Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-Public Works CITY OF SAN BER~IRDINO -REQUEST ~R COUNCIL ACTION File 1.471 Adoption of Mitigated Negative From: ROGER G. HARDGRAVE Subject: Declaration & Mitigation Monitor- ing Reporting Program - Finding Dept: Public Works/Engineering of Consistency with Circulation Element of the General Plan - Date: 12-18-91 Replacement of Little League Bridge over Cable Creek Synopsis of Previous Council action: Public Works Project No. 91-07 June, 1989 -- Allocation of $710,000 approved as part of the FY 89-90 Capital Improvement Program (808 reimbursable under Federal Bridge Replacement Program). Recommended motion: 1. That the Mitigated iegative Declaration for Public Works Project No. 91-07, and the Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program, be adopted. 2. That a finding be made that the construction of Public Works Project No, 91-07 is consistent with the Circulation Element of the General Plan, cc: Shauna Clark Signa e Contact person: Roder G. Hardarave phone: 5025 Staff Report, Notice of Preparation, Supporting data attached: Init. Study. Nea. Dec. , Map Ward: 5 FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: N/A Source: (Acct. No.l _(Acct. Descrintionl Finance: Council Notes: 75-0262 Agenda Item No. CITY OF SAN BERIC~RDtNO -REQUEST CbR COUNCIL ACTION STAFF REPORT The Negative Declaration for Public Works Project No. 91- 07 was recommended for adoption by the Environmental Review Committee at its meeting of 11-7-91. A 21-day public review period was afforded from 11-14-91 to 12-4-91. No comments were received. We recommend that the Negative Declaration be adopted and a finding made that the project is consistent with the Circula- tion element of the General Plan. 12-18-91 75-0264 Q File No. 1.471 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR CONSTRDCTION OF LITTLE LEAGDE BRIDGE OVER CABLE CREEK December 18, 1991 . © p INTRODIICTION- In compliance with Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 (enacted by passage of AB3180 [Cortese]), public agencies approving projects which may cause significant environmental impacts must monitor the mitigation of those impacts. This Mitigation Reporting/Monitoring Plan, prepared by the City of San Bernardino, Department of Public Works/Engineering, ensures implementation of the mitigation measures adopted by the Environmental Review Committee in approving the project and the Mitigated Negative Declaration. BIOLOGICAL RESOIIRCES Mitigation Measures 1. Impacts to the west side of the bridge shall be minimized by concentrating construction activities to the east side of the bridge, as much as practicable. 2. Heavy equipment used during bridge replacement shall be kept out of Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and shall not be stored in areas of native vegetation, including the stream bed. Measures such as sandbagging shall be taken to minimize erosion and sedimentation during construction. 3. The CDFG shall be consulted prior to impact of the stream bed to acquire a 1601 permit. The COE shall be notified prior to any deposition of fill in the stream bed. Reporting/Monitoring Action 1. The Project Inspector shall insure that disturbance of the area west of the bridge is kept to a minimum. Any areas disturbed shall be restored to original condition and the Project Inspector shall certify that such restoration has been properly completed prior to project acceptance. 2. The project specifications shall include a statement that heavy equipment shall be kept out of Riversidean alluvial sage scrub and shall not be stored in areas of native vegetation, including the streambed. Measures shall be included to minimize erosion and sedimentation during con- struction. The Project Inspector shall certify that the work has been completed in accordance with the above re- quirements prior to project acceptance. 3. Permits shall be obtained from the California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prior to start of construction. All conditions of the permits will be accommodated and a copy of the permits will be retained in the project file. ~ 0 0 CONCLIISION This Mitigation Monitoring/Reporting Program shall be retained by the City in the Public Works/Engineering Department Project File for construction of Little League Bridge over Cable Creek, Project No. 91-07. As various mitigation measures are fully implemented, their completion shall be documented by filing of the appropriate document in the project file. When all measures have been confirmed, this Reporting/Monitoring Plan shall be complete. END OF MITIGATION MONITORING PLAN FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT NO. 91-07. - 2 - . © rJ NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO proposes to adopt a Negative Declaration for the following projects. The Environmental Review Committee found that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment on the basis of the Initial Study and mitigation measures (if applicable). PSZBLIC WORKS PROJECT NO 91-07 - To construct a quadruple ,box culvert in Cable Creek, and install a storm drain and street improvements in Little League Drive at the intersection of Cable Creek and Little Leaque Drive. ' Copies of the Znitial Study are available for public review at the Planning and Building Services Department, 300 North "D" Street, San Bernardino, California 92418, and the Feldheym Library, 555 west 6th Street, San Bernardino, California. Any environmental comments you have should be received in this office no later than 4:00 p.m., December 4, 1991. If you do not respond in writing, we will assume that you have no opinions and/or recommendations on the above projects. SUBMITTED: November 12, 1991 PUBLISH: November .4, 1991 City of San Bernardino (714) 384-5057 NOTEOFPREP 11-7-91 CITY OF SAN BER RDINO PLANNING AND BUILDI SERVICES DEPARTMENT INITIAL STUDY Initial Study for Environmental Impacts For Public Works Project No. 91-07 Protect Description/Location: To construct a quadruple box culvert in Cable Creek, and install a storm drain and street improvements in Little League Drive at the intersection of Cable Creek and Little League Drive Date November 7, 1991 Prepared for: City of San Bernardino Department of Public Works 300 North "D" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418 Prepared by: ' Michael R. Finn ' Associate Planner City of San Bernardino Planning Department 300 North "D" Street San Bernardino, CA 92418 °cm°.~ ~ PLAN-BL7 PAGE t OF t 0-801 © O INITIAL STUDY FOR PUBLIC NORKS PROJECT NO. 91-07 IntrodLCtion ' This Initial Study is provided by the City of San Bernardino for Public Works Project No. 91-07. It contains an evaluation of potential adverse impacts that can occur if the project is developed. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires the preparation of an Initial Study when a protect must obtain discretionary approval from a governmental agency and it is not exempt from CEQA. The purpose of the Initial Study is to determine whether or not a project not exempt from CEQA qualifies for a Negative Declaration or whether or not an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be prepared. The following components constitute the Initial Study for Public Works Project No. 91-07: 1. Project Descrlptlon 2. Site and Area Characteristics 3. Environmental Setting 4. Environmental Impact Checklist 5. Discussion of Environmental Evaluation and Mitigation Measures 6. Technical Reports prepared for the proposed project 7. Conclusion Combined, these components constitute the complete Initial Study for Public Works Project No. 91-07. 1. Prniect DescriB ion Public Works Project No. 91-07 is a proposal to widen Little League Drive at Cable Creek from its present width of 30 feet to a width of 90 feet. The project involves the installation of a four-celled box culvert and rock bank protection in Cable Creek at the crossing of Little League Drive, and the installation of a storm drain, new curbs and gutters, and Asphaltic-Concrete paving along Little League Drive at Cable Creek. The storm drain is to outlet into Cable Creek at the box culvert. 2. Site and Area characteristics The project is located at the intersection of Little League Drive and Cable Creek. Little League Drive crosses Cable Creek via a 30 foot bridge. The site is relatively flat, with a mean elevation of 1,780 feet. CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES DEPARTMENT y. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CHECKLIST A. BACKGROUND Application Number: ~F1/LA'-«- U!~RKS~CR[)ZF.~Tiyo• 4~'0-1 Project Descdptbn: ~ GcnlsrR-w~'r ~ QuEkDP.u.~~E 30X CuWY.PT I N ChBLi~ .'~~ - i r ~ cr... , A- ~TAeM D2~trlt,l A-t~(D Cr2 F,~"'T l M.k~2.0 tJ £AI~NTs t f.L t_ t T7L1L A-f.,u E D~2t v G Location: LrTri-E Lr~FGu1~ ~2iV~ fET C'~k-fit-F- , Environmental Constraints Areas: ~ tr~uEt-A-C-rl0~1 x}161-4 u/LnIt7. FtQ~ ~orlt+S $ ,4: )J 3t t a-c. i2~sa.ecr~ n?EeLa-.1 ,4(2rA of t><Q.c-f-lA•EO. co~cr~ea General Plan Designation: '~I ~2ESLD~.t,L-C1M- ~~~1 ~ 1~ t1'~LtC t~--42K5'~t 2~st~~_,.n-tA~ art-r~5 • t~c2 ~u.3~~c. coraMe2uA1 t?~cecA-Tro,~.l Zoning Designaton: RL~ ~St y~'rJrt>'1'L l~3vJ ~ t~t~-~ -t t,~3c~t ~ t~it2KS ; ~ C , ~~IDEnITffYL ~r~f-r~+iS ' +~T'ra,8uc Go~M~2c'-lA-c- i2~ca2r'~rlc~n) B. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Explain answers, where appropriate, on a separate attached sheet. 1. Earth Rssoureaa III the proposal resuR in: Yes No Maybe a. Earth movement (cut andor fill) of 10,000 cubic yards or more? b. DevebpmeM and/or grading on a sbpe greater ~ than 15% natural grade? c. DevebpmeM whhin the Alquist-Priob Special Studies Zone as defined in Section 12.0 - Geobgic 8 Seismic, Figure 47, of the Ciry's General Plan? d. Modification of any unique geobgic or physical feature? e. DevebpmeM within areas defined for high potential for water or wind erosion as ident'rfied in Sedan 12.0 - Geobgic & Seismic, Figure 53, of the Cily's General C Plan? f. Modificaton of a channel, seek or river? ~ PLMI-9A6 PAGE IOF_ (11-901 Public Works Project No. 91-07 Initial Study November 7, 1991 On the southeast side of the Little League Drive bridge, Cable Creek is channelized and approximately 55 feet wide with dirt roads running along both sides of it. North of the bridge, Cable Creek appears less disturbed and spreads out into a bzoad floodplain, with a bank approximately 10 feet high and a dirt road running along the southwest side of the channel and another dirt road within the creek bed itself. Surrounding land uses include open space and residential housing to the north and west, Al Guhin Park to the south east, Little League Western Regional Headquarters and Park to the northeast, and the Interstate 215 Freeway to the southwest. 3. Fnvizonmental Setting The site is located within the High Wind Hazard Area, Biological Resources Management Overlay, and Fire Zones "B" and "C". The proposal is also located within an area of concern for archaeological resources as identified by the General Plan, Section 3.0, Figure 8, and an area of high potential for liquefaction. g. DevebpmeM within an area subject to landslides, yes No Maybe mudslides, Ipuefadion or other similar hazards as identfied in Sedan 12.0 - Geobgb 8 Seismic, X Figures 48, 52 and 53 of the City's General Plan? h. OtherT X 2. Atr Resouraa: Will the proposal result in: a. Substantial air emissbns or an effect upon ambient air quality as defined by AQMD? `X b. The creation of objectbnaWe odors? c. DevebpmeM within a high wind hazard area as identified in Sedan 15.0 -Wind 8 Fire, Figure 59, of the City's X General Plan? 3. Water Resourps: Will the proposal result in: a. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff due to X impermeable surfaces? v b. Changes in the course or fbw of tbod waters? c. Discharge into surface waters or any afteratbn of surface water quality? d. Change in the quantity or quality of ground water? e. Exposure of people or property to flood hazards as identfied in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Insurance Rate Map, Community Panel Number060281 - and Section 16.0 - Fboding, Figure 62, of the City's General Plan? f. Others 4. Biologlcal Reaourcea: Could the proposal result in: a. DevebpmeM within the Biological Resources Management Overlay, as identfied in Section 10.0 - Natural Resources, Figure 41, of the City's General PIan7 b. Change in the number of any unqua, rare or endangered species of plants or their habitat inducting i stands of trees? c. Change in the number of any unqua, rare or 1 endangered species of animals or their habRat? x d. Removal of viable, mature trees? (6' or greater) e. Other? I 5. Nolan: Could the proposal result in: 4 a. Devebpment of housing, health care facilities, schools, libraries, religious facilities or other noise' sensitive uses in areas where existing or future rwise kvets exceed an Ldn of 65 dB(A) exterior and an Ldn 0145 dB(A) interbr as identHied in Saetbn 14.0 -Noise, Figures 14-6 and 14-13 of the City's General Plan? un a rw ~wna„o PLAN•9L6 PAGE 20F _ 11190) ~wr,wodnas b. Devebpmem of new or expansbn of existing industrial, Yes No Maybe commercial or other uses which generate noise levels on areas containing housing, schools, health care facilities or other sensitive uses above an Ldn of 65 dB(A) exterior or an Ldn of 45 dB(A) interbr? ~l c. Other? 6. Lend Uw: Will the proposal result in: a. A change in the land use as designated on the General Plan? b. Devebpmem within an Airport District as identified in the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Report and the Land Use Zoning District Map? X c. Devebpment within Foothill Fire Zones A & B, or C as identified on the Land Use Zoning District Map? ~ `/ d. Other? 1~ 7. Man-Made Hararda: Will the project: a. Use, store, transport or dispose of hazardous or toxic materials (including but not limited to oil, X pesticbes, chemicals or radiation)? b. Involve the release Gi hazardous substances? x c. Expose people to the potential health/safety hazards? d. Other? 8. Mousing: Will the proposal: a. Remove existing housing or create a demand for addltbnal housing? b. Other? 8. Trenaportatlon / Clrtxtlatlon: Could the proposal, in comparison with the Circulatbn Plan as identified in Sectbn 6.0 -Circulatbn of the City's General Plan, result in: a. An increase in traffic that is greater than the land v use designated on the Genarel Plan? l~ b. Use of existing, or demand for new, parking f acildies/structu res? c. Impact upon existing public transponatbn systems? ~ d. Alteration of present patterns of clroulation? a. Impact to rail or air traffic? f. Increased safety hazards to vehicles, bigclists or pedestrians? g. A disjointed pattern of roadway improvements? h. Significant inaease in traffic volumes on the roadways or intersections? 7~ i. Other? PLAN-9D8 PAGE ~OF_ (>>->bl 10. Publle Servioas: Will the proposal impact the folbwing Yes No Maybe beyond the eapabil'sy to provide adequate levels of service? a. Fire protection? x b. Police protectbn? c. Schools (i.e., attendance, boundaries, overbad, etc.)? X d. Parks or other recreational f acilkies? a. Medical aid? Y` t. Solid Waste? g. Othar~ 11. Utilities: Will the proposal: a. Impact the folbwing beyond the capability to provide adequate levels of service or require the construcbn of newfadlkies? 1. Natural gas? X 3. Water? 4. Sewer? ~/~ 5. Olher~ T b. Resuk in a disjointed pattern of utility extensbns? c. Require the construction of new tacilkies? 12. Aesthetics: a. Could the proposal resuk in the obstruction of any scenic view? b. WiU the visual impact of the project be detrimental to the surrounding aroa? c. Other? 13. t~ftural Rasoutps: Could the proposal rasuk in: a The akeration or destruction of a prehistoric or ~ historic archaeobgical ske by devebpmant wkhin an arohaeobgical aenskive area as identified in Sectbn X 3.0 • Historical, Figure B, of the City's General Plan? b. Akeration or dastructbn of a historical ske, structure or object as listed in the City's Historic Resources Reconnaissance Survey? ~ c. Other? P~AN~006 PAGE~OF_ f11.90~ 14. Mandatory Findings of Slgnlibanu (Sectbn 15065) The California Environmental Quality Act states that 'rf any of the following can be answered yes or maybe, the project may have a significant effect on the environment and an Environmental Impact Report shall !>a prepared. Yes No Maybe a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the qualify of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlffe species, cause a fish or wildl'rfe populatbn to drop bebw sent sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plats or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plats or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b. Does the project have the potential to achieve short- term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one which oxurs in a relativay brief, definitive period of time while bng-term impacts will endure well into the future.) ~ c. Does the project have impacts which are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small, but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is signrfbant.) J~ d. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? ~ C. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION AND MITIGATION MEASURES (Attach sheets as necessary.) S~~ i4tThr_1fc~ r°M1rwnw°~rwnno~ PLMI.9.06 PAGESOF_ (tYiO) o Public Rorks Project No. 91-07 November 7, 1991 C. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 1. Earth Resources a. The project will involve the movement of approximately 6,000 cubic yards cut and 200 cubic yards of fill. Potential minor impacts on the physical environment (drainage, erosion, etc.) and on the community (dust, noise, etc.) may be expected. Compliance of all grading and excavation activities with Section 7012 (c) of the Uniform Building Code will reduce these potential impacts to a level of insignificance. f. The proposal will result in modification of the Cable Creek Channel in the immediate vicinity of Little League Drive. However, the modification is not expected to reduce, restrict, or hinder the flow of waters to downstream areas. Modification to the creek channel to accommodate the box culvert will be subject to review by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) under Section 909 of the Clean Rater Act and by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) under Chapter 6, Sections 1601-3 of the Fish and Game Code. g. The project is located within an area of high liquefaction potential. Compliance of the proposal with MC-676 will reduce potential impacts to a level of insignificance. 2. Air Resources c. The proposed development is within the City's high wind hazard area. However, street improvements axe not normally affected by winds, and the box culvert is to be placed in Cable Creek Channel, where it will be unaffected by winds. Potential impacts are insignificant. 3. Hater Resources a. The widening of Little League Drive by 10 feet will increase the area of impermeable surfaces in the area, altering drainage patterns, and increasing the amount of surface runoff from Little League Drive. However, the storm drain to be installed in Little League Drive will direct these flows to Cable Creek. Potential impacts are insignificant. b. The project lies within Flood Zones "B" and "C". There will be no significant impacts since the project will improve drainage along Little League Drive and provide improved all weather access across Cable Creek at Little League Drive. Public Works Project No. 91-07 November 7, 1991 C. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 4. Biological Resources a. The protect lies within a Biological Management Overlay District. A biological impact assessment was prepared by Ellen Bezryman of RECON, Regional Environmental Consultants (Attachment A). b. Two native plant communities, Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and mountain mahogany woodland are present at the site. Areas of non-native gzassland and disturbed vegetation vere also present. The survey was conducted at a time of year wheze many of the annual plants observed were dry and unidentifiable. Although no plant species that are listed by CDFG or U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as endangered or threatened, were observed during the survey, there is a moderate likelihood of one sensitive species, the Slender-horned Spineflowez, occurring at the site. c. one sensitive habitat, Riversidean alluvial fan sage sczub is present in the project area. No sensitive species were found during the surveys, but sevezal potentially occuz in the area, including the San Diego horned lizard, Los Angeles pocket mouse, and orange-throated whiptail. Biological Resources Mitigation To minimize potential impacts to any Slender-horned Spine flowers, San Diego horned lizards, Los Angeles pocket mice, or ozange-thzoated whiptails that might exist on the site to a level of non-significance, the following mitigation shall apply: 1. Impacts to the west side of the bridge shall be minimized by concentrating construction activities to the east side of the bridge, as much as practicable. 2. Heavy equipment used during bridge replacement shall be kept out of Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and shall not be stored in areas of native vegetation, including the stream bed. Measures such as sand- bagging shall be taken to minimize erosion and sedimentation during construction. 3. The CDFG shall be consulted prior to impact of the stream bed to acquire a 1601 pezmit. The COE shall be notified pzior to any deposition of fill in the stream bed. o Public Norks Project No. 91-07 November 7, 1991 C. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 6. Land Use c. The project is located within Foothill Fire Zones "B" and "C". Due to the nature of the project potential impacts will not be significant. 9. Transportation/Circulation d. There could be temporary alterations of present traffic circulation on Little League Drive during construction. During the excavation phase, portions of the street may have to be torn up, and the existing bridge removed. This impact shall be mitigated by proper traffic control such as barricades, flagmen and detours as required by San Bernardino Municipal Code Section 12.09. 13. Cultural Resources a. The project is located within an area of concern for archaeological resources as identified by the General Plan. A copy of the proposal was forwarded to the Archaeological Information Center, at the San Bernardino County Museum, for review. It was determined from the review that no archaeological resources are known to exist within or adjacent to the project area, and that the potential for the presence of such resources was low. Potential impacts are insignificant. - - © ~ BIOLOGICAL TECHNICAL REPORT FOR CABLE CREEK BRIDGE REPLACIIvIIIV'T IN SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA Prepared for ROGER G. HARDGRAVE CTTY OF SAN BERNARDINO 300 NORTH D STREET SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92418 Prepared by - C.Cf:r„ .~e-zz ~na~ ELLEN $ER~YMAN ECOLOGIST ¦ irL`, RECON NUMBER 2360B Regional Environmental Consultants AUGUST 23, 1991 ~~so ~s.m wq fie, sn Oago, CA ma IsiN six-+sn ~ o TABLE OF CONTENTS . Page SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 1 I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. METHODS AND LIMITATIONS l III. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS g N. RESULTS 5 A. VEGETATION g B. WILDLIFE 9 C. SENSTI'NE RESOURCES Q V. IIvIPACTS 16 VI. MITIGATION 16 VII. REFERENCES CITED 17 i FIGURES 1: Project location in relation to County of San Drego 2 2: Project location shown on USGS map 3 3: Skeuh of proposed plan 4 4: Vegetation and sensitive species map 7 TABLES 1: Vascular Plant List 6 2: Wildlife Species Observed 10 3: Sensitive Plant Species Potentially Occurring 11 4: Sensitivity Codes 12 5: Wildlife Sensitive Species Potentially Occurring 15 ~ D SUMMARY OF FIlVDINGS One sensitive habitat, Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub, is present in the project area. No sensitive species were found during the surveys, but several species pountially occur in the area, including San Diego horned lizazd, Los Angeles little pocket mouse, orange-throaud whiptail, and slender-homed spineflower. Project impacu to Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and slender-horned spineflower are pountially significant Measures to avoid dis- turbance of native vegetation during construction, runoff into downstream aeeas during construction, and aluration of drainage patterns, are ezpecud to reduce direct and indirect impacts to ltiversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and slender- ' homed spineflower to a level below significance. L INTRODUCTION This report addresses the results of a biological survey conduced in the azea to be irnpacud by a bridge replacement project in San Bemazdino, Cali- fornia, immediauly east of Inurstau 215 (Barstow Freeway). The bridge to be replaced is locaud on Little League Drive, where it crosses Cable Creek (Figures 1 and 2). Figure 3 shows a sketch, provided by the City of San Bernardino, of the proposed plan. Little League Drive bridge is to be widened from approximauly 30 to 40 feet in width. Cuaentiy, the creek passes under the existing bridge through a channel approxirnauly 6 feet high and 23 fat wide. With the proposed project design, it will pass under the proposed bridge through a boz culvert, composed of four cells each of which are 10 feet deep and 14 feet wide, with 12-inch dividers between each cell. The area surveyed and addressed in this report, referred to as the project siu, includes that area estimaud to be directly irnpacud by construction of the proposed bridge. Additionally, areas within 200 feet oq either side of the bridge were surveyed in order to assess indirect impacts. II. METHODS AND LII~ITPATIONS A general zoological and botanical survey of the project siu was performed on foot by Ellen Berryman on August 9, 1991, from 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During the survey, temperatures ranged from approzimauly 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and there was a slight breeu with no cloud cover. Plant and animal species observed or deuced on the property were docu- menud. Animal species were either observed directly with the aid of 1Oz50 binoculars or deuced indirectly from tracks, scat, nesu, and other signs. Judgments about poundal fauna at the siu were based on known range and habitat preferences of the species. The majority of plant species identifica- tions were made in the field, with some plant specimens taken for positive iden- tification in the lab. Vegetation communities were mapped on a 1 inch = 100 feet aerial photograph. Limitations to the compilation of a comprehensive floral checklist were imposed by seasonal factors, since some plants that bloom in the spring and eazly summer may have been unidentifiable during the surveys. Similazly, winur resident or migratory bird species which use the property during the spring or 1 ` . I I ~ I I ~ ~ • VICTORVILLE I I 1 n • HESPERIA 1 1 PROJECT LOCATION 1~ ~~u W I ~ ® BIG BEAR LAKE c ~ '~ o = v y r ~ RANCHO • HIGHLAND CUCAMONGA • FON.ANA • SAN BERNARDINO + RIALTO ® REDUINDS • • • ONTARp SA-~y B~~AgOMO CO. LOMA l.~A ~- . J ~ ~ CHNO RNERSDE CO. f`~ ~ RNERSDE /~y ~r ~ ~o. I~ FIGURE 1. PROJECT LOCATION RELATNE TO WESTERN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ' RECmIV ~.?'^~ G a % ) -~."r,~ ~ ; ,i ray t,.< % rte` _ / / i /•P`; 1 'r i. ; ~ ~ y y ~~^•'-~' ~ 3 ^ r~ / M1 _ _ _ y J -....~ _ _ : ~~/!.'jam .li+ .{r1 1r ,~.._ ~ 1.. ~ tI'_,rt.1.~ ~ Y . rQ~ S Ci E4,( 1/" ~ ~ it ~': = <, `", y 4~ +Nr;Zs. xis ~•a j fi ^4 ~/:~ yr'.~`e c~ ~ ~,,. - t~ ll _ M .GT -~TO~ 4Ct NBC ~ • ., •~ty' _ :J. 1 T is .;E.p I - / .I'{... 1 E . 't..- x ,,'i • Y~ . ~('x lnt' ~ ~ ; 1 ~~ry~ y ,:• a _ _ _ ~ ~ ,~~,.,+ NON U.S.G S 7'5 RTH UADRP`N'GLES ~ LpCAT10 ,~~p NG FiEC ' ` FIGURE 2• DEVORS AN9 SAN gERNAR W ~ e EdA~t<Er~~ ~ ,d ~ L ` ~ ~ a. ' ~ ~ ,i ~ i i ~ pe.,1 u ~ ~ 1 I} { ~ i i ~ CJ i. 4 ~y.,. w $idt u• iK ~ ~ , ~ ~ , (Orin Oy.n Ntd E~j• a~ , ~B ?CinQn ~ j J( r ~ ~- Er.tw"J' l ~ y(CIL- ~.-~ i 7.,r .t c~.+.~ ~i 1 [ABt~E GRffK _~r ~ ~A ~ . _ _ ~ ~ l ~ nt_- . l- ,,,~~ FiW I.w~ Ca',n) SR M ~ ~ i 1 I ~ , t l C f~.r`i..y ~ sy e~`f.'..'j ~ ` j 1 YL. -- ~i ~--- ---- . ~ ' ~ i Nwr t~i C.oac ~ GeLEK C,vwwrl. 1 t _ / ~ yi~/tW J~•.o -ri L\\ ` \ / Y/~ L/I.`~ t ~re~ ' l ~ 1 1 '' I ~ o h ° PLAN ,Sx~rCf{ j ti _ „ ,~ I I FIGURE 3. SKETCH OF PROPOSED PLAN '~ ~ o ~ fall, or birds which .breed in the azea but have already migrated south, would not have been present during the surveys. Many birds were not likely to be active during the survey due to the high temperature, thus, were unlikely to be observed if present. Nocturnal animals are not directly observable during the day, although sign of these animals may be detected. The field survey included a search for plant and animal species listed by the California Department of Fish- and Game (CDFG) or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as threatened or endangered. Other plant and animal species considered sensitive by the California Native Plant Society (GNPs), the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB), and other organizations or specialists were also included in the search. The CNPS maintains a listing of the status of raze, threatened, endangered, or otherwise sensitive plant species in California that is published periodically with updated information (Smith and Berg 1988). Most information used by the CNPS in these publications are provided by data contained in the CNDDB. The CNDDB is a program within the Natural Heritage division of the CDFG that is an ongoing and continuously updated record of locational information on California's rare and endangered species and natural biotic communities (State of Califortria 1990). ' III. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS The subject property is fairly flat, with an elevation of approximately 1,840 feet above mean sea level. The soil is course, sandy, and gravelly. Cable Creek was dry at the time of the survey. On the southeast side of Little League Drive bridge, Cable Creek is ` channelized and approximately 55 feet wide with a dirt road running along either side of it. North of the bridge, Cable Creek is less disturbed and spreads out into a broad floodplain, with a bank approximately 10 fat high and a dirt road along the southwest side of the creek and another dirt road within the creekbed itself. ' Suaounding land uses include open space and residential housing to the north and west, a day-use park to the southeast, a little league park to the northeast, and the Bazstow Freeway to the southwest. The day-use pazk adjacent to the site is vegetated with grass. I IV. RESULTS ' A_ VEGETATION Two native plant communities, Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and mountain mahogany woodland, are present at the subject site. areas of non- native grassland and disturbed vegetation are also present. Many of the annual plants observed were dry and unidentifiable at the time of the survey. Plant species identified are listed in Table 1 and vegetation communities are I mapped on Figure 4 and described below. Impact acreages were not determined for the project because adequate maps to assess these figures were not available. t) I 5 . ~ C~ h d a a~~3a<~aaa~a~ a~ a as<aaa .- sC7sOO~ssC7sszG7s00,YOOccO~arszzs F L•] U ~ d Z ~ u ~ u ~ e me `-gt~' ~v t° E~ c •o G E ~ E G a~ ee ~ 0 3 E O` w~ _ m w 47 U .3y~~c33~a~ cs$~`d`d~ ~`g.~o:~ c~ E e 3 a.~ ~ d u @~ 83=~Er~ ~3 ai ~ ~ - ~ a o ~ E g~g •3 e u ~ ~, E = 59~+ St y °,~ ° p s3~ CG 4'~ V ~02C{h{i. 4L Uf V31 L1 V V C V LS7~~6.~ Z fG ~ C F J QY C f! o u ~ ~ E v a ~E ~ a _7 m = U v o~' .F ~ c s ~ 8 = e~~i m d ti ~ ~ C7 ~ °e ~ 8 ~ ~ ~ ~ E 2 ' ,~ 5 e 9 c O p O °' y > ~ xa " ~ a C7 c F. c .mod' e, _ 7 ~- c o~ a v o w 07 a, a S 3 5 a Z 5 v G v~ vC ~ y c 7~ d V "' yl "~ C a e~ 4 F 0 0 'yt ? C~ w/-y~ u 3 .r \ '~ M h r O~ O, G 7p ~ V V~ d Op 3~ ~ G a = F ~ a'~~`~ _ 'Z c F e y ~ N c°, t o ``o ~ = E c y ? .^°.' C7 C s ~ J ~ ? ~ .~.' _ ~ Q " O O _3 ~ ~l O ~ oy tl = a o " a = ~ 3 II II II 11 ` «z-oGv~W~twW~:~cTSaJ~ia~nhhh:: :., a. ., C70s~ ¦ ' ...- ~ - iij.3~ '~. -~~~ f r^ '_ = r • yy~. ' -. .i f - o .r "' ~`' -ter ~ ,~•~.• "` 7a`"`~+. ~, -~% ~ ~S ~'~"t,~} ~I' ' ~, ,.. •'~:.' ~ Jet" ,,y.<. Y ~,:: 7 . ~.~.Y: ty,,, w ' .Ji Y.~j. Y :rr. Y ' (U«,. ?mow M o- ...y ~~~,~'-s-~ ms's #~S~'ip; ~ ~i + s ', ~ ,,j ! ~' ~ ~ *, ~I~'~ '~ - ~ ', ~ n ~ rte, ;i ~.-.-., ~ _, - . ~ l y ~ y 1 ~ ~ . ~ w-;°~''~~' ~ ~.- % ±'~i tom, J O a. r~.. r ~ i! 3 ~ z t r'x ~ ` ~' ~ u' 6 /. ~ A ~7'rA 1y ) r5 ~, I 1- ~ /~ •1 ,p1 ' Y .6 w U b ~ N qw w - • 'r - Z O F ~ _ r U ~ 7N ~ N ~ w N Z ~ + ~ ~ i t 1. $iversidean©Alluvial Fan Same Scrub "'+ This habitat type is found on rocky and sandy alluvia deposited by streams that experience infrequent events of high-intensity flooding. This vegetation commumry is composed of a diverse and unique assemblage of plant species, which are adapted to low-fertility soil and infrequent, violent flooding events (Smith 1980). Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is present on the alluvial fan northwest of Little League Drive. The shrubs are fairly sparse in this area, as ' is characteristic for this plant community. Denser vegetation of this habitat type is also present on the northeast side of Cable Creek, east of the bridge. Scale-broom (Lepidosparrum squamarum) serves as an indicator species for this community type and is the dominant shrub in this habitat on the subject property. Other common components on-site include flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum fascicularum), mule fat (Baccharis glutinosa), and groundsel (Senecio douglasii), with an herbaceous cover dominated by filaree (Erodium sp.), slender buckwheat (Eriogonum gracile), and non-native grasses such as ripgut grass (Bromus diandrus) and fescue (Festuca sp.). California sycamore (Plaranus racemosa) is also present On Figure 4, a portion of the ' area mapped as Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is mostly bare floodplain, which is included because it is an integral part of this dynamic, flood- dependant plant community. 2. Monntain Maho}~rly Woodland This plant community is present approximately 100 feet northwest of Little League Drive, within the alluvial fan of Cable Creek. Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides) grows approximately 15 feet tall in this area, with trees being spaced appmximately 15 to 20 feet apart. Understory vegetation, dominated by a few shrubs of flat-top buckwheat and poison oak (Toxicodendron 1 diversiloba), is sparse within this plant community. The herbaceous cover in this woodland is composed mostly of frlaree and ripgut grass. 3. Non-native Grassland A small patch of this habitat exists on the northwest side of Little League Drive, north of Cable Creek. This community is composed of non-native, annual grasses such as ripgut grass, fescue, and wild oats (Avena sp.). 4' The channelized creek and its banks (southeast of the bridge) and the southwestern bank (northwest of the bridge) are disturbed areas dominated by annual, weedy species such as telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora), Russian thistle (Salsola iberica), and ragweed (Ambrosia acanroicarpa). Other species present in this disturbed aria include California Croton (Croton californicus var. californicus), ripgut grass, and fescue. s ~ o 0 B. WII.DLIFE Observed wildlife activity was low, likely due to the high temperatures during the subject survey. Most wildlife observed directly were in shady areas of mountain mahogany woodland. Wildlife species observed during the. survey of the subject property are listed in Table 2. Species in this area included black-headed grosbeak (Pheuricarus melanoleucus), scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), and Scotts oriole (Icterus parisorum). Other birds found on " the subject property included greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), American crow (Corvus vachyrynchos), and House sparrow (Passer domesricus). California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beeeheyi) were present in the .- Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and disturbed areas. Animal signs such as scat, tracts, and burrows of species not directly observed during the surveys were abundant on the subject site. Numerous rodent burrows and tracks are present in the Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and disturbed areas in the survey azea. Scat of cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus auduboni) and brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani) were also present in this azea, and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) tracks and scat were present on the east bank of the creek, south of the bridge. C. SENSITIVE RESOURCES 1. Habitats Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is a habitat type endemic to southern California. It is restricted to flat alluvial washes at the mouths of canyons along the coastal side of the San Gabriel, San Bemazdino, and San Jacinto mountains, with smaller stands in minor drainages throughout southern California. This plant community was historically widely distributed along the Transverse and Peninsulaz ranges, but agricultural and urban conversion, sand mining, and flood control operations have eliminated Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub from most of its range (Hanes, Friesen, and Keane 1989). The Cali- forma Natural Diversity Data Base (California, State of 1991) lists this habitat as one with a high priority for preservation. Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub is called out in the San Bernardino City General Plan (1988) as a habitat given high priority for preservation. 2. Sensitive Plant Species No plant species that are listed by the CDFG or USFWS as endan- gered or threatened were observed during the survey. Neither were any species observed that are candidates for listing, or considered of special concern by local organizations or authorities. Several sensitive plant species potentially occur at the project site (Table 3), and are discussed below. Sensitivity codes - aze explained in Table 4. a. Santa Ana River Woolly-star (Eriastrum densiflorum ssp. sancrorum). This state and federally endangered species is restricted to Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub communities within approximately eight square miles along the Santa Ana River drainage in San Bernardino County, north of Redlands (Burk, Jones, and Wheeler 1989). Its former range extended over 60 river miles within the Santa Ana River drainage (Zembal and Kramer 1984). It has been estimated that 80 to 90 percent of the habitat for this species has 9 a 7 9 y y O aaao o3a33u,33 ' 7~ Y °L' s O m e = u G,~a ~ a d w 4 m 9 ° ° ~8 F h~ C n~ ~ n Z L(SV~~ ~ n a y = ~ ••, ~ ~ C S C O v Tip ~ s v u Z ~ a O C~ 4 3 y~ y ~ U H 3 O ~ V, ~ :a 1. ~ Ti \ 'j~ .3 ~ d b T M 4 H ~ N Y H ~o Yid-~<<+a" o. oa -"~y~ .r °' ~ L N C N ' ~ Y 3 CC~'' t~ u 1 ~ c•oaG ~ 3 a.~.a3 Z e a ~ ~ e a ~g•~ e_m~~ ~ z o ~ ~ ~, , u H `3. G/ V Y ~ ~ li U ~FG 7 ~ 'p ~ UV ~ 4CljN i M ~ . TABLE 3 SENSITIVE PI.A,IyT SPECffS POTENTIALLY OCY-'[JRRING AT CABLE CREE[C BRIDGE REPI.ACIIv¢NT State/Federa! CNPS CI3PS Species Status List Code Commrnu t Cerarostegia leproceras CFJFE 1B 33-3 Sandy, flood-deposited river terraces Slender-homed spineflower and washes. Dudleya mukicaulis --/C2 1B 1-2-3 Chapartal, coastal sage scrub, and valley Many-stemmed liveforcver floor grassland. Eriasrrum densiJlorum CFJFE iB 3-3-3 Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub. ssp. sanctorum Santa Ana River woolly-star Lycium parishii --/-- 2 2-1-1 Sage scrub and creosote bush scrub. Parish's desert-thorn i Mahonia nevinii CEICl 1B 3-3-3 Chaparral, in sandy and gravelly sage r Nevin's barbcny ~b• Monardeila pringlci --/Cl IA Pressed extinct due to n.irani~at+oa; Pringle s monardella sandy areas of sage scrub. NOTE: See Table 4 for explanation of sensitivity codes. I ~' TABLE 4 SENSITIVITY CODES FIDERAL CANDIDATES AND LISTID PLANTS FE= Federally listed, endangered FT= Federally listed, threatened C1= Enough data are on file to support a proposal for the federal listing C 1 Enough data are on file to support a proposal for federal listing, but the plan[ is J presumed extinct C2= Threaz and/or distribution data are insuffitaent to support federal listing C2•= Threat and/or distribution data are insufficient to support federal listing; plan[ presumed extinct C3a= Extinct Cab= Taxonomically invalid C3~ Too widespread and/ornbtthreatened STATE LISTED PLANTS CE= Start listed, endangered CR= State listed, rare CT= State listed, threatened CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIE'T'Y LETS R-E-D CODES lA= Species presumed extinct. R (Rarity) IB= Species rare, threatened. or 1= Rate, but found in suffirirnt num- eadangered in California and else- hers and distributed widely enough where. These species are eligible that the potrntial for extinction is for state listing. low az this time. I 2= Species rare, threatened, or ~ Occurrence confined to several endangered in California but which populations or to one extended are more common elsewhere. These populatioH. ' species are eligible for state listing. 3= Occurrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, or 3= Species for which more information present in such small numbers that "' is Headed. Distribution, endan- it is seldom reported. garment. aztd/or taxonomic infotma- [ion is needed. E (FadaogermeHt) 4= A watch list of species of limited 1= Not endangered distribution. These species Heed ~ Endangered in a portion of its ro be monitored for changes in the ~8e starts of their populations. 3= Endangered throughout its range D (Distributive) i 1= More or less widespread outside California i Rare outside California 3= Endemic to California ~ECmN ~' o been eliminaud. Populations of this species are known from the Lytle Creek area, within two miles'of the project area (City of San Bernazdino 1989). Santa Ana River woolly-star was not observed during the subject survey. This woody perennial grows one to four decimeurs high, and would have been observable during the surveys if present. The species blooms from June through August; thus, was at the end of its blooming season at the time of the survey and would have been identifiable if present. It is unlikely that this species is present on the subject property; although Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub, habitat for this species, is present M b. Slender-horned Spineflower (Cenrrostegia leptoceras). This stau and federally lisud endangered species occurs only in southern California on sandy, flood-deposiud river terraces and washes below 2,200 feet. Its range exunds from Tujunga Valley at the wesurn edge of the San Fernando Valley east to the Santa Ana River drainage and south to the San Jacinto River floodplain near Hemet and Temescal Canyon neaz Elsinore. Little is known about the ecology of this species; although it is speculaud that periodic flooding is necessary to maintain approp:iau substrau conditions and remove competitive species such as annual grasses. This species is associaud with Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub. No individuals of this species were observed on-siu. However, this small annual is only visible during the spring and eazly summer (April through June), so any plants present on the siu would not be identifiable - during the survey. A population of this species is known to be present at Glenn Helen Park, within two miles of the subject siu, in .habitat very similar to the Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub found on-siu. The likelihood of this species occurring in appropriate habitat of the subject siu is moderate. The presence of any individuals of this rare species on-siu would be highly significant. c. Many~ummed Dudieva (Dudeeya multicaulis). This species is a Caugory 2 candidau for federal listing. The Category 2 designation is given to species which may be eligible, but for which sufficient data has not been - compiled to support federal listing. Many-summed dudleya is also on the CNPS list 1B (species rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere). Many-summed dudleya occurs in chapamdl, coastal sage scrub, and valley floor grassland communities in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernazdino counties, below 2,000 feet in elevation (Manz 1974). Smith and Berg (1988) list Devore as one of the USGS topographic quadrangles in which this species occurs. Many-stemmed dudleya blooms from May through June, so would not have been observable during the August survey; although the likelihood of its occurrence in the grassland or sage scrub on-siu is low to moderate. d. Nevin's Barbera (Mahonia nevinii). This species is stau endangered and a federal Caugory 1 candidau. The Caugory 1 designation is given to species for which sufficient data has been compiled to support formal listing. Nevin's barberry is on the CNPS list 1B. Nevin's bazberry occurs in sandy and gravelly places below 2,000 feet in elevation, in sage scrub and chaparral habitats. Its distribution includes northern Los Angeles County through San Fernando Valley and Arroyo i 13 . ~ t~ Seco, San Mauo County near Redlands, and Dripping Springs near Aguanga, California (Manz 197A). This shrub grows one to four meurs tall and would have been readily observable during the survey if present. No Nevin's bazbetry was found during the subject survey and its likelihood of occurrence is low. e. Ptin~'s Monardella (Monardella pringlei). This federal Caugory 1 candidau species is on the CNPS list lA, which includes species presumed to be extinct. Pringle's monazdella is historically known only from sandy areas of sage scmb in the vicinity of Colton, in San Bemazdino County, I and was Iasi seen in 1921 (Smith and Berg 1988). This annual blooms from May through June and may have been unidentifiable during the survey if present: although the likelihood of its occurrence on the subject site is very low. I f. Parish's Desett Thorn (Lycium parishii). This species is on the CNPS list 2 (rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere). Parish's desert thorn occurs in dry places below 2,000 feet, in sage scrub and creosou bush scrub of San Bernardino Valley and wesurn Colorado desert. This shrub grows one to three meurs tall and would have been readily observable during the subject survey if present. This species was not observed on the property. 3. Sensitive Animal Species No wildlife species that are lisud by the CDFG or USFWS as endangered or threauned were observed doting the survey. Neither were any species observed that are candidaus for listing, or considered of special concern by local organizations or authorities. Several sensitive animal species pountially occur at the project siu (Table 5) and these are discussed below. a. San Diego Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei) is a USFWS Caugory 2 candidau species and a CDFG Species of Special Concern. The San Diego horned lizard is found only in southwest California from the coast to the foothills and valleys of the Peninsular Range. The horned lizard is an inhabitant of open coastal sage scrub, grassland, and chaparral and was formerly very common on flat-topped mesas along the coast (McGurty 1980). It requires large open areas of sandy soil within these habitats and relies primarily on ants as its food source. San Diego homed lizard populations are declining due to habitat destruction and commercial or hobby collecting (McGarry 1980). No San Diego homed lizards, nor signs of their presence, were seen on the property; although the Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub provides suitable habitat for this species. This species was found on the Devore property, within two miles of the subject property, in habitat similar to that present on the siu (RECON 1990). The likelihood of this species' occurrence in the project area is moderau. b. pnn~e-throaud WhiR~tl (Cnemidophorus hyperythrus) is a USFWS Caugory 2 candidau species and a CDFG Species of Special Concern. The orange-throaud whiptail is found only in southwest California, west of the mountains in San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and San Diego County, south to northern Baja This species inhabits coastal sage scrub and chapamel habitats with moderauly open vegetation and patches of loose soil (McGarry 1980). The orange-throaud whiptail is threaurted due to loss of habitat as a I la 1 I 0 C 3 ~ T ~ y 7C a y ~ 00 8 `-_ N ~ ~ o - ~ ~ .3 •3 ~ 3 i ~ ~ 2 2 ~ 6 Y ~ `J u m m ~ .wv. << 6 9 C ~ ~ ~ A .{3 y U $ ~ ~ ~ 5 u ~ ~ u ~ tl € y F~et V u ~ e 2~ ~ d ~ u ~Q' H ~ u ~ V ~ N L X A oai ~ ~ u ~ ~ y L v rL„ N v . ` ` .N 3 ~ LL ~ C ~ ~C v -~+ ti ~ C !L C O "' O > ~ C > a e ~, a ~ z ~ o .Sc .`c v ~ ~ o 7~ '3 a e= N L :a ` ~ ~ c' T "e'o s •' e 3 y a L 3 ~4 3a 3= y~ ~~- v O 3 H E _ ~ - y_ u ru O ~ O C ,~'" eo e ~ Q `v U ~ I H4 ~U 3~ Vy U U 1 ~ ~ ~ p result of urban and' agricultural development throughout its range. No whiptails were observed on the property. However, it is likely that they aze present on the property because it contains poundally suitable habitat and is within the ~j range for this species. t c. Los Angeles Pocket Mouse (Perognathus logimemhris brevinasus) is a federal Caugory 2 candidau species and a CDFG Species of Special Concern. This pocket mouse is found only in sage scrub habitats in southern California, preferring areas with sandy and rocky soils (Burt and Grossenheider 1964). These animals can range 350 yards from their dens. They feed only on the seeds of various shrubs and grasses (Hall and Kelson 1959). Populations aze declining primarily from habitat destruction as a result of urbanization. No pocket mice were seen on the property during the survey, however, pountially suitable habitat occurs. The likelihood of this species' occurrence in the project azea is moderau. V. IIvIPACTS Any activity that will divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or. bed of a river or stream requires the formulation of a streambed aluration agreement with the CDFG under Sections 1600-1603 of the Fish and Game Code prior to construction. The Cable Creek drainage qualifies under this provision. In addition, this drainagc is considered "waurs of the U.S.," falling under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) under Section 404 of the Clean Waur Act. Any depostaon of fill of more than one acre in such waurs requires notification of the USAGE. Although acreages of direct project impact to Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub are difficult to assess from existing project maps, the direct impact acreage is expecud to be less than 0.1 acre and is not expecud to constituu a significant impact No aluration of the Cable Creek drainage paturn is cxpecud; thus, no indirect impacu due to such aluration are anticipaud. However, erosion and sedimentation during construction may pountially impact Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and mountain mahogany woodland downstream from the project, as well as sensitive species assocraud with these habitats. Since the proposed box culvert to be placed under the new bridge will allow more mom for wildlife crossing than the existing bridge, no impacts to wildlife crossing under the bridge would occur. ', ~ VL RECOMA~NDATIONS The following measures are expecud to reduce project impacts to a level below significance: • Impacts to the west side of the bridge should be minimized by concentrating construction activities on the east side of the bridge. ~ Heavy equipment used during bridge replacement should be kept out of Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub and should not be stored in areas of native vegetation, including the strearnbed. Measures such as sand-bagging shall be taken to minimize eroston and sedimentation during construction. 16 Q • The CDFG should be consulted prior to impact of the streambed to acquire a Section 1601 permit. USACE notification prior to any deposition of fill in the streambed is also recommended. VII. REFERENCES C1TID Burk, Jack H., C. E. Jones, and J. Wheeler 1989 New Information on the Rare Santa Ana River Woolly-Star. Fremontia 17(3):20-21. Burt, William S., and Richard P. Grossenheider 1964 A Field Guide to Mammals. California, State of 1990 Special Anitnals. Natural Diversity Data Base. Departrnent of Fish and Game. April. 1991 California Natural Diversity Data Base. Nongazne-Heritage Program, California Departrnent of Fish and Game. Hall, Raymond E., and Keith R. Kelson 1959 The Mammals of Norrh America The Ronald Press Company, New York. Hanes, T.L., R.D. Friesen, and K. Kelson 1989 Alluvial Scrub Vegetation in Coastal Southern California. Protection, Management, and Restoration for the 1990's: Proceedings of the California Riparian Systems Conference, pp. 187-193, September 22-24, 1988, Davis, CA. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station Report PSW- 110 McGurty, Brian M. 1980 Survey and Status of Endangered and Threatened Species of Reptiles Natively Occurring in San Diego, California. San Diego Herpetological Society. Munz, P. A. 1974 A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley. RECON - 1990 Biological Technical Report for the Devore Property n San Bernardino, California. RECON #2238b. October. San Bernazdino, City of 1988 Natural Resource Element. San Bemazdino General Plan. February. 1989 Verdemont Area Plan. San Bernazdino General Plan. ' Smith, Robin L. 1980 Alluvial Scrub Vegetation of the San Gabriel River Floodplain, California. Madrono 27(3):126-138 1' Smith, J. P., and K. Berg 19881nventory of Rare and Endangered Plonts of California. California Native Plant Society Special Publication No. 1, 4th edition. Sacramento, California. ,~ Zembal, Richard, and Karla J. Kramer 1984 The Known Lunited Distribution and Unknown Future of Santa Ana River Wooly-Star (Eriastrum). Crossosoma) 1~ ?' 1~ r 4 18 CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO PLANNING AGENDA ITEM # AND BUILDING SERVICES DEPARTMENT CASE LOCATION HEARING DATE dye / \ 98 ~ ~-- `~' ~' ,\ „ /~~~ '• c~ ,, C v ~ / ~, ,~~, ~ ~ SITE v ' ~' ,~ V ~ ~ '/R, ~~Q L ~' ~ u•~ ~ N ~ ~' ~ V T y*. ~ w PU1N-8.11 PMaE 1 OF t (a-B01 remwrwxmoa.~w D. DETERMINATION On the basis of this inhial study, The proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment and a NEGATIVE DECLARA- TION will be prepared. The proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, aflhough there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described above have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. The proposed project MAY have a signficant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE CITY OF SAN f3ERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA ~,~y E, ~, /I~sr. .D~,~r~2 ~H~~c ~ &o~ ~,~s , Name and Title ~ / ,l~x~ ~- Si nature / Date: , //'7-9/ an uiwxnc~i °~0s PLAN-9.08 PMGE_OF_ 111-901