ML22264A328

Biological Resources Report - Vallecitos Nuclear Center Decommissioning Project, Sunol, California

ML22264A328
Person / Time
Site:	Vallecitos, Vallecitos Nuclear Center
Issue date:	09/21/2022
From:	Kleinfelder
To:	Enercon, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
Shared Package
ML22264A324	List: ML22264A325 ML22264A327 ML22264A328
References
M220122
Download: ML22264A328 (39)

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Biological Resources Report Vallecitos Nuclear Center Decommissioning Project Sunol, California September 2022 Prepared for:

Enercon 1601 Northwest Expressway, Ste. 1000 Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Contact:

Rachel Turney-Work Prepared by:

Kleinfelder 2882 Prospect Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Contact:

Christine Gaber

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report i

Summary General Electric Hitachi (GEH) proposes to decommission nuclear facilities at the Vallecitos Nuclear Center (VNC) with environmental licensing support from Enercon, under the VNC Decommissioning Project (Project). The VNC is located at 6705 Vallecitos Road in Sunol, Alameda County, California.

Decommissioning activities at VNC will occur within an approximately 106-acre parcel, and work will be limited to the Building 200 and 300 Areas (Appendix A; Figure 6). The biological study area (BSA) is an approximately 106-acre parcel of VNC land, considered the Site Developed Area, and located north of State Route (SR) 84 in Sunol, California. Kleinfelder staff performed a desktop biological resources review of existing, relevant, and reasonably available information reported within 5 miles of the BSA and within the La Costa Valley US Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle. Kleinfelder also performed a site visit to conduct a habitat assessment and wetland delineation of the BSA and evaluate baseline biological conditions. This report includes a discussion of our findings.

Our analysis identified five special-status species that have a moderate or moderate/high potential to occur within the BSA:

x California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), Federally Threatened, Species of Special Concern x

California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), Federally Threatened, State Threatened x

Western pond turtle (Emys marmorata), State Species of Special Concern x

San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes annectens), State Species of Special Concern x

Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), State Species of Special Concern The BSA is primarily nonnative/ruderal grassland habitat and rare plants are not expected to occur within the BSA. Due to the highly disturbed and paved nature of the work sites within the Building 200 and 300 Areas, the location within an urbanized landscape, and lack of recent species occurrences, the Project is not expected to directly impact state or federally listed wildlife species. However, the five special-status species listed above and nesting birds may occur within the BSA. Avoidance and Minimizations Measures (AMMs) listed in the Conclusions section would reduce the potential for adverse effects on these species during Project construction.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report ii Table of Contents Summary............................................................................................................................................ i Table of Contents................................................................................................................................ ii Vallecitos Nuclear Center Biological Resources.................................................................................... 1 Survey Area............................................................................................................................. 1 Biological Conditions................................................................................................................ 2 Special-status Species......................................................................................................................... 3 Identification of Special-status Species with Potential to Occur................................................. 3 California Red-legged Frog....................................................................................................... 3 California Tiger Salamander..................................................................................................... 4 Western Pond Turtle............................................................................................................... 5 San Francisco Dusky-footed Woodrat....................................................................................... 5 Nesting Birds........................................................................................................................... 6 Roosting Bats.......................................................................................................................... 7 Conclusions........................................................................................................................................ 9 References....................................................................................................................................... 14 List of Appendices Appendix A: Project Figures Appendix B: Wildlife Species with Potential to Occur in the BSA Appendix C: Plant Species with Potential to Occur in the BSA

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September 2022 Biological Resources Report Vallecitos Nuclear Center Biological Resources General Electric Hitachi (GEH) proposes to decommission nuclear facilities at the Vallecitos Nuclear Center (VNC) with environmental licensing support from Enercon, under the VNC Decommissioning Project (proposed Project). The VNC is located at 6705 Vallecitos Road in Sunol, Alameda County, California.

Decommissioning activities at VNC will occur within an approximately 106-acre parcel, and work will be limited to the Building 200 and 300 Areas (Appendix A; Figure 6). The VNC is a 1,600-acre privately owned and operated nuclear research facility licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The VNC is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management.

Survey Area The biological study area (BSA) is an approximately 106-acre parcel of VNC land, considered the Site Developed Area, and located north of State Route (SR) 84 in Sunol, California. Kleinfelder (KLF) staff performed a desktop biological resources review of existing, relevant, and reasonably available information reported within 5 miles of the study area and within the La Costa Valley US Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle. On August 11, 2022, KLF Biologist Cherish Cartagena-Mills and KLF Ecologist Constance Ganong performed a site visit and conducted a habitat assessment and wetland delineation of the work area to evaluate baseline biological conditions.

Habitat Assessment The biological resources review consisted of searches of federal and state threatened, endangered, and special-status species within the La Costa Valley quadrangle using the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Online Inventory and California Rare Plant Ranking (CRPR) system (CNPS 2022). KLF biologists also queried observations within two miles of the BSA using the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) RareFind 5 database (CDFW 2022) and generated a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list (USFWS 2022a) for the BSA using their Information Planning and Consultation (IPaC) tool. A species list was also obtained from the National Marine Fisheries Service for the USGS quadrangle (NMFS 2022). Biologists also conducted field reconnaissance to evaluate the habitat conditions and suitability of the survey area. Using these results, site photographs, and aerial imagery, KLF biologists assessed the BSA for potential presence of special-status species or their habitats.

Aquatic Resources Delineation The preliminary investigation of potentially jurisdictional waters of the United States, including wetlands, was conducted in a fenced study area provided by GEH, shown as the BSA in Appendix A. The delineation followed the routine methods and guidelines described in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE 1987) and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (USACE 2008), and the guidelines described in the Corps

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September 2022 Biological Resources Report Regulatory Guidance Letter No. 05-05 Ordinary High Water Mark Identification (USACE 2005). The study area lies within the Arid West Region described in the Regional Supplement. Prior to field investigations, Kleinfelder biologists reviewed available aerial imagery, topographical maps, and soil maps of the study areas to characterize the vegetation, soils, topography, and hydrology in the area. Available resources included the following:

Google Earth imagery USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) (USFWS 2022b.)

U.S. Geological Society (USGS) The National Map (USGS 2022)

Web Soil Survey (NRCS 2022)

The Approved Jurisdiction Determination (AJD) for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

State Route (SR) 84 Expressway Widening and SR 84/Interstate 680 Improvement Projects was also reviewed because a portion of the GEH study area was delineated by Caltrans and is shown in this AJD mapping. The report presented the approved mapping of the 6,106-acre study area for the Caltrans project which accurately depicted the extent and location of wetlands and other waters of the U.S. that are subject to USACE regulatory authority under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The KLF Preliminary Delineation of Aquatic Resources presented under separate cover includes a discussion and map of potentially jurisdictional wetlands and other waters within the BSA.

Biological Conditions The Project is located within unincorporated Alameda County, California of the San Francisco Bay Area sub region, and has a Mediterranean climate, with the majority of annual precipitation occurring between October and April. Periods of abundant winter precipitation and prolonged periods of drought are both frequent in the historical record. Cool, coastal fog alternates with clear skies and warm weather during the months of May through October. Precipitation in the Sunol area averages 15 inches per year (World Weather Online 2022). Average temperatures range from 44 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, and from 55 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit in summer (World Weather Online 2022). Elevations within the BSA range from 418 feet to 582 feet above sea level (Google Earth Pro 2022). The survey area is primarily developed land with roads connecting these areas, and annual grassland. Figure 6 in Appendix A includes a map of the locations of land cover types and habitats present within the BSA. KLFs aquatic resources delineation provides additional information on aquatic habitats.

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September 2022 Biological Resources Report Special-status Species Identification of Special-status Species Based on the literature review, eight special-status plant and 24 wildlife species were considered to have potential to be present within the BSA. Appendices B and C present an assessment of the likelihood for these special-status species and their habitats to occur in the BSA. Figures 2 through 5 in Appendix A display the CNDDB occurrences of special-status wildlife and plants within five miles of the BSA. Species and habitats that were determined to have no/low potential to occur within the BSA are not considered further. Based on the onsite habitat conditions, there are five special-status species that have a moderate or moderate/high potential to occur within the BSA:

x California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii), Federally Threatened, State Species of Special Concern x

California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), Federally Threatened, State Threatened x

San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes annectens), State Species of Special Concern x

Western pond turtle (Emys marmorata, State Species of Special Concern x

Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus), State Species of Special Concern The BSA is primarily nonnative/ruderal grassland habitat, and rare plants are not expected to occur within the BSA. Due to the highly disturbed and paved nature of the work sites within the Building 200 and 300 Areas, the location within an urbanized landscape, and lack of recent species occurrences, the Project is not expected to directly impact state or federally listed wildlife species. However, the five special-status species listed above and nesting birds may occur within the BSA. Avoidance and Minimizations Measures (AMMs) listed in the Conclusions section would reduce the potential for adverse effects on these species during Project construction.

California Red-legged Frog California red-legged frog (CRLF) (Rana draytonii) was federally listed as a threatened species on May 23, 1996 (USFWS 1996). Revised critical habitat for this species was designated by USFWS on March 17, 2010 (USFWS 2010). It is also a California Species of Special Concern.

CRLF occurs in California and Baja California at elevations ranging from sea level to 5,000 feet. Within California, they have been recorded from Riverside County to Mendocino County along the Coast Range and from Calaveras County to Butte County in the Sierra Nevada. The species is common along parts of the central coast, but has been extirpated from most of the Sierra Nevada, northern Coast, and northern Transverse ranges. The species is believed to have been extirpated from the southern Transverse and Peninsular ranges, but is still present in Baja California, Mexico (USFWS 2010).

CRLF have been found breeding in ponds and slow-moving or still sections of streams. Ideal ponds have a mix of deep sections for escaping from predators and shallow sections that warm quickly and help the

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September 2022 Biological Resources Report rearing of tadpoles and juveniles. Some emergent shoreline vegetation such as cattails, bulrushes, or willows are also required for attachment of egg masses (USFWS 2002). Often adults will stay within the breeding habitat year-round if sufficient water is present, but some will move into adjacent uplands or other non-breeding aquatic habitat. Migrating individuals will disperse from breeding sites in straight-line movements, without regard to vegetation or topography (Bulger et al. 2003; Fellers and Kleeman 2007).

Radio-tagged individuals have been found as far as two miles from suitable aquatic breeding habitat (USFWS 2002).

Introduced species such as bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbianus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides),

common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) may prey upon one or more life stages (eggs, tadpoles, or adults) of CRLF (Stebbins and McGinnis 2012).

The BSA is located within the historic and current range of CRLF (USFWS 2002a). The Project is also within the boundary of the East San Francisco Bay Recovery Unit, based on the core area maps provided in the Recovery Plan for the California Red-legged Frog (USFWS 2002). The proposed Project is located outside of CRLF critical habitat. A review of the CNDDB (CDFW 2022) indicated that a total of 25 recorded occurrences of CRLF have been reported within a five-mile radius of the BSA, the closest of which is 0.40 mile west of the BSA. These occurrences are shown in Figure 4 in Appendix A. The maximum dispersal distance of CRLF recognized by the USFWS (USFWS 2002) is two miles. Ponds and other aquatic habitats northeast of the BSA likely support suitable California red-legged frog breeding habitat. Grasslands in the BSA may provide aestivation, dispersal and foraging habitat for this species. California red-legged frogs may also utilize aquatic habitats in the BSA.

California Tiger Salamander The Central California Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of California tiger salamander (CTS) (Ambystoma californiense) is federally and state listed as a threatened species. It is a large stocky salamander ranging in size from 6-9.5 inches (USFWS 2004). CTS are commonly black with white or yellow markings and produce noxious secretions from the dorsal surface of the tail (USFWS 2004).

Adult CTS spend almost all their lives underground in upland habitats. They typically occur in grassland and oak savanna habitats where rodent burrows or deep soil crevices are used as long-term refuge sites, and occasionally in riparian habitat (Shaffer et al. 1993). Adults migrate from upland habitats to breeding ponds on rainy nights during late fall and early winter.

Successful breeding requires fishless seasonal or semi-permanent wetlands containing standing water for a minimum of ten weeks extending into April (Bolster 2010). Streams are rarely used for reproduction (CDFW 2008). The aquatic larvae hatch and develop in pools during winter and spring, and typically take four to five months to complete their development and metamorphosis. The juveniles leave the pools to disperse into upland habitats during late spring to early summer (Bolster 2010). Individuals have been found in upland refuge sites as far as 1.36 miles from breeding ponds, though most individuals are found within 0.5 mile (Orloff 2011).

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September 2022 Biological Resources Report The BSA is within the historic and current range of CTS. The Project is also within the boundary of the Bay Area Recovery Unit, based on the core area maps provided in the Recovery Plan for the Central California Distinct Population Segment of the California Tiger Salamander (USFWS 2017). The Project is located outside of CTS critical habitat. A review of the CNDDB indicated that a total of 50 CNDDB occurrences of CTS have been reported within a five-mile radius of the BSA, the closest of which is approximately 0.37 mile southeast of the BSA. These occurrences and others within five miles of the BSA are shown on Figure 5 in Appendix A. The maximum dispersal distance of CTS recognized by the USFWS (USFWS 2004) is 1.3 miles. Suitable California tiger salamander breeding habitat is located in ponds and other aquatic habitats northeast of the BSA. Burrows within BSA grasslands could provide aestivation habitat for this species during the dry season.

Western Pond Turtle The western pond turtle is a California Species of Special Concern. Western pond turtles range throughout California, from southern coastal California and the Central Valley, east to the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. Western pond turtles occur in a variety of permanent and intermittent aquatic habitats, such as ponds, seasonal wetlands, rivers, streams, and ephemeral pools. They require slack or slow water habitat for feeding as well as suitable dry habitat such as rocks or fallen logs for basking and hauling out (Thomson et al. 2016). Turtles that reside within permanent ponds or lakes may only leave the water to nest, but turtles that reside in streams or rivers tend spend more time in upland habitat, sometimes overwintering in woodland or chaparral (Pilliod et al. 2013). In addition to appropriate aquatic habitat, these turtles require an upland nesting site with loose soils and appropriate vegetation characteristics in the vicinity of the aquatic habitat. Nests are typically dug in open hillsides and fields with appropriate soil moisture and temperature conditions. Egg-laying usually takes place between April and August, with considerable variation depending on latitude and elevation (Stebbins and McGinnis 2012).

Twelve occurrences of western pond turtle were recorded within five miles of the BSA. Suitable aquatic habitat for western pond turtles is present in spring fed bodies of water and drainage ditches within the BSA, and numerous ponds adjacent to the BSA. The nearest occurrence is 0.20 mile west of the BSA. In April 2021, an observation of western pond turtle was confirmed in a drainage ditch along eastbound SR 84, approximately 0.41 mile southwest of the BSA (Christine Gaber, personal communication, August 24, 2022). Additionally, the upland habitat surrounding the BSA is suitable for dispersal and possibly nesting.

While western pond turtles are known to occur near the BSA, they are not likely to be encountered within the Building 200 and 300 Areas. Due to the proximity to known western pond turtle occurrences and potential aquatic habitat, this species is considered to have a moderate potential to occur within the BSA during the wet season.

San Francisco Dusky-footed Woodrat The San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes annectens) is a California Species of Special Concern and is locally common in undisturbed portions of habitat throughout its range. They inhabit

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September 2022 Biological Resources Report densely forested areas with a brushy understory, such as in riparian areas and oak woodlands. They may also nest in chaparral, coastal sage-scrub and mixed coniferous forests. Woodrats build large stick nests referred to as middens, where they live year-round. Nests are generally placed against the base of a tree or a fallen log, though they may also be located above the ground in a trees branches. Nests on hillsides often include subterranean tunnels dug into the side of the slope. On average, woodrat nests are approximately 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide at the base, though there is considerable variation in size. The nests are very complex, containing multiple chambers for sleeping, food storage, latrines, and other life activities. Woodrat nests provide cover and habitat for numerous other small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrate species (Carraway and Verts 1991).

The San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat is a subspecies that occurs only in the southern half of the Bay Area (south of Golden Gate through the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Pajaro River and in the East Bay, south of the Suisun Bay along the western slope of the Diablo Range). Its designation as a unique subspecies was confirmed by genetic studies based on mitochondrial DNA (Matocq 2002), although the range may extend slightly farther south along the inner coast range.

Woodrats feed mostly on woody plants such as coast live oak, other oaks, big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), coffeeberry (Rhamnus crocea), alder (Alnus sp.), elderberry (Sambucus sp.), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) (Johnston and Cezniak 2004).

There are no occurrences of San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat recorded in the CNDDB within five miles of the BSA (CDFW 2022). However, woodrat middens occur in numerous locations along the SR 84 corridor, and several woodrat middens were observed in the landscaped vegetation at the southern end of the BSA. San Francisco dusky-footed woodrats may occur in vegetated habitats within the BSA. There is also potential habitat near the eastern portion of the BSA, adjacent to Building 300 Area.

Nesting Birds Under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code (F.G.C.) Sections 3503-3505, 3513, and 3800, migratory birds, their nests, and eggs are protected from disturbance or destruction. Removal or disturbance of active nests would be in violation of these regulations. All birds are protected under the MBTA and California F.G.C. except for two non-native species, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and the house sparrow (Passer domesticus).

Migratory bird species may nest in any of the habitat types within the BSA except for paved road surfaces.

Riparian woodlands are particularly attractive for nesting birds. Numerous species could also nest within grassland. Even barren/landscaped areas may be used by ground-nesting birds such as killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) for nesting. During the wildlife habitat field assessment conducted by Kleinfelder biologists, swallow (Hirundinidae sp.) nests were noted on buildings and structures that could potentially be impacted by Project-related activity.

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September 2022 Biological Resources Report The Project could result in temporary loss or disturbance of habitats that are used by nesting migratory birds. During Project-related construction, common migratory birds may be temporarily displaced by habitat alteration or noise from construction equipment. The Project may potentially disturb a small amount of unoccupied habitat used by nesting or foraging migratory birds. This impact would be temporary in nature and limited to a relatively small area.

Roosting Bats Bats are widespread within California and may be found in any habitat. They are nocturnal aerial predators of insects and other arthropods, and often forage over open water, marshes, and other moist, open areas where flying insects tend to congregate. Different bat species have different roosting requirements and roosts can be found in a variety of habitats and locations. Day roosts, used from sunrise to sunset, provide a protected and sheltered location for bats to rest and sleep within a short flight to foraging areas and a site to raise their young (Erickson et al. 2002). Day roosts are an important habitat feature, which are believed to be limited in the landscape, and heavily influence the local geographic distribution of bats (Erickson et al. 2002). During the day, bats may use three types of roosts: crevices, cavities, and foliage.

Crevice and cavity roosts may be found in natural and human-made features such as caves, cliffs, rock outcrops, trees, mines, buildings, bridges, and tunnels. During the breeding season (April through September), crevice and cavity roosting species typically gather in groups of mothers and young (maternity colonies) that may number in the thousands or even tens of thousands of individuals. In contrast, foliage-roosting bats may be solitary or occur in small groups while breeding. Roosts used during the day and as maternity roosts tend to be well-hidden and require precise temperature and humidity conditions that favor the growth of the young.

Night roosts, which are used from approximately sunset to sunrise, are primarily sites where animals congregate to rest and digest their food between foraging bouts (Erickson et al. 2002). Bats often use separate roosts at night as temporary resting locations in between foraging bouts. Night roosts are often located in more open but protected areas, such as overhangs on buildings and recessed areas on the undersides of bridges where warm air is trapped and the concrete and steel thermoregulate and retain heat better.

The pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) is a California Species of Special Concern and has a moderate potential to occur throughout the BSA based on their known range, habitat, and recorded occurrences in the region.

One CNDDB occurrence overlaps the entirety of the BSA. It is a medium-sized bat that occurs throughout much of the state. They may occur in a wide variety of grasslands, shrublands, and woodlands, though they are generally found in dry, open areas at lower elevations. They typically fly low while foraging for prey, which are caught on the ground or gleaned off of foliage. Prey species include beetles, orthopterans, homopterans, moths, spiders, scorpions, and solpugids (CDFW 2008). The species is capable of taking heavy-bodied insects such as June beetles and Jerusalem crickets, as well (Jameson and Peeters 2004).

Pallid bats make day roosts within crevices and cavities in caves, rocky outcrops, crevasses, mines, tree

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September 2022 Biological Resources Report hollows, bridges, and buildings. Night roosts are typically in more open areas such as under porches and open buildings. This species is highly sensitive to disturbance at roost sites and may completely abandon a site after multiple disturbances (Bolster 1998). Buildings and structures throughout the BSA provide marginally suitable roosting habitat, while aquatic features and grassland habitat provide foraging habitat.

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September 2022 Biological Resources Report Conclusions Grassland habitats within the BSA provide suitable aestivation, dispersal and foraging habitat for California red-legged frog and California tiger salamander. California tiger salamanders may seek refuge in rodent burrows in grassland/ruderal areas throughout the BSA. Aquatic habitats within the BSA may support these listed amphibians and western pond turtle during the wet season, and individuals may move through BSA grasslands. Vegetated areas supporting trees and shrubs provide potential habitat for San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat. Construction activities within grasslands and other vegetated areas have the potential to adversely affect individuals of these species and their habitats. Work activities within the Building 200 and 300 Areas and other paved areas of the BSA are not as likely to impact special-status wildlife species and habitats. However, there remains a possibility of injury or mortality of species entering paved areas from adjacent habitat during construction, particularly during the wet season when amphibians could be moving through surrounding grasslands.

To avoid and minimize effects to special-status species and their habitats within the BSA, we recommend the implementation of the following biological resource protection measures for work within paved areas:

1. Environmental Training and Clearance Survey. Prior to construction, a qualified biologist should provide construction personnel with an environmental training. The training should include a discussion of the listed species and other sensitive biological resources potentially occurring in the VNC, as well as a description of their habitats, their legal status and protection under the federal and State Endangered Species Acts, and a list of measures being taken to reduce impacts to biological resources during Project construction and implementation. A brochure with color photos of listed species should also be provided to construction personnel. The qualified biologist should also conduct a survey of all work sites prior to construction to identify any special-status species for avoidance.

2. Preconstruction Surveys and Work Window for Nesting Birds. If tree and vegetation removal, clearing and grubbing, or construction must occur during nesting bird season (February 1 to September 30), a qualified biologist should conduct a preconstruction survey for nesting birds within seven days of construction. To the extent practicable, clearing and grubbing activities should be conducted during the non-nesting season (October 1 to January 31). If there is a significant break during active construction, a new survey is recommended prior to resuming work.

3. No-Disturbance Buffer for Nesting Birds. If work is to occur within 300 feet of active raptor nests or 50 feet of active passerine nests, a no-disturbance buffer should be established at a distance sufficient to minimize disturbance based on the nest location, topography, cover, the species sensitivity to disturbance, and the intensity/type of potential disturbance.

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4. Active Swallow Nest Removal. If construction occurs on structures with active swallow nests or within 100 feet of active swallow nests, nests should be scraped off and old nesting material removed during non-nesting season (October 1 to January 31). If nest building is observed after this process, a qualified biologist should conduct frequent nest checks at an interval suitable to avoid new nest establishment. Nest checks may need to be as frequent as once daily.

5. Preconstruction Survey for Roosting Bats. If work is to begin from October 15 to March 1 or April 15 to August 3 (sensitive periods to bats), a qualified biologist should conduct a preconstruction survey at least one week prior to the start of construction. Likewise, if there is a significant break in construction, a repeat survey is recommended.

6. Avoidance of Burrows. To the greatest extent practicable, work should remain on paved surfaces or on previously disturbed areas to prevent impacts to burrows or potential habitat. Park vehicles and equipment on paved or gravel surfaces. Use established access roads.

7. Covering of Trenches, Excavated Holes, and Pipes. To prevent inadvertent entrapment of wildlife during construction, excavated holes or trenches more than 1-foot deep with walls steeper than 30 degrees should be covered by plywood or similar materials at the close of each workday.

Alternatively, the installation of a 4-foot-high vertical barrier, independent of exclusionary fences, could be used to further prevent the inadvertent entrapment of wildlife species. If it is not feasible to cover an excavation or provide an additional 4-foot-high vertical barrier, independent of exclusionary fences, one or more escape ramps constructed of earth fill or wooden planks should be installed. Before such holes or trenches are filled, they should be thoroughly inspected for trapped animals. Cover the ends of pipes and culverts before storing them onsite.

8. Dry Season Construction. Scheduling construction activities in the dry season, generally between May and October, is recommended, primarily for any off pavement staging or planned ground disturbing activity.

9. Aquatic Resources Avoidance. No construction impacts, dredge, or fill to any wetlands or waterways should occur. If work is planned within any potentially jurisdictional aquatic features (see VNC Aquatic Delineation Report 2022), coordination with USACE, CDFW, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board may be required. Other aquatic resources avoidance measures include:

a. Site work away from potentially jurisdictional wetlands and waterways as much as practicable. If off-pavement or ground-disturbing work is planned within 50 feet of wetlands or waterways, erosion control measures should be installed that are sufficient to prevent sediment or debris from entering the wetland or waterway. Suitable erosion control measures may include silt fencing or straw wattles.

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b. No equipment should enter wetlands or waterways.

c. Personnel should not enter any potentially jurisdictional bed, bank, or channel of waterways or wetlands when wet.

10. Standard Best Management Practices. The potential for adverse effects to water quality could be avoided by implementing the following suggested temporary and permanent BMPs:

a) A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) or Water Pollution Control Program (WPCP) will be developed for the project, as required.

b) No discharge of pollutants from vehicle and equipment cleaning should be allowed into storm drains, wetlands or waterways.

c) Vehicle and equipment fueling, and maintenance operations should be located at least 50 feet away from wetlands and waterways, and secondary containment should be provided.

d) Concrete waste should be collected in washouts, and water from curing operations should be collected and disposed of so it does not enter wetlands or waterways.

e) Dust control should be implemented, including using water trucks and tackifiers to control dust in excavation and fill areas, rocking temporary access road entrances and exits, and covering temporary stockpiles when weather conditions require.

f) Coir rolls should be installed along or at the base of slopes during construction to capture sediment, and temporary organic hydro-mulching should be applied to all unfinished disturbed and graded areas.

g) Monofilament plastic should not be used for erosion control.

h) All grindings and asphaltic-concrete waste should be stored within previously disturbed areas absent of habitat and at a minimum of 150 feet from any aquatic habitat, culvert, or drainage feature.

i)

Conduct work during dry periods as practicable.

If work is proposed in unpaved areas of the BSA, we recommend having a qualified biologist review Project plans and potentially develop supplemental measures for work in unpaved areas. If Project activities present a significant risk to listed species, coordination with the USFWS and CDFW may be required.

Supplemental species protection measures for unpaved work areas could include:

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1. Preconstruction Surveys. A qualified biologist should conduct surveys of work sites prior to construction or staging, and periodically throughout the work period, especially after rain events, to identify special-status species for avoidance.

2. Biological Monitoring. A qualified biologist should be present on the work site during ground disturbance, vegetation removal, excavation, concrete pouring and other such activities. The biologist should provide environmental training to the crew, conduct clearance surveys, and monitor construction activities.

3. Minimize Construction Footprint and Flag Work Limits. Work sites within listed species habitat should be constrained to the minimum size possible. Prior to construction, work site limits and access routes should be flagged or otherwise clearly marked in the field. Site work activities away from sensitive habitat, including small mammal burrows, woody vegetation, and aquatic habitats.

4. Speed Limits. Limit vehicle and equipment speeds on unpaved roads and in off-road areas to less than 15 mph.

5. Avoid Work During Precipitation Events. Work should be avoided during precipitation events, and work sites should be allowed to dry out before work resumes.

6. Check Under Vehicles. Prior to moving vehicles and equipment, check under them for wildlife.

7. Contain Trash. Properly contain and promptly dispose of work site trash.

8. Wildlife Exclusion Fencing (WEF) and Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Fencing. If all work is planned and remains in paved areas, installation of WEF and/or ESA fencing would not be necessary. If work or staging areas occur within suitable habitat for listed species, a qualified biologist should work with the client to develop a site-specific fencing plan to identify areas where WEF and/or ESA fencing should be installed to minimize listed species movement into Project work sites. Suitable habitat for listed species should be delineated with high visibility wildlife exclusion fencing at least four feet in height to prevent wildlife from accessing the construction footprint. The fencing should be removed only when all construction equipment is removed from the site. Wildlife exclusion fencing is not required for construction activities occurring outside of suitable habitat for listed species.

9. No Handling of Listed Species. Only qualified biologists with proper permits shall handle listed species and other wildlife. If a California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander or other listed species is observed in a work site, all work should stop, and the individuals should be allowed to leave the work site unassisted.

10. Report Listed Species Observations. Observations of listed species should be reported to the applicable regulatory agency (e.g., USFWS or CDFW).

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project 13 September 2022 Biological Resources Report

11. Woodrat Survey and Avoidance. If vegetation removal will occur, a qualified biologist should conduct a survey for San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat to identify any middens/dens located within the work site. Construction activities should avoid woodrat middens/dens by a buffer of 5-10 feet. If buffering or avoidance is not possible, a qualified biologist with the appropriate CDFW permit should relocate woodrat middens/dens away from the work site.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project 14 September 2022 Biological Resources Report References Baldwin, B. G., Goldman, D. H., Keil, D. J., Patterson, R., Rosatti, T. J., and Wilken, D. H. (eds.) 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California. Second Edition. University of California Press, Berkeley.

Bolster, B. C., editor. 1998. Terrestrial Mammal Species of Special Concern in California. Draft Final Report prepared by P.V. Brylski, P.W. Collins, E.D. Pierson, W.E. Rainey and T.E. Kucera. Report submitted to California Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management Division, Nongame Bird and Mammal Conservation Program for Contract No. FG3146WM.

Bolster, B. 2010. Status Review of the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense). CDFW report to the California Fish and Game Commission. Nongame Wildlife Program Report 2010-4.

January 11, 2010 Bulger, J.B., N.J. Scott, and R.B. Seymour. 2003. Terrestrial Activity and Conservation of Adult California Red-legged Frogs, Rana aurora draytonii, in Coastal Forests and Grasslands. Biological Conservation 110:85-95.

CalFlora. 2022. The CalFlora Database: Information on California plants for education, research, conservation. Available at http://www.calflora.org California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2008. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System (Version 8.2 Software and Manual). Wildlife Habitats - California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System CDFW. 2022. California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB). RareFind Database version 5.0. Updated August 10, 2022.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS), Rare Plant Program. 2022. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (online edition, v8-03 0.39). Website http://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed August, 2022].

Carraway, L. N., and B. J. Verts. 1991. Neotoma fuscipes. Mammalian Species 386:1-10.

Erickson, G. A., et al. 2002. Bats and Bridges Technical Bulletin. (Hitchhiker Guide to Bat Roosts), California Department of Transportation, Sacramento, CA Fellers, G. M., and P. M. Kleeman. 2007. California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) movement and habitat use: implications for conservation. Journal of Herpetology 41(2): 276-286. 2007.

Google Earth Pro. 2022. [37°36'34.26"N, 121°50'30.14"W]. Google Earth KMZ. Retrieved August 10, 2022.

Jameson, E. W., and H. J. Peeters. 2004. Mammals of California. California Natural History Guide No. 66.

University of California Press. Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project 15 September 2022 Biological Resources Report Jepson Online Interchange. (n.d.). Available at https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/interchange/. Accessed August, 2022.

Johnston, D. S., and J. Cezniak. 2004. [Abs]. Mitigation strategies for the San Francisco Dusky-footed Woodrat. Western Section Meeting, Wildlife Society. Rohnert Park, California.

Matocq, M. D. 2002. Phylogeographical structure and regional history of the dusky-footed woodrat, Neotoma fuscipes. Molecular Ecology. 11:229-242.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 2022. NMFS WCR CA Species List August 2022, Google Earth KMZ.

Accessed August 2022.

Available at:

https://archive.fisheries.noaa.gov/wcr/maps_data/california_species_list_tools.html.

National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). 2022. Custom Soil Resource Report for Alameda County, California. Available at Web Soil Survey (usda.gov).

Orloff, S. G. 2011. Movement Patterns and Migration Distances in an Upland Population of California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense). Herpetological Conservation and Biology 6(s): 266-276.

Pilliod, D.S., Welty, J. L., Stafford, R. 2013. Terrestrial Movement Patterns of Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys marmorata) in Central California. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 8(1):207-221.

Sawyer, J., T. Keeler-Wolf, and J. Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation. Second Edition. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento.

Shaffer, H. B., R. N. Fisher, and S. E. Stanley. 1993. Status Report: The California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense). Final report for the California Department of Fish and Game. 36 pp.

Stebbins, R. C. and S. M. McGinnis. 2012. Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of California, Revised Edition. University of California Press. 538 pp. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London.

Thomson, R. C., A. N. Wright, and H. B. Shaffer. 2016. California Amphibian and Reptile Species of Special Concern. California Department of Fish and Wildlife and University of California Press.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.

Waterways Experimental Station Technical Report Y-87-1.

USACE. 2005. Regulatory Guidance Letter: Ordinary High Water Mark Identification. Washington, D.C.

December 7, 2005. Available at: REGULATORY GUIDANCE (oclc.org)

USACE. 2008. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region (Version 2.0). ed. J. S. Wakeley, R. W. Lichvar, and C. V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-08-28.

Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project 16 September 2022 Biological Resources Report U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1996. Federal Register; Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Threatened Status for the California Red-Legged Frog; Final Rule. 50 CFR, Part 17, Vol. 61 (101): 25813-258338. FR Doc. 96-12901. May 23.

USFWS. 2002. Recovery Plan for the California Red-Legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii). Region 1, U. S.

Fish and Wildlife Service. Portland, Oregon. viii + 173 pp. May 28.

USFWS. 2004. Federal Register; Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Threatened Status for the California Tiger Salamander; and Special Rule Exemption for Existing Routine Ranching Activities; Final Rule. Part II, 50 CFR, Part 17, Vol. 69 (149): 47211-47248. FR Doc. 04-17236. August 4.

USFWS. 2010. Federal Register; Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the California Red-legged Frog; Final Rule. 50 CFR, Part 17, Vol. 75 (51): 12816-12959. FR Doc. 2010-4656. March 17.

USFWS. 2017. Recovery Plan for the Central California Distinct Population Segment of the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Southwest Region, Sacramento, California. v + 69pp.

USFWS. 2022a. Information for Planning and Consultation Tool. Available at https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/.

Accessed on August 10, 2022.

USFWS. 2022b. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Wetlands Mapper. Accessed online at http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Data/Mapper.html U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS).

2022.

The National Map.

Accessed via:

https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/basic/?basemap=b1&category=histtopo,ustopo&title=Map%20 View#productSearch World Weather Online. 2022. Sunol Weather. https://www.worldweatheronline.com/sunol-weather/california/us.aspx [Accessed August 29, 2022].

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project 17 September 2022 Biological Resources Report Photo 1. Aquatic feature within the BSA, adjacent to Building 300 Area Photo 2. Grassland habitat adjacent to the BSA

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project 18 September 2022 Biological Resources Report Photo 3. Foliage within the BSA providing potential nesting and roosting habitat

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project A-1 September 2022 Biological Resources Report Appendix A: Project Figures













Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report B-1 Appendix B: Wildlife Species with Potential to Occur in the BSA Common Name Scientific Name Status (Federal/State)

Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur in the BSA Invertebrates Crotch bumble bee Bombus crotchii

- / SA Native to California and best known from central California (Central Valley and western edges of deserts) to Baja California, Mexico. Occurs in grasslands and scrub habitats but not known to occur in mountains or cool northern coastal areas of California, including SF Bay Area. Species appears to tolerate hotter and drier conditions better than other Bombus spp.

Low - Suitable habitat within BSA but not typically occurring in SF Bay Area.

One historical (1932)

CNDDB occurrence approximately 2.8 miles from BSA.

Monarch - California overwintering population Danaus plexippus pop. 1 FC / SA Winter roost sites extend along the coast from northern Mendocino to Baja California, Mexico. Roosts located in wind-protected tree groves (Eucalyptus, Monterey pine, cypress), with nectar and water sources nearby. Larvae develop on milkweed (Asclepias spp.).

Not Expected - No suitable roosting or nesting habitat adjacent to the BSA. No CNDDB occurrences within 5 miles of the BSA.

Western bumble bee Bombus occidentalis

- / SC, SA Typically nests underground in abandoned rodent burrows or other cavities. Found in open grassy areas, urban parks and gardens, chaparral and shrub areas, and mountain meadows.

Low - Known to occur in the region, but CNDDB occurrences are historical (1952, 1958) and approximately 3.0 miles away from BSA.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report B-2 Common Name Scientific Name Status (Federal/State)

Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur in the BSA Fish Delta smelt Hypomesus transpacificus FT/ SE Critical Habitat Found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta, seasonally in Suisun Bay, Carquinez Strait, and San Pablo Bay. Seldom found at salinities > 10 ppt. Most often occurs at salinities < 2ppt.

Not Expected - Outside species range, no suitable habitat in BSA.

No Critical Habitat in BSA.

Steelhead - Central CA Coast DPS Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus FT / SA Critical Habitat Anadromous. Spawn and rear in mid and high elevation coastal streams. Juveniles typically migrate to the ocean to mature during their third year, and return to spawn as adults in their fourth year. Adult steelhead may spawn more than once.

This DPS includes spawning populations from the Russian River to Aptos Creek, including tributaries to San Francisco Bay.

Not Expected - No suitable habitat in the BSA.

No Critical Habitat in BSA.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report B-3 Common Name Scientific Name Status (Federal/State)

Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur in the BSA Chinook salmon -

Sacramento River winter-run ESU Oncorhynchus tshawytscha FE / SE Critical Habitat Anadromous. Historically endemic to the upper tributaries of the Sacramento River, especially the McCloud River. Now limited to the upper portion of the Sacramento River below Shasta Dam. Juveniles typically reside in fresh water for 5-10 months before emigrating. Adults return in March, and reside in large, deep main-stem pools and spawn in early summer.

Not Expected - No suitable habitat in the BSA.

No Critical Habitat in BSA.

Coho salmon -

Central California Coast ESU Oncorhynchus kisutch pop. 4 FE / SE Anadromous. Typically found in small coastal streams. Low gradient streams provide suitable spawning and rearing habitat. Spawning occurs September through January.

Not Expected - No suitable habitat in the BSA. Currently absent from all tributaries to the San Francisco Bay.

Crustaceans Vernal pool fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi FT / SA Critical Habitat Wide variety of vernal pool habitats, most commonly in grass or mud bottomed swales, or basalt flow depression pools in unplowed grasslands.

Not Expected - No vernal pool habitat in BSA.

No Critical Habitat in BSA.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report B-4 Common Name Scientific Name Status (Federal/State)

Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur in the BSA Amphibians California red-legged frog Rana draytonii FT / SSC Critical Habitat Breeds in ponds and pools in slow-moving streams with emergent vegetation; adjacent upland habitats are often used for temporary refuges or dispersal movements.

Moderate/High - 25 CNDDB occurrences within 5 miles of the BSA. The closest occurrence is 0.40 mile to the east of the BSA.

Suitable aquatic breeding habitat northeast of the BSA, suitable upland aestivation, dispersal and foraging habitat in BSA grasslands.

No Critical Habitat in BSA.

Nearest Critical Habitat is approximately 0.76 miles to the east.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report B-5 Common Name Scientific Name Status (Federal/State)

Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur in the BSA California tiger salamander Ambystoma californiense FT / ST Critical Habitat Vernal pools and/or seasonal water sources; requires underground refuges in adjacent upland areas, especially ground squirrel burrows.

Moderate/High - 50 CNDDB occurrences within 5 miles of the BSA. The closest occurrences are 0.37 mile east and northwest of the BSA. Suitable breeding habitat northeast of the BSA.

Burrows within the BSA could provide aestivation habitat for CTS.

No Critical Habitat in BSA.

Nearest Critical Habitat is 4 miles to the east.

Foothill yellow-legged frog Rana boylii

-- / SE Breeds and forages in rocky or cobble-bottomed streams. Found in a variety of forest, woodland, scrub, riparian, and meadow habitats where suitable streams are present.

Not expected - No suitable habitat within the BSA.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report B-6 Common Name Scientific Name Status (Federal/State)

Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur in the BSA Reptiles Alameda whipsnake Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus FT / ST Critical Habitat Typically found in chaparral and scrub habitats, but will also use adjacent grassland, oak savanna, and woodland habitats. Often found on south-facing slopes and ravines with rock outcrops, deep crevices, or abundant rodent burrows.

Not Expected - No suitable habitat within the BSA. One historical CNDDB occurrence is 4.32 miles east of the BSA.

No Critical Habitat in BSA.

Nearest Critical Habitat is 1.8 mile to the northwest.

Western pond turtle Emys marmorata

-- / SSC Occurs in both permanent and seasonal waters, including marshes, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Also found in agricultural irrigation and drainage canals. They favor habitats with large amounts of emergent logs or boulders, where several individuals may congregate to bask.

Moderate - Suitable aquatic habitat in the BSA. Nearest CNDDB occurrence is 0.20 mile west of the BSA.

Birds American peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus anatum FD / SD, FP Nests on cliffs, banks, dunes, mounds, large bridges, and tall buildings, typically near wetlands, lakes, rivers, or other water bodies. Nest consists of a scrape or a depression or ledge in an open site.

Low - No suitable nesting habitat present, but individuals may occasionally forage or occur as a migrant within the BSA.

California least tern Sterna antillarum browni FE / SE, FP Nest colonially on the ground in sandy or gravelly beaches. Forage over open water in coastal regions, including within San Francisco Bay.

Not Expected - No sandy or gravelly beach habitat in the BSA.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report B-7 Common Name Scientific Name Status (Federal/State)

Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur in the BSA Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos BGEPA / FP, WL Rolling foothills, mountain areas, sage-juniper flats, and desert. Cliff-walled canyons provide nesting habitat in most parts of range; also, large trees in open areas provide good nesting sites.

Low - No suitable nesting habitat present, but individuals may occasionally forage or occur as a migrant within the BSA.

Great blue heron (nesting colony)

Ardea herodias

-- / SA Variety of habitats close to bodies of water including fresh and saltwater marshes, wet meadows, lake edges and shorelines.

Nests colonially in tall trees, cliffsides, and sequestered spots on marshes.

Low - Suitable nesting habitat present near pond on site. No CNDDB observations but one individual was observed flying through the BSA during the site visit.

Prairie falcon Falco mexicanus

-- / WL Typically nests on ledge, cliff, or protected rock overhang.

Low - No suitable nesting habitat in the BSA. May occasionally forage in or travel through the BSA.

Tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor

-- / ST Highly colonial species that typically nests in freshwater marshes containing emergent vegetation such as cattail and bulrush but will also use blackberry thickets and dense patches of ruderal vegetation such as thistles and mustard adjacent to marshes or wetlands.

Low - Marginal suitable nesting habitat/wetland habitat present in the BSA. 5 historical CNDDB occurrences. Closest occurrence is 1.66 miles west of the BSA.

Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia

- / SSC Nests in open, dry annual or perennial grasslands, deserts, and scrublands characterized by low-growing vegetation.

Dependent upon burrowing mammals, most notably, the California ground squirrel.

Low - No CNDDB occurrences within 5 miles of the BSA but suitable habitat is present.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report B-8 Common Name Scientific Name Status (Federal/State)

Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur in the BSA Mammals Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus

- / SA It is a widespread species found in a variety of habitats throughout California.

This solitary bat is most commonly found in association with forested habitats near water Not Expected - No suitable foraging or roosting habitat within BSA.

Pallid bat Antrozous pallidus

- / SSC Occurs throughout California and most abundant in grasslands, shrublands, and woodlands. Roosts in crevices and cavities of buildings, bridges, tunnels, rocks, cliffs, and trees.

Moderate - Marginally suitable roosting habitat in the BSA. Could forage in adjacent grasslands or within the BSA. One CNDDB occurrence overlaps the BSA and the species is presumed extant in the area.

San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat Neotoma fuscipes annectens

- / SSC Found in forest habitats of moderate canopy and moderate to dense understory.

May prefer chaparral and redwood habitats. Constructs nests of shredded grass, leaves, and other material. May be limited by availability of nest-building materials.

Moderate/High - Individuals likely travel throughout the BSA. Some potential middens observed in BSA (previously relocated along driveway at GEH entrance).

Townsends big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii

- / SSC Found throughout California in a wide variety of habitats; most commonly associated with mesic sites. Usually roosts in caves, mines, bridges, trees, and structures in or near woodlands and forests, often near water. Extremely sensitive to human disturbance.

Low - Marginally suitable roosting habitat. Proximity to human disturbance may reduce suitability.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report B-9 Common Name Scientific Name Status (Federal/State)

Habitat Requirements Potential to Occur in the BSA Yuma myotis Myotis yumanensis

- / SA Commonly throughout California especially near water features. Roosts in crevices and cavities of buildings, bridges, caves, tunnels, mines, and trees. Forages primarily over open water such as reservoirs, lakes, streams, creeks, canals, and ponds.

Low - Marginally suitable roosting and foraging habitat within the BSA.

Federal Status Designations:

State of California Status Designations:

FE Listed as Endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act SE Listed as Endangered under the California Endangered Species Act FT Listed as Threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act ST Listed as Threatened under the California Endangered Species Act FC Candidate for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act SC Candidate for listing under the California Endangered Species Act FD Delisted; was formerly listed as Threatened or Endangered FP Fully Protected Species under California Fish and Game Code BGEPA Protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act SSC California Department of Fish and Wildlife Species of Special Concern CH Critical Habitat SA Included on the California Department of Fish and Wildlifes Special Animals List EFH Essential Fish Habitat No state status No federal status

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report C-1 Appendix C: Plant Species with Potential to Occur in the BSA Scientific name Common name1 Listing Status2 Federal State RPR Flowering Period Habitat Preferences3 Potential to Occur in the BSA4 Campanula exigua chaparral harebell 1B.2 May-Jun Chaparral (rocky, usually serpentinite). 900-4,100 feet.

Not Expected - No suitable chaparral habitat.

Centromadia parryi ssp.

congdonii Congdon's tarplant 1B.1 May-Oct (Nov)

Valley and foothill grassland (alkaline). 0-755 feet.

Not Expected - Nearest CNDDB occurrence record is approximately 3.08 miles southwest of the BSA.

Typically found in seasonal wetlands on heavy clay, saline, or alkaline soils in grasslands and disturbed sites; typically growing in colonies, most common in areas that retain water for a longer period of time and in areas that have a lower density of competing non-native annual grasses Clarkia concinna ssp.

automixa Santa Clara red ribbons 4.3 (Apr) May-Jun (Jul)

Chaparral and cismontane woodland.

295-4,920 feet.

Not Expected - No chaparral or cismontane woodland habitat in the BSA.

Delphinium californicum spp. Interius Hospital Canyon larkspur 1B.2 Apr-Jun Foothill woodland.

0-3300 feet.

Not Expected - No suitable habitat within the BSA.

Puccinellia simplex California alkali grass 1B.2 Mar-May Alkaline, vernally mesic; sinks, flats, and lake margins. Chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools.

5-3,050 feet.

Low - Historical (1942) CNDDB occurrence overlaps BSA.

Kleinfelder VNC Decommissioning Project September 2022 Biological Resources Report C-2 Scientific name Common name1 Listing Status2 Federal State RPR Flowering Period Habitat Preferences3 Potential to Occur in the BSA4 Streptanthus albidus ssp.

peramoenus most beautiful jewel-flower 1B.2 (Mar) Apr-Sep (Oct)

Serpentinite. Chaparral, cismontane woodland, and valley and foothill grassland. 310-3,280 feet.

Not Expected - No serpentine habitat in the BSA.

Tropidocarpum capparideum Caper-fruited tropidocarpum 1B.1 Mar-Apr Valley and foothill grassland. Alkaline clay.

0-1,180 feet.

Low-One historical CNDDB occurrence 3.98 miles east of BSA.

Suitable habitat within the BSA.

1. Scientific nomenclature based on Baldwin et al. (2012) and Jepson Online Interchange (2022); common names from Baldwin et al.

(2012), CalFlora (2022) and other sources.

2. Conservation status definitions are as follows:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designations:

FE Endangered: Any species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

FT Threatened: Any species likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife designations:

SE Endangered: Any species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

California Native Plant Society designations:

1B Plants rare, threatened or endangered in California and elsewhere.

2 Plants rare, threatened or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere.

3 Plants for which more information is needed - a review list.

4 Plants of limited distribution - a watch list.

California Native Plant Society threat categories:

.1 Seriously endangered in California.

.2 Fairly endangered in California.

.3 Not very endangered in California.

3. Habitat information from CNPS (CNPS 2022).

4. Low: Habitat within the BSA and/or project vicinity satisfies very few of the species requirements and/or the range of the species overlaps with the vicinity of the BSA, but not with the BSA itself. The species presence within the study area is unlikely.