to this report. Focused California gnatcatcher surveys were conducted within the disposal site during 203 by AECOM biologist Andrew Fisher according to the most current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) guidelines (USFWS 997). The survey area included suitable habitat in and around the disposal site. These areas included the southern portion of the disposal site, and the adjacent coastal sage scrub to the south, within the 00-foot buffer of the BSA. Surveys were conducted by walking meandering transects through potential California gnatcatcher habitat. The biologist conducted passive surveillance (i.e., listening and looking for the species) in all habitats with potential to support California gnatcatcher. If an observation was not made after approximately 5 to 0 minutes of passive survey activity, a recorded vocalization of California gnatcatcher was played for approximately 5 to 0 seconds (i.e., active survey activity), followed by another period of passive observation. If California gnatcatcher were detected, locations were recorded with a GPS unit. Each California gnatcatcher was observed for a few minutes to determine if it was a single, a pair, nesting, feeding young, exhibiting territoriality, or exhibiting other behavior. As allowed under AECOM s endangered species permit, the survey activity takes California gnatcatcher through harassment with playback of taped vocalizations. No individual California gnatcatcher were captured. A thorough discussion of the methods and results of this survey can be found in Appendix D. San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 3

39 Least Bell s Vireo Surveys Eight focused surveys for least Bell s vireo were conducted within the W-9 site according to USFWS protocol (USFWS 200). All surveys were conducted by Chris Nordby of Nordby Biological Consulting in 202. Eight additional focused surveys for least Bell s vireo were conducted within the disposal site according to USFWS protocol (USFWS 200) by Nordby Biological Consulting in 203. Surveys were conducted by walking adjacent to the San Dieguito River using passive methods of visual and aural surveying of the riparian habitat from adjacent upland areas. The surveyor stopped approximately every 75 to 00 feet and listened for vocalizations of least Bell s vireo and other bird species. Surveys were conducted in April, May, June, and July of 202. A summary of this survey is provided in Appendix E. Light-footed Ridgway s Rail Surveys Six light-footed Ridgway s rail surveys were conducted at least 7 days apart in the project restoration site between March and May 202 by John Konecny of Konecny Biological Services. Dawn surveys were conducted in March, April, and May 202. Dusk surveys were conducted in April and May 202. Each survey lasted approximately 3 hours. The surveys were conducted in accordance with the recommendations provided to USFWS by the Clapper Rail Study Team (Clapper Rail Study Team 2009). The survey report is provided in Appendix F. Surveys were conducted by walking the project site boundary and internal dirt access roads. When appropriate habitat was observed, surveyors stopped and listened for light-footed Ridgway s rail vocalizations. If rail were not detected passively, a digital recording of the clapper rail dueting was played for 30-second intervals. Surveyors listened for a response for approximately 0 minutes before proceeding to the next survey station. Belding s Savannah Sparrow Surveys Belding s savannah sparrow surveys were conducted by John Konecny of Konecny Biological Services in 202 concurrently with the surveys for the light-footed Ridgway s rail as described above. Passive visual searching and listening were conducted in areas of suitable habitat. No call prompting was performed for the Belding s savannah sparrow. The survey report is provided in Appendix F. Pacific Pocket Mouse Habitat Assessment A detailed habitat assessment for Pacific pocket mouse was conducted by AECOM wildlife biologist Andrew Fisher on April 25, 203. Prior to conducting the habitat assessment, a soils Page 32 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

40 map of the project site and known Pacific pocket mouse locations were reviewed. This habitat assessment included the characterization of all regions within the project site based on the presence or absence of Pacific pocket mouse suitability elements. Suitability elements include presence of suitable soils (open sandy patches, including areas with loam component); presence of suitable vegetation communities/cover (open habitat patches/bare ground within/adjacent to, but not limited to, coastal sage scrub, ruderal, and grassland habitat); and presence of potential Pacific pocket mouse burrows (small burrows about inch in diameter). The habitat assessment report is provided in Appendix G. The project site, disposal site, and respective 00-foot buffers were visually examined to identify areas with dense vegetation. Dense vegetation was considered not suitable and was excluded. Dirt trails, and areas of open or bare vegetation were then walked to determine the presence of sandy, well-drained substrates; potential Pacific pocket mouse burrows; potential foraging habitat; and other suitability elements. The haul route and its 00-foot buffer were not considered suitable habitat due to the compaction of soils from vehicle use and therefore were not surveyed (see Appendix G). San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 33

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42 CHAPTER 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS This chapter describes the existing environmental setting of the BSA, including the regional context of the lagoon, vegetation communities, plant species, wildlife species, jurisdictional waters, and wildlife corridors. As described in Chapter 2.0, the information is compiled from focused survey results (Table 2-2) and review of previous project studies (Table 2-3). Detailed information relevant to each section is provided as an appendix, where appropriate. 3. VEGETATION COMMUNITIES The classification of vegetation communities is based on the life form of the dominant species within that community and the associated flora. Descriptions of the vegetation communities and other cover types present within the BSA were provided by Nordby Biological Consulting, and were crosswalked, as described in Section 2.2., for the discussion below. Three generalized categories are being used to characterize and discuss vegetation communities and cover types observed during mapping: riparian and other wetlands, uplands, and cover types. Within these two categories, nine riparian and wetland communities, six upland communities, and three cover types were mapped during field surveys. The acreages of each vegetation community and land cover type within the W-9 site and buffer are provided in Table 3-, and acreages of each vegetation community and land cover type within the disposal site and haul route and buffers are provided in Table 3-2. The distributions of vegetation communities and cover types are illustrated in Figures 3- and Wetlands and Riparian Vegetation Communities Nine wetland and riparian communities were identified within the BSA (Figures 3- and 3-2). Wetland and riparian vegetation communities are considered sensitive by the City because they provide valuable nesting, breeding, and/or foraging habitat for special-status wildlife species (City of San Diego 20). Alkali Marsh Alkali marsh habitat is typically dominated by alkali weed (Cressa truxillensis), wooly sea-blite (Suaeda taxifolia), and other halophytic species. This community occurs in areas with seasonally wet soils with high evaporation and low freshwater inputs. Approximately 2.4 acres of this habitat type occurs in low salty areas within the W-9 restoration site that were not previously disturbed by agriculture, primarily just north of El Camino Real. San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Page 35

43 Table 3- Vegetation Communities and Other Cover Types within the W-9 Site and Buffer (Acres ) Vegetation Community/Cover Type W-9 Site 00-foot Buffer Total Wetlands and Riparian Alkali Marsh Brackish Marsh Disturbed Wetland Freshwater Marsh Salt Marsh Mudflat Riparian Nonnative Riparian Open Water Wetlands Subtotal Uplands Coastal Sage Scrub Coyote Bush Scrub Nonnative Grassland Saltbush Scrub Tree Tobacco Transitional Uplands Subtotal Cover Types Least Tern Nesting Area Bare Ground/Disturbed/Ornamental Developed Cover Types Subtotal GRAND TOTAL Totals may not sum due to rounding. 2 Includes approximately 2. acres of disturbed salt marsh/mulefat scrub Table 3-2 Vegetation Communities and Other Cover Types within the Disposal Site, Haul Route and Buffers (Acres ) Vegetation Community/ Cover Type Disposal Site Disposal Site 00-foot Buffer Haul Route Haul Route 00-foot buffer Total Wetlands and Riparian Riparian Wetlands Subtotal Uplands Coastal Sage Scrub Coyote Bush Scrub Unvegetated/Saltbush Scrub Uplands Subtotal Cover Types Least Tern Nesting Area Bare Ground/Disturbed/Ornamental Developed Cover Types Subtotal GRAND TOTAL Totals may not sum due to rounding. 2 The portion of the disposal site used as DS-36 is currently unvegetated. Page 36 San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR

44 San Andres Drive San Dieguito River San Dieguito Road El Camino Real LEGEND Old El Camino Real Project Area 00ft Buffer - Biological Study Area Wetlands & Riparian Alkali Marsh Freshwater Marsh Riparian Salt Marsh Coastal Brackish Marsh Disturbed Wetland Non-native Riparian Open Water Mudflat Uplands Coastal Sage Scrub Coyote Bush Scrub Non-native Grassland Saltbush Scrub Transitional Tree Tobacco - Disturbed Other Cover Types Disturbed/Bare Ground Nesting Area Developed Source: Dokken 205; Nordby 202; SANDAG 204. I Feet Scale: :4,800 inch = 400 feet San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BSR\ExistingVeg_205.mxd, //207, paul.moreno Figure 3- Vegetation Communities and Cover Types in the W-9 Site and BSA

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46 GF! El Camino Real GF! Disposal Site Temporary Haul Route 00ft Buffer - BSA Temporary Construction Entrance Vegetation LEGEND Coastal Sage Scrub Coyote Bush Scrub Disturbed/Bare Ground* *Note: The portion of the disposal site designated as DS-36 continues to be used by SCE. The site was previously mapped as saltbush scrub, but is currently unvegetated. Source: Dokken 205; AECOM; SANDAG 204. I Feet Scale: :4,800 inch = 400 feet San Dieguito Lagoon W-9 Restoration Project Draft BSR Path: P:\202\ _SD_W9\06GIS\6.3_Layout\Reports\BSR\Limits of Disturbance_Disposal.mxd, 2/20/207, augellop Figure 3-2 Vegetation Communities Disposal Site and BSA