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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09- Public Works + lilt Au. 1J.U4-11f.Jy CITY-OF SAN BERNA' INO - REQUEST FC- COUNCIL ACTION Adoption of Negative Declaration and From: ROGER G. HARDGRAVE, Director Subject: a Finding of Consistency with the Circulation Element of the General Dept: Public Works/Engineering Plan - Extension of Orange Show Road between Arrowhead Avenue and Tippe- Date: June 9, 1993 Avenue Synopsis of Previous Council action: Public Works Project No. 93-03 08-17-92 -- Authorization to execute Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with Daniel, Mann, Johnson & Mendenhall (DMJM) 04-08-93 -- Authorization to execute Agreement for Right-of-Way Acquisition Services with David Evans and Associates for extension of Orange Show Road from Arrowhead to Tippecanoe Avenues Recommended motion: 1. That the Negative Declaration for Public Works Project No. 93-03, extension of Orange Show Road between Arrowhead Avenue and Tippecanoe Avenue, be adopted. J . C' 2. That a finding be made that the extension of Orange Show Road, between Arrow- head Avenue and Tippecanoe Avenue is consistent with the circulation element of the General Plan cc: Shauna Clark, City Administrator Signature Anne DeBolt 5238 Contact person: Staff Report Notice of Preparation Phone: Initial Study, Neg Dec, Map 1 & 3 Supporting data attached: Ward: N/A FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: Source:(Acct. No.) JAcct. Description) Finance: Council Notes: CITY OF SAN BERNAF `INO - REQUEST FOr COUNCIL ACTION STAFF REPORT The Negative Declaration for Public Works Project No. 93-03 was recommended for adoption by the Environmental Review Committee at its meeting of 05-27-93. A 21-day public review period was afforded from 05-06-93 to 05-26-93. No comments were received. We recommend that the Negative Declaration be adopted and a finding made that the project is consistent with the Circulation Element of the General Plan. 06-09-93 2 75-0264 0 W ; cr Mg 3W co I CL ; I O Q <� w 3fIN3A 6 NVR831YM � �= W� - - - - - -- - - - — - - — aQ O W ' � I I N b, I I3n AV NIOJNI - N A S I I I I I ffi I I 1 N I I I 3f1 3A r I NO ON HS M I � I I I I — - o.a -a e e s I X133213 NIMl 1Sr3 — - — - — ! I I o I r 3f2N3AV ar3HM02Rlr I I I I I I W I 2 I O I I I I I - — - — - - — 1332115 —.3-- .3,-� - - - — - - - - I I I L Z I � � O z 3nV 30NY33dd i l p r p -- \ -, W g w 3 m� O ~ \ \ Za Q n In c n w r c w H d \ ---- _ Z J . � � o O o \ \ p W \ 1 Q O o I \btia ' a If \ \ ,sc , ------------\- -'-----'--- ; a 8 � oil -j .1----------------------- \ -- - ...............v \ \ k -- - - -------------------- ----------------- --- `a - W - r- I AVM 13V"3 Q I /IZ>:� W O/ W e F 1 n I W e/ - z 2 4 Q LY h i ti o� I � I WN3 NV kMVM / i v~i J Environmental and Development Review Committee Xay 27, 1993 Page 2 2. : PUBLIC WORKS NO. 93-03 GREG Applicant: City of San Bernardino-Public GUBMAN Works Department Owner: Various Recommend Mayor and APN: Various Common Council adopt r'Ward: 1 and 3 Negative Declaration proposal: To acquire Right-of-Way and to and approve project. KT� : x. xtend Orange Show Road from Arrowhead (consent) " �i nue to Tippecanoe Street. 8tatust Continued from April 29, 1993 Staff Recommendation: Recommend the Mayor and Common Council adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and clearance onto Mayor and Common Council. 3. TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 15538 JOHN Applicant: Michael Cole and Jon Peddie LAMPE Owner: Same APN: 261-072-12 and 13 Continue to 6-24-93 Ward: 5 to prepare Arborist Proposal: Subdivide 4 . 11 acres into 13 Report. (consent) single family lots in the RL, 'w Residential Low--minimum required area 10,800 square feet, located on the northwest corner of Belmont and Palm Avenues. Status: Preliminary review and approved Negative Declaration for public review by DRC/ERC on February 11, 1993. Staff Recommendation: Recommend adoption of the Negative Declaration and clearance onto the Planning Commission. 4. PUBLIC WORKS CASE NO. 93-02 JOHN Applicant: City of San Bernardino, LAMPE Department of Public Works Owner: Various Proposed Negative APN: Various Declaration, continue Ward: 1 to 6-24-93 for public Proposal: Widening of Tippecanoe Avenue review. (consent) from Redlands Boulevard to Laurelwood to provide two through lanes in each direction plus left turn and right turn -pockets at freeway ramps including pavement widening and overlay, right-of- way acquistion and other improvements. Status: New Item Staff Recommendation: Proposed Negative • Declaration OPM bd"for INNS abRlP�MfI! Proof of Publication p D CI' MAY � 1993� OF SAN BERNARDINO k:IrY OF SAN SE)iNArtDINO PLANNING DEPARTMENT �EPgRTMENT OF P�gNNING BUILDING SERVICES $ STATE OF CALIFORNIA, } u PRE ITOTZ OF NEGATIVE County of San Bernardino, �V�RAT'ION OF IMPACT MEENTAL The undersigned hereby certifies as follows: THE Crrr OF SAN sER- NAROINO proposes to I am a citizen of the United States, over the age of twenty-one years, and not a tion tiorr ele fe rotiww°cia The Environmental party to nor interested in the above-entitled matter; I am the principal clerk of the Review committee round that the protect will not printer of a newspaper, to wit, The Sun; the same was at all times herein mentioned a nave a significant effect on the environment on the newspaper of general circulation printed and published daily,including Sunday,in the basin or the Initial Study City of San Bernardino, in the County of San Bernardino, State of California; said of apwi mitigation cable). measures newspaper is so published every day of the year as and under the name of The Sun,said FtALIC WORKS NO. +s- newspaper has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior w - an acquire Rlppnt-oe av and to extend Orange Show Road from Arrow- Court of the State of California, in and for the County of San Bernardino, by a judg- head Avenue to Tippecs- ment of said Superior Court duly made, filed and entered on June 20, 1952, in the noe street. copies of the Initial 5tidy records and files of said Superior Court in that certain proceeding entitled In the Mat- are available for Public Te- ter of the Ascertainment and Establishment of The Sun as a Newspaper of General Cir- re- view S—Icas Planning and culation, numbered 73084 in the records of civil proceedings in said Superior Court San. �• and by judgment modifying the same,also made,filed and entered in said proceeding; Ana. lira n Fe to Library, SSS West ih tt,the notice or other process or document hereinafter mentioned was set, printed and c�aIirornla nAm published in t , mental comments you p type not smaller than nonpareil and was preceded with words printed in 7 true should be rec~in black face type not smaller than non areil describin and ex Tessin In general terms tAhoftenolawthanala0 P g expressing g anti,Mw 2L 1"L N you the purport or character of the notice intended to be given; and the do o respo�W wrt"Y^aau• have no 000m and/or NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF NEGATIVE DECLARATION recormiendations an the I to . . . . . . . . . . . . . n,.res nca+ved male 93-03 � and� . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . r May V, 1 m..erw s/� tST�1♦71 of which the annexed is a true printed copy,was published in each edition and issue of said newspaper of general circulation, and not in any supplement thereof, on each of the following dates, to wit: MAY 6, 1993 I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on the . . . .6. . . day of . . . . .MAY ­ 19 _93. . . . ., at San Bernardino, in said County and State. NM b 05=4/81 CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO PLANNING AND BUILDING SERVICES DEPARTMENT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CHECKLIST A. BACKGROUND Application Number. N/A Project Description: Acquisition of right-of-way and construction of an extension of Orange Show Road from Arrowhead Avenue east to the intersection of Tippecanoe and San Bernardino Avenues . South San Bernardino, near the Santa Ana River Channel Enviro.nmentalConstraintsAreas: Significant biological habitat area, major local fault zone, liquefaction susceptibility, 100-year flood plain, aircraft and railroad. General Plan Designation: Various land use designations, Orange Show Road extension is designated a Major Arterial on the Circulation Plan. Zcning Designation: Various land use designations. B. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Explain answers,where appropriate, on a separate anached sheet. 1. Earth Resources Will the proposal resuh in: Yes No Maybe a. Earth movement(cut and/or fill)of 10,ODO cubic X _ _ _ X yards or more? b. Development and/or grading on a slope greater X (� _ _ _ - X than 15% natural grade? c. Development within the Alquisi-Priolo Special Studies Zone as defined in Section 12.0-Geologic b Seismic, Figure 47,of the City's General Plan? X d. Modification of any unique geologic or physical feature? X e. Development within areas defined for high potential for water or wind erosion as identified in Section 12.0- Geologic d Seismic, Figure 53,of the City's General X Plan? I. Modification of a channel,creek or river? X - - - X g. Development within an area subject to landslides, Yes No Maybe mudslides, liquefaction or other similar hazards as identified in Section 12.0 -Geologic d Seismic, Figures 48, 52 and 53 of the City's General Plan? X - - - 4' X h. Other? None. 2. Alr Resources: Will the proposal result in: a. Substantial air emissions or an effect upon ambient air quality as defined by AOMD? X 4 _ _ X b. The creation of objectionable odors? X c. Development within a high wind hazard area as identified in Section 15.0-Wind & Fire, Figure 59, of the City's General Plan? X 3. Water Resources: Will the proposal result in: a. Changes in absorption rates, drainage panerns, or the rate and amount o' surface runoff due to impermeable surfaces? X - - - 4 X b. Changes in the purse or flow of flood waters? X X c. Discharge into surface waters or any afteration of surface water quality? X - - - X d. Change in the quantity of quality of ground water? X e. Exposure of people or property to flood hazards as identified in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood Insurance Rate Mac, Corn, min/ Panel Number 06021:1 -_, and S°=-ti.-n 16.0 - Fiooding, Figure 62, of the Ciry's Genera; P,an? X - - - X f. Other? None. 4. Biological Resources: Could the proposal result in: a. Development within the Biological Resources Management Overlay,as identified in Section 10.0 - Natural Resources, Figure 41,of the City's General Plan? X - - - 4 X b. Change in the number of any unique,rare or endangered species of plants or their habitat including stands of trees? X _ _ _ X C. Change in the number of any unique,rare or endangered species of animals or their habitat? X - - - X d. Removal of viable. mature trees? (6'or greater) _ X e. Other? Wetlards and jurisdictional X - - - 4 X "Waters of the U.S. " S. Noise: Could the proposal result in: a. Development of housing, health care facilities,schools, libraries, religious facilities or other'noise'sensitive uses in areas where existing or future noise levels exceed an Ldn of 65 dB(A)exterior and an Ldn of 45 dB(A)interior as identified in Section to n. Nni-to PLmsree ,as ,..a 10. Publec Services: Win the proposal impact the following Yes No beyond the capab,j1hy to provide adequate levels of service? Maybe a. Fire protection? X b. Police protection? X c. Schools (i.e., attendance, boundaries,overload, etc.)? X d. Parks or other recreational facilities? X e. Medical aid? X I. Solid Waste? g. Other? None. 11. Utilities: Will the proposal: B- Irnpaot the following beyond the canabiiiry to provide adequz,e leve!s of service or rE•_uire the construction of new facilities? 1. Nat)ra!cas? X 3. Water? X C. Sewer? S. Other? None. �- b. „esu,`, in a disioir;ted:a-e:n of e..r ,ensizns? x C. ReOJ1rE the ='fs:rum lOr1 Of new fPcilriies? X 12. Aesthetics: PL Could the proposal resuh in the abstrumion of any scenic view? X b. Will the visual impact of the project be detrimental to the surrounding area? X C. Other? _None. 13. Cultural Resources: Could the proposal result in: a. The aheration or destruction of a prehistoric or historic archaeological see by development within an archaeological sensitive area as identified in Section 3.0-Historical,Figure B, of the City's General Plan? b. Aheration or destruction of a historical site, structure or object as listed in the City's Historic Resources Reconnaissance Survey? C. other? None �— Jr- t 4- Mandatory Flndings of Slgnlflcance (Section 150651 The California Environmental Ouality Act states that if 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 be prepared. Yes No Maybe a. Does the project have the potential to degrade the c quality of the environment,substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species,cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below sect sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? X b. Does the project have the potential to achieve shon- term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A shoe-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long-term impacts will endure well into I he future.) X c. Does the project have impacts which are individually 1 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 X environment is significant.) d. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human bein_s, either dire=ly or indirectly? X C. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION AND MITIGATION MEASURES (Attach sheets as necessary.) a D. DETERMINATION On the basis of this initial study, lThe 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, although 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 significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMfTTEE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA Si4 h ksk tc��6�tlr Crfa MN, C, Name and Title Sig <<ure Date: CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ORANGE SHOW ROAD EXTENSION INITIAL STUDY PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1. Introduction Orange Show Road is an existing four-lane roadway between Interstate 215 and Arrowhead Avenue. A full interchange exists at Orange Show Road to serve Auto Plaza Drive/Orange Show Road traffic exiting the Interstate. The easterly terminus of the Orange Show Road improvements presently terminate at Arrowhead Avenue. A graded road presently extends easterly of Arrowhead Avenue along the Orange Show Road alignment and it provides access to the northern portion of the Regional Wastewater Reclamation Plant. Figure 1 illustrates the general location of existing Orange Show Road facilities within the area circulation system. At present there is no west-east through road between Interstate 10 and Mill Street. This creates an approximate 1.5 mile gap in the circulation system that creates problems for circulation in the southern part of the City. As part of the City's long-term circulation plan, an extension of Orange Show Road, east to Waterman, has been a part of the Circulation Element to the General Plan. Prior to 1989 this road was shown as a "Local" street, but it was extended east to Tippecanoe Avenue and identified as a "Major Arteria" street with a total right-of-way width of 92 feet. The purpose of this extension is to provide additional access to Norton Air Force Base and to reduce pressure on Mill Street and the Hospitality Lane road system. In December 1992 the City Council confirmed the selection of a preferred alignment for the extension of Orange Show Road from Arrowhead Avenue to Tippecanoe. The preferred alignment coincides with the route identified on the General Plan Circulation Plan (Figure 26 in the General Plan). Figure 2 shows this alignment on a U. S. G. S. Topographic Map and Figure 3 reproduces the Circulation Plan from the 1989 General Plan. The City has completed sufficient design information to initiate its environmental review of the extension of Orange Show Road east to Tippecanoe Avenue as shown in Figure 2. This document constitutes the Initial Study which will be used as the basis for the City's environmental determination on the project. The specific characteristics being reviewed are outlined below. 2. Project Location Orange Show Road is located in the southern portion of the City of San Bernardino. The extension will be constructed north of the wastewater reclamation plant along an alignment that coincides with Pioneer Street on the east side of Waterman Avenue (see Figure 2). It 1 will then turn southwest across the Santa Ana River and follow an alignment that will bring it out on Tippecanoe Avenue directly across from San Bernardino Avenue. 3. Project Characteristics The proposed Orange Show Road Extension project consists of acquiring the road right-of- way and constructing the new four-lane roadway. The road right-of-way is 92-feet wide, except on the two bridges (see Figures 4 and 5), and extends for approximately 9,000 feet from Arrowhead Avenue on the west to Tippecanoe Avenue on the east. Two major bridges will be constructed as part of this project, one over Twin Creek (just east of Arrowhead Avenue) and one over the Santa Ana River. See Figure 2. Total area impacted by the extension of Orange Show Road is about 19 acres (92 feet by 9,000 feet = 828,000 square feet), including an 800 foot long bridge over the Santa Ana River and a 400 foot long bridge over East Twin Creek. The majority of the right-of-way to be acquired is privately owned land, but encroachment permits will be required over the stream channels which are owned by the County or other public agencies. The road section for the extension will provide a four lane-facility (two lanes in each direction for through traffic) within a 72-foot curb separation within a 92-foot right-of-way. The street will include a curbed median with access to cross streets at the major street intersections, including Washington Avenue, Waterman Avenue, Amos Avenue and Tippecanoe Avenue (the easterly terminus). The alignment of the Orange Show Road extension beginning at Arrowhead Avenue is slightly offset to the south to line up with Pioneer Street east of Waterman Avenue. The road then curves to the southeast to cross the Santa Ana River at nearly a right angle. It then curves back to the northeast and lines up with the existing Tippecanoe/San Bernardino Road intersection. As presently proposed, three streets west of Waterman Avenue will be redesigned with cul- de-sacs, Ennis Street (west and east of the railroad right-of-way) and Amos avenue, south of the Orange Show Road alignment. No streets east of Waterman are designed with cul- de-sacs. The existing railroad track crossing on Ennis Street will be relocated to Orange Show Road as a result of the proposed cul-de-sacs on this road. The activities associated with acquisition of right-of-way and operation of the Orange Show Road extension include the following: 1. The City will acquire the private property in the proposed road right-of-way from private individual either through negotiation or if absolutely necessary, through condemnation. The City will also have to obtain encroachment or right-of-way permits from the County and any other agencies that own/control these two stream channels. 2 2. Once the project alignment is acquired, the construction of the road can begin. The road alignment is essentially flat (less than a 1% grade) and will require minimal grading while the roadbed is being prepared. The road will be constructed with a 14-foot wide curbed median and two through lanes in each direction in a 29-foot wide right-of-way (see Figure 4). Construction of the road (except the bridges) is estimated to require approximately three months. Construction of the bridges will require approximately one year. It is estimated that 40 employees will be involved in road construction and the bridge will require an additional 20 employees. The equipment mix used for emission forecasts is provided in the section evaluation air quality. Construction activities will include clearing the road alignment, preparing the roadbed, laying down the asphalt, installation of traffic control systems, such as traffic lights. 3. When completed the Orange Show Road extension is forecast to have an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) load of 8,000 trips per day, 5% trucks. The forecast ADT for 2005 is 18,000 trips per day and at buildout the ADT is forecast to be 35,000 trips per day. Impacts from traffic flow on the Orange Show Road extension will be forecast using these ADT values. This concludes the description of the proposed project. The City's Initial Study Environmental Checklist Form follows and it in turn is followed by the substantiation for each conclusion presented in the Initial Study. 3. Responsible Agencies The identified Responsible or Trustee Agencies (§ 15381 and § 15386 of the State CEQA Guidelines) for the Orange Show Road extension are the Inland Valley Development Agency (IVDA) which is scheduled to provide funding for the extension and the State Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the Army Corps of Engineers, and the State Water Resources Control Board which have jurisdiction over disturbances within the stream channels that will be bridged, i.e. East Twin Creek and Santa Ana River. Once the final engineering for the bridge is completed, the City will have to obtain permits/agreements or waivers for the construction activities in the stream channels from these agencies. 4. Initial Study. Environmental Checklist Form The Initial Study Environmental Checklist Form used by the City of San Bernardino follows this project description along with substantiation developed in support of the conclusions provided in the Form. Supporting data is provided for all checklist issues. Where mitigation has been identified to reduce a potentially significant impact to a nonsignificant level, it is illustrated by showing an --> on the Form. 3 - J a sc—d i AL I ',fuirrrsr h I A A - M-1111 AV / I C,rrrfrf S • I; r urn. �riA ro ■4 rt .r $T I 5TM AI ■ .wf. ' T / _ll-- - -- --- I ATM I T ' ■ m C I . t •rr _ I c _N_ .. r~ T AAOt 7 w rf�r arr■ RD wui■■��• Af .r ST a R E ( Wlr:!!.' �.. A.aG\ "..Yf rl •� it tw.n I •°d Mot M`� 2M0 57 .f rr_F�_31� `?■ rr' -1 2!�Fsr r"'r • I � I I�;_`�_J' �� qa I f, I �� 'I AV $ patrol iALTO AV tff— T Aeu I I co"rm(SS rA sI au_If t a frrt! I •?t5- AA Q V o' I •�, i i =��II r \r�nrsr I i r STf W I tw f1 1 = 1I ' =1 � Irc^ T ••> kv-L__J__1L_.__ .a• r.■ I MILL \ .. m 'aao O wm ST I r MILL ST �In i'.` / . Q �•:."\s■ .sr 17 s ar -Ml�f9� , A+�ry_ — Tz ` > — - 'r. - i yn I I`!;._3!. ,-;' �•, r PROJECT SITE r CENTRA.t AV p �]AV t v Z 1 � i1GAM.fA ot I T(wf♦ cr tImg 1 r J S \`\,r' �'�� •�r'� mwa fwm i• J , } I I AmA ItlV� Yr• rl 3 �O �•w �Y !, a ro r d ■ M NCA SHO zI Wit y b��' O' I r ■ ■ T A BERNARDINO A` ..c I'a.. L R -1--T- 7 sr V "� •�L IT Q FAIp Av -p G Sr ■w I _� I i I Vr w I - 'at~ r " tt p � •" I a8n �y • N •�r�� VAY � Y1f� I ,rrr.S1111 1 r E f wre.rw I. T ww K P Q W A VAN At WE AV S1 NtrA 'Far wfA� AREA LOCATION Tom Dodson & Associates environmental consultants Source: Thomas Guide FIGURE 1 wj 73 1 ��"—a•.,. a1 - .� _' � ii rte_, CfG ^� � Z4 �� F ./�i� • _ ?\mob , cJ- - --_avvia3r \ I _r _ a Ui 3 N d S !: / I • err L� ....f:� ov cb JQ EA F. o dpi;rri \�'\ .;�.` r� a� �'z.1 11�� i�'=.• �'s ,' :d D .I � --`r.?`` .' � i 'j � JI•■ 154 �•e o:� - _ '_. �L .._ .m. ._. ,��` � .y• .�i•�'1•yt '�I� '� . iii a • 1� I , Iz zw AN go cn '"� �` - ••�• �� a !t„oo ,�"/• \ �• . NIT/ VuV� •!1!IItlNfG. s �f3u-_ 1. �M�`Ii 1 A ��►1+r 1�►*�rPrsO '�a _�\ �IF�N�I�!w,�- i •� � ' ._ .."f•• •1.• 1. .�. o _ a a O � C A � � E � � e V � u F i 1 \}I Il� +"+ ILL Allw all _ 1 ` r \ a i � ORANGE SHOW ROAD EXTENSION SUBSTANTIATION FOR CONCLUSIONS PRESENTED IN THE INITIAL STUDY ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM The City of San Bernardino's Environmental Impact Checklist Form addresses 13 environmental issues. The substantiation of conclusions contained in the Checklist Form is provided below in the same order and with the same numbering scheme as the environmental issues are discussed in the Checklist. 1. Earth Resources la. Earth moving activities for the Orange Show Road extension will be associated with constructing the roadbed and bridges. It is anticipated that the excavations for the roadbed will be shallow, not more than two-three feet. Assuming 7,800 feet of roadway (1,200 feet of the 9,000 foot road extension will be in bridges) and 58 feet of roadbed width, the total amount of excavation is estimated to be 50,000 cubic vards. Although this is a large amount of earth moving, the material removed will be replaced and compacted within the road right-of-way for use as roadway base material. It is not anticipated that the excavated soil material will be exported from the site and none is proposed to be left stockpiled after road construction is completed. The potential adverse impacts due to earth movement activities include fugitive dust generation, noise, and potential for erosion during construction. Fugitive dust and noise issues are addressed in the air quality and noise sections of this Initial Study, respectively. The road alignment has a slope of less than one percent (60 feet of elevation change over 9,000 feet (0.6% slope) with no hills or valleys along the route. Based on the flat topography and the lack of major channels along the route, no potential for significant adverse surface water erosion impacts is forecast for the road during construction activities and no mitigation is required. The construction of the bridges across the East Twin Creek and the Santa Ana River will result in earth moving activities disturbing less than one acre total along the edges of the two channels. These slopes are steeper and approximately 10-30 feet high and potential for significant erosion exists during construction and over the long-term. The potential for adverse erosion impacts can be mitigated by implementing the following measures: 1. The City shall prepare and implement an erosion control plan that identifies specific erosion control measures to control onsite and offsite erosion from the time the stream channel slopes are disturbed. This erosion control plan shall include the following measures at a minimum: a. Specify the timing of grading and construction to minimize soil exposure to winter rain period experienced in southern California. b. The natural vegetation shall be retained to the extent feasible on all areas that will not be disturbed for grading. C. All slopes ten feet high that will be disturbed shall be evaluated to define.the optimum length and steepness to minimize flow velocity and erosion potential. Lateral drainage collection systems may be incorporated at the base of slopes to transport flows in a controlled, non-erodible channel. 9 OPP d. Measures in man-made channels to minimize runoff velocities shall be identified and implemented. e. Disturbed areas shall be revegetated and mulched immediately after final grades have been established. f. Sediment traps will be established below disturbed channel slopes to control the release of sediment from disturbed areas into the streams. The design and location of such traps shall be identified in the construction plan. g. An inspection and maintenance program shall be included to ensure that any erosion which does occur either on- or offsite as a result of this project will be corrected through a remediation or restoration program within a specified time frame. h. All disturbed areas shall ultimately either be covered with impervious material or revegetated with native riparian plant species. The erosion control plan that incorporates the above measures shall be implemented by the City. Implementation of this plan can reduce erosion potential from ground disturbance activities below a significant level. 1b. This roadway alignment runs in an east-to-west direction on the relatively flat floor of the San Bernardino Valley. Contours shown on the U.S.G.S.San Bernardino South 7%'Topographic Map show that the overall grade of this alignment is less than 1%. The channel walls at East Twin Creek and Santa Ana River has short, steep slopes but these slopes will not be permanently modified. Once construction is completed the slope below the bridges will be regraded to match the adjacent natural channel wall slopes. Based on the above information, it is concluded that this project will not result in development on steep slopes (greater than 15%) that will cause erosion damage or permanent changes in the areas topography. 1c. According to Figure 47 of the City's General plan, the Orange Show Road extension will cross the Alquist-Priolo Special Study Zone associated with the Loma Linda Fault. It should be noted,however, that further investigation of this fault has resulted in the State removing the Special Studies Zone designation in the project area and the Loma Linda Fault is no longer considered active within the project area. This determination if verified by the Special Studies Zone Map for the San Bernardino South Quadrangle (dated January 1, 1977)which no longer provides a Special Studies Zone designation for the Loma Linda Fault (see Figure 4 of that document). Since the project does not include any habitable structures and is not underlain by any known active fault, the potential for damage from ground rupture is not considered significant. id. The proposed roadway alignment is situated on the valley floor on deep alluvium that has been previously disturbed for agricultural and urban uses. No unique geologic or physical features occur within the proposed roadway alignment. Because excavations will be restricted to within a few feet of the ground surface, no potential exists to intercept any buried unique geologic or physical features. Based on the data available, the proposed project has no potential to impact such features and no mitigation is required. le. The project site is not situated within an area designated as having a high potential for water or wind erosion. Over most of the roadway the very flat topography eliminates any potential for significant erosion. The potential for erosive impacts on the stream channel walls has been identified above and 10 will be controlled through the erosion control plan required by mitigation measure #1. No additional impacts or mitigation are noted for this project. if. Development of the Orange Show Road extension will require the construction of two bridges to provide crossings of the East Twin Creek and the Santa Ana River. Construction of these bridges will require the installation of footings and pilings in these streambeds to provide support for the bridge structures. Construction of these support structures will result in short-term (approximately six months)disturbance of less than one acre total of these stream channels. This creates a potential for disturbance and loss of riparian habitat during construction and over the long-term, and for water quality degradation during construction. The following mitigation measures shall be implemented in addition to measure#1 listed above: 2. During construction in the stream channels, the City will divert surface flows from active construction areas. If ground water rises to the surface in this area, the City will provide a detention/sediment basin immediately downstream to prevent sediment from construction activities from entering any surface flow in these channels. 3. Following the completion of construction, the City will remove all construction debris and excess material excavated during construction. The City shall revegetate areas in the channel disturbed by construction. Native riparian plants shall be planted in accordance with a revegetation plan reviewed and approved by the State Department of Fish and Game. 4. The City will contact the Corps of Engineers and Department of Fish and Game to obtain a 404 Permit and a 1601 Agreement, or waiver prior to disturbing any area within the stream channel. The City will comply with all conditions contained in the Permit and Agreement issued by these agencies. lg. According to Figures 52 and 53 of the City's General Plan,Orange Show Road extension is not situated within any area subject to landslides or mudslides. Data provided in Figure 48 of the Plan indicates the project is situated within an area of high liquefaction susceptibility. Liquefaction could effect the ability of footings and pilings to support bridge structures during severe groundshaking events. According to the General Plan (Figure 46), the project are may incur maximum credible rock acceleration from a major earthquake on regional faults of about .7g. Roads are not generally affected by liquefaction because they do not support any significant, concentrated, stationary loads. No potential significant impacts from liquefaction are forecast for the road. The potential impact to the bridge structures could be significant, and the City must design the structures in accordance with geotechnical design requirement to ensure that they remain safe during a major seismic event. The following mitigation measure will ensure this is accomplished: S. The design of the bridges approved by the City shall incorporate the recommendations of a qualified engineer or engineering geologist to ensure these structures remain safe for humans and minimize structural damage from liquefaction hazards during a major seismic event. Based on the geologic and soil data available and the mitigation measures identified above,the proposed Orange Show Road extension will not cause or be impacted by significant adverse impacts. References Bortugno, EJ. and Spittler, T.E. 1986. Geolo¢ic Map of the San Bernardino Quadrangle. Scale 1:250.000. 11 City of San Bernardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan. City of San Bemardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan Environmental Impact Report. City of San Bernardino. 1988. City of San Bemardino General Plan Update Technical Background Renort. Division of Mines and Geology. 1977. Special Studies Zone Map for San Bemardino South Quadrangle. Fife, Donald L., et.al. 1976. Geologic Hazards in Southwestern San Bemardino County Califomia 5 pecial Report 111. Law/Crandall, Inc. 1991. 1991. Evaluation of Lirn►efaction Potential Proposed Inland Center Mall Fxpansion Interstate 215 Freeway and Inland Center Drive San Bemardino California for General Growth of California Inc. U. S. Geological Survey. 1980 Photorevised San Bemardino South Quadrangle 7.5 Minute Series (Tonographic). 2. Air Resources 2a. Air quality in the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB) continues to violate health standards. For the nearest monitoring station (San Bernardino) the following quality of air was reported in 1990 for criteria pollutants: Carbon Monoxide (CO): No violations of state or federal health standards. Ozone (03): The federal standard was violated 78 days and the state standard was violated 129 days. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): No violations of either standard. I Sulfur Dioxide (S02): No violations of either standard. I Visibility. 200 days do not meet the state standard. Suspended Particulates (PMto): The state and federal 24 hour standards are exceeded 583% and 33% of the time. Both the state and federal annual averages are exceeded. The existing poor air quality has resulted in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) establishing a method for evaluating the potential for a project to exceed a threshold of significant emissions. These thresholds are outlined in the District's "Air Quality Handbook for preparing Environmental Impact Reports",Revised April 1987. There is no specific threshold for long- term effects of a new road. However, a key purpose of this road is to relieve congestion of east-west traffic in the area. It provides a new through route from Interstate 215 to Norton Air Force Base and to major commercial and industrial business areas in south San Bernardino. By reducing congestion and increasing access to major employment areas the net effect on air quality of installing the Orange Show Road extension is forecast to be positive because vehicle miles traveled is assumed to be the same with or without the road and congestion would be greater in south San Bernardino without this road. In the short term, construction of the road will cause fugitive dust and combustion emissions from clearing and grading activities. It is assumed that a maximum of 60 persons will be employed during construction of the road and bridges and that all employees will be obtained from the local area. Round 12 0 trip mileage is estimated to average 20 miles (total of 1,200 miles per day) at an average speed of 35 miles per hour. Total emissions for employees commuting to this job are estimated as follows: 15 lbs of CO; 8.6 lbs of TOG; 3.4 lbs of NO.; and <1 lb of particulate. No sulfur oxide emissions are forecast. Construction equipment that will be used will vary during different periods of construction. For example, during roadbed preparation, loaders, graders, and water trucks will be used. When the road is paved, paving equipment and rollers will be used. For bridge construction a crane and pile driver will be required. Maximum construction equipment emissions are assumed to occur from use of one grader, one water truck,one loader,and one pile-driver/crane. All equipment is assumed to be diesel powered and it will be operated for a 10-hour construction day. The greatest emissions from a single piece of equipment will probably be from the grader based on percentage of use and horsepower ratings (based on data in the EPA's document "Nonroad Engine and Vehicle Emission Study --Report" November 1991). The following emissions will be generated by one grader under these assumptions: 3.6 lbs of TOC; 8.8 lbs of CO; 22 lbs of NOx; 2.3 lbs of particulates; and 2 lbs of SOx. Total emissions for all equipment and employees remains below the significance thresholds, even though total NOx will be approximately 90 lbs per day. The fugitive dust emissions will vary depending upon the amount of acreage that is actively being worked at any given time. A total of approximately 16 acres (90 feet wide by 7,800 feet long) will be disturbed over the whole road length, but some of this alignment is already paved and only portions will be worked at any one time. Assuming five acres are under active construction at any one time, the total fugitive dust emissions will be approximately 550 lbs or with active watering this can be reduced to 225 lbs. Since this exceeds the particulate threshold of significance,additional fugitive dust control measures will be required. A total reduction in fugitive dust of approximate 75% will be required to get below the 150 lb/day threshold. To accomplish this the following mitigation measures shall be implemented: 6. A temporary vehicle wash station shall be established at the project site for any vehicles leaving the site. All vehicles with tires shall be wash prior to leaving the site. 7. Visible accumulations of mud, dirt, dust, or other material shall be removed from the paved access point to the site one time each day, either by sweeping or by washing. 8. Construction vehicle speeds shall be limited to 15 miles per hour on the construction site. 9. Unauthorized traffic shall be controlled at the project site by posting signs that Indicate access is restricted to reduce fugitive dust emissions. 10. Ungraded road surfaces that will be used for more than one month shall be sprayed with a nontoxic soil binder and wetted at least two times per day,prior to initiating work and during the middle of the day. 11. All disturbed areas of the site shall be watered twice daily. Those areas where active construction is underway shall be watered a minimum of four times daily to reduce fugitive dust. 12. Earthmoving and soil disturbing activities shall be terminated when wind speeds exceed 25 mph averaged over one hour at the project site or at Norton Air Force Base which is nearby. The City may also install an onsite anemometer to obtain this data. 13. After grading is completed all disturbed areas shall be stabilized in one of the following ways: 13 a. Paving b. Compacted earth, not eroded C. Revegetated, in accordance with the City Development Code,FF District (19.15.0205, Erosion Control d. Soil binder or stabilizer, nontoxic 14. Remove any loose,eroded material from paved or graded streets following storm events that cause erosion on the project site. 15. All storage piles shall be covered or protected from wind erosion. 16. Construction equipment shall be maintained In good condition and properly tuned as per manufacturers specifications. Implementation ; , the above measures can reduce the sh-rt term fir 'tive dust emissions to a nonsignificant level based on the reductions identified in AP-42, the Enviro-.. rental Protection Agency's manual on air emissions and emission controls and the South Coast Air Quality Management District's Rule 403 Implementation Handbook. 2b&c. The project site is not located in a high wind hazard area. Road construction and use has no identifiable potential for creation of objectionable odors and no potential for significant odor impacts is forecast for this project. References City of San Bernardino. 1991. Development Code, Title 19 City of San Bernardino Munic{pal Code. Environmental Protection Agency. 1985. Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors, Volume 1. Environmental Protection Agency. 1991. Nonroad E,,nine and Vehicle Emission Study— Reps. South Coast Air Quality Management District 1987 Revised. Air Oitalin,Handbook for Preparing Environmental Impact Reports. South Coast Air Quality Management District. 1992. Rule 403 Iinplememation Handbook 3. Water Resources 3a. The project area currently consists of previously disturbed open areas, existing roads (such as Pioneer Street) and two stream channels, East Twin Creek and Santa Ana River. About 16 acres of new impervious surface will be added to area's environment as a result of constructing the Orange Show Road extension. Runoff from this area will increase by approximately 35% based on the type of soils and degree of existing impervious surface in the road alignment. This amount of increased runoff from a 16 acre area is not forecast to cause any of the area's flood control systems to exceed their design capacity. This system is identified in the General Plan documents (EIR and Technical Background Report) as being adequate for full development of the City,including the Orange Show Road extension. The area converted to impervious surface is not a major recharge location for the Bunker Hill Basin and no major loss of recharge to the ground water aquifer is forecast to occur as a result of constructing this road. The local drainage pattern is to the Santa Ana River, with most surface flows entering the river channel within man-made or modified natural channels. The road will be constructed to carry 14 surface runoff from adjacent parcels, either in the road section or a subsurface storm runoff collection system. Flows will be conveyed to local storm runoff channels, such as East Twin Creek, and delivered to the Santa Ana River. Although the local drainage pattern will be modified as a result of constructing the road, all local runoff will still end up in the Santa Ana River. The modification will not cause significant adverse impacts to surface runoff and only one mitigation measure is proposed to ensure that the surface runoff will be adequately managed. 17. The Orange Show Road extension shall be designed with sufficient storm runoff collection capability to ensure that flows can be delivered to the local and regional flood control facilities without damage to adjacent properties. 3b. Local storm runoff will be conveyed within the road section to the flood control facilities, such as East Twin Creek and the Santa Ana River. The volume of flow will be increased by a few cubic feet per second as a result of the increased impervious surface associated with the road. This project will not alter the course or flow of flood waters. The proposed bridges over East Twin Creek and Santa Ana River could cause minor alterations in the dynamics of flows in these channels during major flood events. Any adverse effects on flood flows can be controlled by designing the bridges to ensure downstream effects on flood flows do not cause erosion or channel damage. The following mitigation measure will be implemented to ensure that no downstream damage occurs: 18. VPben the City acquires encroachment permits from the County Flood Control District or the Corps of Engineers for the bridges over East Twin Creek and the Santa Ana River, the City shall submit a design that has been determined by a qualified engineer or hydrologist to cause no damage to the channel and other facilities downstream from the proposed bridges. 3c. The proposed road will generate surface runoff when it rains. This surface runoff will contain typical urban pollutants associated with road use, such as oil, particulates, and other similar materials. Although urban pollutants can cause short-term water quality degradation,they do not apparently cause any long-term or significant surface or ground water quality degradation. This is based on the water quality information contained in the General Plan EIR and Technical Background Report. The addition of this road to the City s developed area is not forecast to cause significant surface or ground water quality impacts. Because the amount of acreage that will be disturbed during construction is more than five acres, the City must obtain a Stormwater Discharge Permit from the State Water Resources Control Board. Measures included in this permit include control of sediment runoff from the construction area and actions to control accidental spills of any polluting materials that might be released at the site (such as petroleum products). The following measure is provided to ensure the permit is acquired and implemented: 19. The City shall obtain a General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit from the State Water Resources Control Board and shall implement those measures required to ensure that storm water runoff does not contain excessive amounts of settleable solids (sediment) or reportable quantities of hazardous substances. 3d. The proposed project will not place additional demand on the areas ground water resources and based on implementing the measure outlined above, no adverse impact to ground water quality is forecast. 3e. The two bridges will be exposed to flood hazards within the East Twin Creek and Santa Ana River channels. To prevent significant impacts to these bridge properties, the City must design the bridges to remain structurally sound and functional when exposed to the 100-year flood. The measure listed 15 below will accomplish this and ensure that the bridge will not be significantly impacted by the design flood flows: 20. The City shall design the two Orange Show Road extension bridges to meet the design flood flows and remain structurally sound and functional. Based on the hydrologic data available and the mitigation measures identified above, the proposed Orange Show Road extension will not cause or be impacted by significant adverse impacts. References City of San Bernardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan. Ciro of San Bernardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan Environmental Impact Report. City of San Bernardino. 1988. City of San Bernardino General Plan Update Technical Background Report. Thompson Publishing Group. 1992. Storrnwater Permit Manual. U. S. Geological Survey. 1980 Photorevised San Bernardino South Ouadranfle. 75 Minute Series (agg raphic). 4. Biological Resources 4a-e. Because portions of the project site fall within the Santa Ana River Biological Resources Management Overlay Zone, a biological survey of the road alignment was conducted. This survey was conducted by RECON of San Diego and a copy of this study is attached to this Initial Study as Appendix 1. In summary, the majority of the alignment is located within disturbed areas with little or no valuable biological resources. Where the project crosses the East Twin Creek and the Santa Ana River,riparian habitat occurs which contain potentially significant biological resources. The Santa Ana River channel contains southern cottonwood willow riparian forest in association with alluvial fan sage scrub elements that are considered a high-priority habitat type by the California Natural Diversity Database. No state or federally listed species were observed in the area, but listed plant and animal species may inhabit or use the area for foraging as noted in the report. The potential for significant adverse biological impacts is high, but according to the biological survey, this impact can be mitigated. The proposed project will result in the construction of bridges across East Twin Creek and the Santa Ana River. The proposed alignment contains approximately 2.1 acres of jurisdictional "waters of the U.S., of which 13 acres were determined to be wetlands. The construction activity and permanent disturbance may encompass the full 2.1 acres within the two channels, but will more likely have direct impact on substantially less area since the structural supports for the bridge will be columns or pilings driven into the channels. Of the channel area that may be impacted, approximately 0.9 acre is southern cottonwood/willow riparian forest and associated alluvial fan sage scrub. Potential impacts to listed species, such as the Santa Ana River woolly-star,slender-homed spineflower, and least Bell's vireo that may occur in the project area could be considered significant if they occupy the area where the bridge across the Santa Ana River will be constructed. The study also identified the possible loss of 13 acres of potential habitat for the San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat as a regionally significant impact. Impacts to loggerhead shrike, raptors nesting in the riparian forest, and the San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit along with indirect impacts of the project were identified as being nonsignificant environmental impacts. 16 The study identifies the following measures as being required to reduce potential biological resource impacts of the project to a nonsignificant level: 21. The City shall contact the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Fish and Game once the total area that will be disturbed in the stream channels is defined and prior to breaking ground within the channels the City shall obtain a 404 Permit and 1601 Stream Alteration Agreement, or waivers therefrom. 22. Mitigation for wetland areas impacted by the construction and development of the bridges shall be provided. A restoration plan to mitigate impacts to wetland/riparian habitat should be prepared by a qualified habitat restoration professional (biologist, landscape architect or horticulturalist). This plan should include restoration of a minimum 0.9 acre of southern cottonwood-willow scrub with associated alluvial fan sage scrub habitat. This 1:1 ratio is subject to change through the permitting processes with the various agencies. The restoration site should be located within an appropriate area within the Santa Ana River drainage, as close to the impact area as feasible. It should be created in an area that will be retained as permanent open space. Plant species chose for the native restoration design should be comparable to those found at the project site. In addition, any appropriate abutment slopes should be planted with native riparian species and included as part of the required restoration program. 23. A spring survey to search for sensitive plant and animal species shall be Implemented. This should include a survey for the slender-horned spineflower and Santa Ana River woolly-star, a directed survey for the least Bell's vireo using USFWS survey guidelines; and a trapping survey on the 13 acres of potential habitat for the San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat, to be conducted at least one week before grading begins. If determined present,the kangaroo rats need to be trapped and relocated to similar habitat In the project vicinity. To prevent animals from returning to the proposed Impact area, kangaroo rat exclusion fencing should be installed at the boundaries of the construction area within this habitat. 24. To avoid impacts to nesting birds and to comply with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, ground disturbing activities should be conducted between August and March to the degree feasible. 25. All trees larger than 6" diameter dbh shall be relocated or replaced with a minimum survival rate after five years of two trees for every tree lost. Trees removed from the road alignment, not in the river channel, shall be replaced by trees In 36 gallon containers. Based on the biological survey findings and the mitigation measures outlined above, the project's potential adverse impacts on biological resources can be reduced to a nonsignificant level. References City of San Bemardino. 1989. City of Son Bernardino General Plan. City of San Bemardino. 1989. City of San Bemardino General Plan Environmental Impact R=. City of San Bernardino. 1988. City of San Bernardino Geneml Plan IXdate Technical Baehnaund Renon RECON. 1993. Orange Show Road Extension BioloRcal Technical Report. (see Appendix 1) 17 D 5. Noise 5a. The proposed project does not include any noise sensitive facilities. Therefore, no potential exists for the project to expose new sensitive uses to significant noise levels. 5b. The proposed roadway will result in future traffic that will generate noise and affect residences along the road right of way. This area is already a high noise environment due to military aircraft activity. Although Norton will close next year, aircraft overflight noise levels will still be approximately 60 dBA, Lan (URS 1990). Finally, background noise levels are also affected by the two major roads that bound the area, Arrowhead and Waterman Avenues. Along Waterman the General Plan EIR indicates that average daily traffic (ADT) is between 20,000 and 30,000 per day and noise levels are 66-68 dBA Len Traffic at 100 feet. on Arrowhead Avenue at Orange Show Road is between 10,000 and 20,000 ADT and the dBA Ldn was measured between 64 and 67 decibels. The forecast for traffic on the Orange Show Road extension is for 8,000 ADT upon completion, 18,000 ADT in the year 2,005. Ultimate ADT is forecast to be 35,000 trips per day. Based on the forecast trip volumes, the immediate noise levels will be above the threshold of significance for single-family residences(60 dBA Ldn) at about 62-64 dBA Ldn. Noise levels will increase over time which will expose many of the residents to noise levels that exceed the City's threshold of significance Therefore, it will be necessary to provide noise attenuation either by providing exterior noise attenuation features (attenuation walls,vegetated berms,or other design features)or attenuation features at individual homes subject to significant noise levels. The following mitigation measures will be implemented by the City. 26. The City shall conduct an evaluation of all residences along the road right of way and Identify those homes within 100 feet of the road centerline that may be exposed to significant noise levels. This evaluation shall identify the alternative external and Internal design measures that can be used to reduce noise exposure to residences adjacent to the road alignment below 60 dBA Ldn• 27. Construction activities in residential areas shall be restricted to the hours between 7 a.m.and 7 p.m.. Implementation of this mitigation measure which establishes a protective performance requirement can reduce potential noise impacts below a significant level. References City of San Bernardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan. City of San Bernardino. 1989. City of Son Bernardino General Plan Environmental Impact Bepi. City of San Bemardino. 1988 Citv of Son Bemardino General Plan Update Technical BaLA=2un_d li_enon, 6. Land Use 6a. The construction of Orange Show Road extension is fully consistent with the General Plan Circulation Plan. No potential for conflict with the General Plan exists based on the development of Orange Show Road extension as a Major Arterial. Mitigation of the potential noise impacts can make this road compatible with the adjacent residential uses. 18 r � Q 6b. The project site is not located within the AICUZ for Norton and no conflicts with any Airport District is possible. 6c. The project site is not located within any Fire Zone and no conflict with the Plan is possible on this issue. No adverse land use impacts are identified and no mitigation is required. References City of San Bemardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan City of San Bernardino. 1989. CFtYQf San Bemardino General Plan Environmental Impact Reps. City of San Bemardino. 1988. City of San Bernardino General Plan Update Technical Back=und Resort. 7. Man-Made Hazards 7a. The project will not result in the permanent use, storage or disposal of hazardous materials or wastes. However, during construction petroleum products will be used onsite as part of construction and a limited potential exists for accidental release of these materials to the environment. The following measure will ensure that any spills are controlled without any significant contamination. 29. The City shall require all contractors to control spills of petroleum products and, if such spills occur, the contaminated soil or other material shall be collected and/or treated and disposed of at a facility licensed for contaminated soil. Records of spills and clean-up efforts shall be retained by the developer or contractor and made available to the City upon request. 7b. Other than the short-term potential impact from accidents, no other potential for release of hazardous substances will be created by the proposed project. 7c. No other potential has been identified that would create potential health hazards for human. Traffic safety for pedestrians has been raised as an issue by the local residents. The following measures have been identified to minimize traffic hazards for local residents: 30. A traffic signal shall be provided at Washington Street to ensure that pedestrians can cross Orange Show Road extension with no threat from traffic. A request for a block wall in the median has been made, but the 14 foot wide median will provide adequate separation of traffic to minim; any hazards of a head-on-collision. Block wall medians are usually only provided on freeways or roadways that handle large volumes of continuous traffic (50,000 plus trips per day). Based on the ultimate traffic volume and the inclusion of the wide median, the potential for head-on-collisions are considered nonsignificant. A request has also been made for a pedestrian bridge at Amos Street to enhance pedestrian safety. Such a bridge is normally not required except on freeways because of the smaller volume of traffic. However, the alternative selected by the City is to agree to put in a traffic signal at Washington Street when the road is constructed and provide a pedestrian crossing at this location that will be operated by an push button demand system. This alternative can provide enhanced pedestrian safety. According to the City Traffic Engineering section a crosswalk in the middle of the block, such as at Amos, could 19 create increased pedestrian traffic hazards. The installation of a traffic signal at Washington ensures safe pedestrian crossing in this portion of the road alignment. Based on implementation of these measures,the pedestrian traffic safety hazards can be mitigated below a significant level. References City of San Bemardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan. City of San Bemardino. 1989. City of San Bemardino General Plan Environmental Impact Report. City of San Bemardino. 1988. City of San Bernardino General Plan Update Technical Background Report. 8. Housing 8a. The proposed project has no potential to alter existing demand for housing which is currently very low due to economic recession and closure of Norton Air Force Base. Based on the alignment, it does not appear that any houses will have to be removed as part of the project. However, if any homes must be acquired by the City, there is sufficient housing available in the current market (10%vacancy rate based on information from the Sun Telegram) to meet this need. For any occupied residence that must be acquired to make this project feasible, the City shall implement the following mitigation measure: 31. For homeowners or facilities (such as commercial businesses or churches) that have their homes acquired by the City for the Orange Show Road extension project, the City shall provide relocation assistance. References City of San Bemardino. 1989. City of San Bemardino General Plan. City of San Bernardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan Environmental Impact ftor4 City of San Bemardino. 1988. City of San Bernardino General Plan Update Technical Background Report. 9. Transportation/Circulation 9a. As noted under the land use discussion, the proposed project is consistent with the General Plan Circulation Plan requirements. Implementation of this project will not cause any increase in traffic relative to the existing land use designations. 9b. The construction and use of the Orange Show Road extension has no potential to alter requirements for parking since it will not create any demand for parking. 9c. The only possible impact on public transportation systems will be to provide a new route and enhanced service to the project area. 9d. The specific purpose of the proposed project is to alter the local circulation pattern to enhance circulation for the southern portion of the City. The effect of this new road will be beneficial, not adverse and it is consistent with the Circulation Plan of the General Plan. 20 • fir+/ 9e. This project has no potential to alter air traffic or air traffic patterns. A spur of the Santa Fe Railroad passes through this area that serve areas to the east to Redlands. At present an at grade rail crossing exists on Ennis Street and the City has proposed to install cul-de-sacs on Ennis and shift this at grade crossing to Orange Show Road. The local citizens have requested that Ennis Street be allowed to remain open. This concern should be pursued by the City with a request to the Santa Fe to allow a second at grade crossing at Orange Show Road. It is not Santa Fe's policy to allow additional at grade crossings, particularly in such close proximity, but the community is concerned that the change in circulation at Ennis from installing cul-de-sacs will adversely effect the community's social interaction. Although this may not be a significant adverse impact with physical consequences, it is a concern that may be resolved if Santa Fe is willing to compromise on this issue. 9f._ The construction of a new road through an established community has the potential to increase safety hazards for the local residents whether they are in vehicles,on bicycles,or on foot. Provision of a traffic signal at Washington will ensure north-south traffic can occur with a minimum of hazard to local residents. Also, the installation of a lighted crosswalk at Amos will provide additional protection for pedestrians and bicycle riders. The following mitigation measure is also recommended for consideration by the City. 33. Prior to opening the Orange Show Road extension, the City shall hold meetings with the residents to outline for them the type of traffic patterns and control systems that will be in place to ensure their safety. After the first three-six months of operation the City shall hold a second meeting to discuss any traffic safety problems identified during the first few months of operating the road. Specific recommendations for solving such problems shall be identified by the City. 9g. The proposed road will "infill" the Circulation Plan contained in the General Plan and will provide an important enhancement of traffic flow in the southern portion of the City. It will not create a disjointed pattern of roadway improvements. 9h. This roadway will reduce traffic congestion, not increase it. The roadway is designed to meet the forecasted maximum traffic flow without resulting in the level of service being reduced below the threshold of significance (LOS C) established in the City's General Plan. Based on the data reviewed for this analysis and mitigation measures proposed, the traffic/circulation impacts of the proposed Orange Show Road extension will be nonsignificant. References City of San Bernardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan. City of San Bernardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan Emdronmental Impact Report. City of San Bernardino. 1988. City of San Bernardino General Plan Update Technical Background Repo Eisenhan; Lawrence S.. 1993. "Preliminary Ana4uis - Orange Show Road Extension" 10. Public Services 10a. Fire protection services will be enhanced by the better access provided by the Orange Show Road extension. No adverse fire protection impacts from constructing and using the road have been identified. 21 10b. Police protection services will be enhanced by the better access provided by the Orange Show Road extension. One possible adverse impact from constructing and using the road will be the minor increase in demand for traffic enforcement. Because this is such a small addition to the City's road network (less than one percent), no significant increase in demand for police service is forecast. loc. The proposed project has no potential to adversely impact the school system or any specific school. No schools are located along its alignment. 10d. The proposed project has no potential to adversely impact the park and recreation system or any specific school. No park or recreation facilities are located along its alignment. 10e. Like fire and police protection the circulation system enhancement can benefit medical aid access in the future. No adverse medical aid impacts from constructing and using the road have been identified. lof. The construction of the bridges will generate small quantities of construction material waste. Markets now exist to recycle such materials and to minimize demand for capacity at local landfills the following mitigation measure shall be implemented: 34. The City shall require the bridge construction contractor to recycle as much construction waste as is feasible. Based on the analysis provided above, the construction and use of Orange Show Road extension will not cause significant adverse impacts to the public service systems operated by the City. References City of San Bemardino. 1989. City of San Bemardino General Plan. Ch), of San Bemardino. 1989. Cin, of San Bemardino General Plan Environmental Impact Repo. City of San Bemardino. 1988. City of San Bemardino General Plan Update Technical Background Report. IL Utilities Ila. The proposed project will not place any demand on any of the four utility services, natural gas, electricity, water and sewer. The City may install new utility lines within the Orange Show Road extension right-of-way and these lines will be installed in accordance with the City Development Code- No adverse impacts to utility systems are forecast from construction or use of Orange Show Road extension. llb. Any new utility lines will be integrated into the surrounding utility system without causing any disjointed pattern of extension. This project can be viewed basically as an infill project without adverse impacts to the utility system. Ilc. The proposed project may require the relocation and reconstruction of utilities in the area. This reconstruction will be consistent with the construction of this new road and no adverse impacts are forecast: Based on this evaluation, no potential for significant adverse impact to utility systems is forecast if the Orange Show Road extension is constructed and used RCferences 22 City of San Bernardino. 1989. Cify,Qf San Bernardino General Plan. City of San Bernardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan Environmental Impact Report. City of San Bernardino. 1988. City of San Bernardino General Plan Update Technical Background Report. 12 Aesthetics 12a. The proposed will be at grade level and has no potential to impact any scenic vistas. The two bridges will be built at grade and they have no potential to affect the only identified scenic vista which is from 1-10 to the mountains. No adverse impacts are forecast to existing scenic vistas. 12b. The surrounding area is urbanized and contains an existing road access system. The proposed Orange Show Road extension will alter the visual landscape, but given the already existing urban setting along the route, including adjacent to the Santa Ana River, the proposed project is not forecast to cause a significant detrimental impact to the project area. Revegetation of those areas within the river channel that are disturbed will ensure that any existing trees that contribute to the riparian visual setting will be fully replaced Based on this evaluation of aesthetic resources in the project area, no potential for significant adverse impact to the area visual setting is forecast if the Orange Show Road extension is constructed and used References City of San Bernardino. 1989. City of San Bernardino General Plan. City of San Bernardino. 1989. Cih,of San Bernardino General Plan Environmental Impact Report. City of San Bernardino. 1988. City of San Bernardino General Plan Update Technical Background Report. 13. Cultural Resources 13a. Review of the General Plan indicates that no archaeological resources are known to occur in the project area. Past disturbance from agricultural, urban uses and flood control activities has fully disturbed the land along the alignment. However, the potential exists for subsurface resources to occur along the alignment, particularly adjacent to the river. To address this potential impact, the following mitigation measure will be implemented. 35. If subsurface cultural resources are encountered during excavation,the City or its contractor shall halt construction in the area and have the discovery evaluated by a qualified cultural resources investigator. Based on the evaluation, the City shall implement the recommendations of the professional to recover, curate and evaluate any cultural resources discovered. 13b. Review of the City's General Plan indicates that no historical structures or other resources are located along this alignment. No potential for adverse impact is identified and no mitigation is required. Based on this evaluation of cultural resources and the recommended mitigation measure, the proposed project will not cause significant adverse impacts to any cultural resources. References City of San Bernardino. 1989. CiN of San Bernardino General Plan. _ 23 City of San Bernardino. 198& City of San Bernardino General Plan Update Technical Backmund Report. 14. Mandatory Findings of Significance The proposed extension of Orange Show Road east to the San Bernardino Avenue/Tippecanoe Avenue intersection has the potential to cause significant geotechnical, air quality (fugitive dust during construction), biological, noise and traffic safety impacts. All other environmental issues were found not to pose significant adverse impacts, but some mitigation measures were recommended to reduce potential impacts on the local community. Spec mitigation measures were identified to reduce the potential significant impacts listed above and these measures were identified as performance standards that ensure the project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment after they are implemented. Based on the implementation of these measures, it is concluded that a Negative Declaration is the appropriate environmental determination for the acquisition, construction and use of the Orange Show Road extension. 24 O APPENDIX 1 25 O BIOLOGICAL TECHNICAL REPORT FOR ORANGE SHOW ROAD EXTENSION IN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA 1 Prepared for CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 300 NORTH D STREET SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92418 Prepared by Q., - r,4a Ie-7 PETE FAMOLARO COYOFYIST JEFF NEWMAN ECOLOGIST RECON Regional Environmental Consultants RECON NUMBER 2501B 7.eo Moron V""A"d,Son owo.CA 9VO4 (619)642-1911 MARCH 16, 1993 This document printed on reeycied paper. TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary of Findings 1 Introduction 1 Methodology and Survey Limitations 5 A. Biological Survey 5 B. Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation 6 Existing Conditions 7 A. Vegetation 8 B. Wildlife 15 C. Sensitive Resources 18 Project Impacts 35 A. Direct Impacts 35 B. Indirect Impacts 36 Recommendations 36 References Cited 38 FIGURES 1: Project location in relation to western San Bernardino County 2 2: Project location shown on U.S.G.S. map 3 3: Proposed alignment of Orange Show Road 4 4: Project vegetation map 11 5a: Existing vegetation and sensitive resources at the Santa Ana River and Gage Canal 12 5b: Existing vegetation and sensitive resources at the Santa Ana River and Gage Canal 13 6: Existing vegetatin and sensitive resources at East Twin Creek 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) TABLES 1: Vascular PIant List 9 2: Wildlife Species Observed 16 3: Sensitive Plant Species Observed or Expected to Occur 19 4: Sensitivity Codes 20 5: Sensitive Wildlife Species Observed or Expected to Occur 24 ATTACHMENT 1: Field data sheets Summary of Findings A biological field survey and wetland delineation was conducted on February 12 and February 27, 1993, for the proposed Orange Show Road extension in the city of San Bernardino, California. One plant community listed as a high-priority habitat type with the California Natural Diversity Database (NDDB), southern cottonwood willow riparian forest with associated alluvial fan sage scrub, was observed along the southern portion of the Santa Ana River (Holland 1986). Additional riparian habitat exists within the northern bank of the Santa Ana River and Gage Canal. No state or federally listed plant or animal species were observed within the survey area. Two federal Category 2 candidate animal species were observed within the alignment: loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) and the San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettir). Potentially occurring sensitive animal species such as the federal and state endangered least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) and federal Category 2 candidate San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) would require directed surveys to determine their presence. Spring surveys for sensitive plant species such as the federal and state endangered slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras) and Santa i Ana River woolly-star (Eriastrum densiflorum ssp. sancwrum) should be conducted. i Approximately 2.1 acres of jurisdictional "waters of the U.S." occur within the alignment (of which 1.3 acres are wetlands) and would be impacted by project implementation. Impacts to these areas will be covered by a Nationwide Permit (Section 15) of the Clean Water Act with the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). Formulation of a 1601 Streambed Alteration Agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) is also required. This may require the successful implementation of riparian habitat restoration program as mitigation for riparian impacts. Introduction A biological inventory, including delineation of waters and wetlands under federal jurisdiction, was conducted along the proposed Orange Show Road extension project in the city of San Bernardino, California (Figures 1 and 2). The proposed road alignment will extend east from the terminus of the current Orange Show Road at Arrowhead Avenue and link up with San Bernardino Avenue at Tippecanoe Avenue, encompassing approximately 20.1 acres (Figure 3). Within the alignment, bridge crossings are proposed over East Twin Creek and the Santa Ana River. This report represents the results of a biological survey, wetland delineation, and impact analysis and gives recommendations to minimize impacts from construction of the proposed road alignment. 4 'i • VICTORVn i c i ' •HESPEMA I cr ' �7 PROJECT LOCATION t � - m v y RANCHO CUCAMONGA W SAN SERNARDO •H04-AND y � Y • FON♦ANA • y.: ® RIALTO . ONTARIO • • REDL.APDS SAN BERNA RDAVO CO. LOMA LINDA ® r 1. CHNO RIMSEE C0. / RNERSDE O CIO 1 14 7 M11F.S FIGURE 1 T DMAtAA+ L-7 w c it �. • L -. ir 1-7 7i ic IC w .-.... ..,, o. " ., aiS R .f. o •�..� ` I } _ EVIL'• :���T-- •I'�•res.a.4.[.rasla, '` '` YJ•�. R _ 4 y.-. --.-_ �._ ,.j I 1•• �� „ • .` � �,.� . mss__— �:Y. — '��• • A ✓ • • M ., ^<:`1 iT V r ate,. I� -� %%• Ro SD \ •I� � M'•• SON rr .• .r■�� •,sr I .a-)s 'q.�•c�0. .,` "e" O C A~ f i \ I V1 \ t w AV Na I _C \ �... ...\..�............. ................... .. �. I to. low Afj Tl' I • ;L i rs. I I is i i Methodology and Survey Limitations A. Biological Survey The proposed Orange Show Road extension, which includes a 100-foot buffer on both sides of the alignment, was surveyed for biological resources on February 12, 1993, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. by RECON biologists Jeff Newman and Peter Famolaro. Weather conditions were mild with hazy to clear skies, temperatures ranging from approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon, and wind speed was 0 to 5 miles per hour. A minor alignment change along the Santa Ana River resulted in an additional survey conducted on February 27, 1993, by P. Famolaro from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Weather conditions included clear, sunny skies with an approximate temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a wind speed of 0 to 5 miles per hour. All plant and animal species observed or detected on the property were documented. Animal species were either observed directly with the aid of 10x40 and 10x25 binoculars or detected indirectly from call, track, scat, nests, or other sign. Judgments about potentially occurring fauna were based on known range and habitat preferences of the species. The majority of plant species identification were made in the field; however, some plant specimens were collected for positive identification in the lab. Vegetation communities were mapped on a 1 inch equals 40 feet scale base map. Limitations to the compilation of a comprehensive floral checklist were imposed by seasonal factors, since some spring annual plants would not have germinated and become visible. Similarly, migratory bird species which may occur within the alignment during the spring and fall would not have been present during the survey. Since the surveys were performed during the day, nocturnal animals would not have been observed directly, although sign of some of these animals may have been detected. Floral nomenclature follows Munz (1974) or Hickman and Hickman (1993), while plant community classifications follow the NDDB system (Holland 1986) with modifications as necessary. Zoological nomenclature for birds is in accordance with the American Ornithologists' Union Checklist (1983, 1989); for mammals, Jones et al. (1982); and for amphibians and reptiles, Collins (1990). Assessments of the sensitivity of species and habitats are based primarily on Tate (1986), Remsen (1979), Smith and Berg (1988), State of California (1991, 1992), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 1991, and Holland (1986). c B. Jurisdictional Wetland Delineation A field study was also conducted to delineate those areas which may potentially be classified as "waters of the U.S." and associated wetlands. "Waters of the United States" and their associated wetlands fall under the jurisdiction of the USACE, and impacts to these areas require 404 permits and mitigation measures. The field surveys for delineating "waters of the U.S." and wetlands were conducted on February 12 and 27, 1993, by Peter Famolaro. The methodology used for delineating wetlands under USACE jurisdiction followed the guidelines set forth under the USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual (1987). Three criteria must be met to classify an area as a wetland under these guidelines; presence of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and appropriate wetly A hydrology. A routine on-site determination method was used to delineate boundar::s between wetland and upland areas on the subject property. 1. Vegetation At each potential wetland area the dominant plant species for each vegetative stratum were determined by visually estimating the areal coverage of each species present. Species estimated to have greater than or equal to 50 percent cover within a stratum were considered dominants. The indicator status of each dominant species was determined by referring to the Region O list of wetland plants developed by the U.S. Department of the Interior (USDI) (1988). The hydrophytic vegetation criteria was met if greater than 50 percent of all dominant plant species at a sample point had a wetland indicator status of obligate (OBL), facultative-wet (FACW), or facultative (FAC). An OBL indicator status refers to wetland plants that occur almost always (estimated probability >99 percent) in wetlands under natural conditions. A FACW indicator status refers to plants that usually occur in wetlands (estimated probability 67 to 99 percent), but occasionally are found in non-wetlands. A FAC indicator status refers to plants that are equally likely to occur in wetlands or non-wetlands (estimated probability 34 to 99 percent). 2. Soils An attempt was made at each potential wetland location to gather hydric soil information by digging a minimum 18-inch-deep soil test pit. Each soil profile was compared to the local soil survey description (U.S. Department of Agricultural [USDA] 1980) to determine the soil series. Evidence that indicates that the criteria for hydric soil is met includes evidence of saturation, free-standing water in the test pit, low soil chroma, and evidence of a reducing soil environment (e.g., gleyed or mottled soils, or oxidized rhizospheres). 3. Hydrology The wetland hydrology criteria consists of evidence that the potential wetland site is inundated or has saturated soils for a minimum of one week during the growing season (e.g., enough time to produce an anaerobic soil environment). Evidence that indicates that wetland hydrology is present includes ponding, water marks, or other signs of water flow, wetland drainage patterns, and hydric soil indicators. 4. Jurisdictional Determination The determination of the boundary of the "waters of the U.S." on the subject property was made by field observation of the normal high water mark and the extent of any adjacent wetland. The term "ordinary high water mark" refers to that line on the shore or stream bank made by fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics (i.e., natural line impressed on a bank, shelving, changes in the characteristics of the soil, presence of litter and debris) (33CFR 328.3e). Field observations of the location of the defined banks of the stream and the ordinary high water mark were mapped on a one inch equals 40 feet base scale map. Existing Conditions The Orange Show Road extension project lies within the southern portion of the city of San Bernardino. The mean elevation range within the project is approximately 980 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) in the western portion of the project within the bottom of East Twin Creek to 1,050 AMSL at the eastern end of the project at Tippecanoe Avenue. The Santa Ana River is a major southern California drainage which extends from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Within the proposed alignment, the Santa Ana River is approximately 620 feet in width, with rip-rap banks on the northem side and earthen banks on the southern side. East Twin Creek, also channelized, is a major tributary to the Santa Ana River as shown on the U.S.G.S. 7.5 minute San Bernardino south quadrangle topographic map and is approximately 280 feet in width at the proposed crossing. A channelized Gage Canal for the city of Riverside is present south of the Santa Ana River. Historically, the Gage Canal carried water from wells tapped on the southern boundary of Norton Air Force Base to the city of Riverside. In the 1970s an underground pipe was placed within the bottom of the canal thus replacing the function of the canal. A large area of sand and gravel fill exists between the Santa Ana River and the Gage Canal for the city of Riverside. All remaining areas within the alignment consist of relatively flat fields and residential neighborhoods. 17 Three soil series occur within the alignment, all of which are derived from granitic alluvium (USDA 1980). The Grangeville series exists in the eastern and western portion of the project and is comprised of a somewhat poorly drained fine sandy loam. The Hanford series occurs within the central portion of the alignment and is comprised of a well-drained coarse sandy loam. The Tujunga series is found within the Santa Ana River in association with Psamments and Fluvents, recently deposited sand and gravel sediments, and is comprised of excessively drained gravelly loamy sand. A. Vegetation The list of plant species observed within the alignment is provided in Table 1. A total of 54 plant species were identified within the alignment, 26 (48 percent) of which were native. Because the alignment occurs within an urban setting, the natural vegetation has been mostly disturbed and recolonized and/or planted with exotic species with a few exceptions (Figures 4, 5a-b, and 6). A close association exists between southern cottonwood willow riparian forest and alluvial fan sage scrub community in the southern portion of the Santa Ana River. Although the area contains species characteristic of both vegetation communities, it is dominated by riparian species, such as Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), California black willow (Salix gooddingii var. variabilis), mule fat (Baccharis glutinosa), and arrowweed (Pluchea sericea), and is therefore categorized as southern cottonwood willow riparian forest. Additional shrub and herbaceous species present within this community including those characteristic to alluvial fan sage scrub are yerba santa (Eriodictyon trichocalyx), coastal sagebrush (Artemisia californica), flat-top buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), coast goldenbush (Haplopappus venetus), giant reed (Arundo donax), Douglas mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana), Mexican juncos (Juncos mexicanus), and California Croton (Croton californicus). Remnant species of the riparian community exist along the northern rip-rap bank of the Santa Ana River, and include species such as California black willow, Fremont cottonwood, and mule fat, and along the southern bank of the Gage Canal with species such as California black willow, Fremont cottonwood, Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), mule fat, and wild grape (Vitis girdiana). A total of 0.9 acre of riparian habitat occurs within the proposed alignment. The large area of fill between the Santa Ana River and Gage Canal is sparsely vegetated with ruderal species such as Russian thistle (Salsola iberica), ragweed (Ambrosia acanthicarpa), red-stem filaree (Erodium cicutarium), and California eroton. In addition, a few native shrub species associated with the alluvial sage scrub community are sparsely recolonizing the area, including coast goldenbush, flat-top buckwheat, and coastal sagebrush. .5 Cho ZZZZ - - Z - - - - ZZ — ZZZZ - - - ZZ — Z — ZZ - - cc cc = 3 v � 33o3v v3 3 v � � c? � °34vv3 C7oc 000 � oc � � 0000 �xo �c00000000000 � 00000 z fto �. E o u 1/� ac C u Cp V C G � �- u � v3 � � ma � uu u m � gc=00 � t�i, �, � �= � 33u = Q U f N C G 3 v m ua, Iz $ CL u O • Cj ca J5 Z � -t � +_. 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V r • r •1 V Ir r 6 M 1 M as + a ' • . t 1♦+I M r �+ s a1 1 • r .M.=. a a r te r• �1♦ate a ;r r• r r. r l � r 1 I 1♦*Boo .••'. •'/ ••+ +/fir•+• •' r + •r•aa.r +♦ a ' y a+1• r+r+r.+' ��• • Irraa r♦ :I. : .:.:r 9 9 e4 +or' .t. u 4 pis 11 Nye ! ♦ 1 ♦ I .+ i a • Q y y p i 11 4 It if n • � 1• A A A .• =ary• y_ p �s= u i.i 41 ►q a ♦ I : or 40 is at ....... .. . r t O own AAAAF� Y W cc N Q W 4 1= _ _ H MW .! a ` I I / w w Development of vegetation within East Twin Creek is controlled by high velocity flows associated with channelized drainages. Since previous winter rains have already inundated this channel only a few remnant plant species were recognizable, such as cattail (Typha sp.), mule fat, giant reed, barley (Hordeum sp.), black mustard (Brassica nigra), and horseweed (Conyza spp.). All remaining undeveloped areas are dominated by non-native grasses and ruderal vegetation, such as barley, wild oat (Avena fatua), Russian thistle, red-stem filaree, California Croton, cheeseweed (Malva parviflora), and yellow fiddleneck (Amsinckia intermedia). In addition, numerous ornamental tree species exist within the alignment as part of the residential landscaping, including eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), fan palm (Washingtonia robustafera), cultivated walnut(Juglans sp.), and pecan trees (Carya sp.). B. Wildlife A complete list of wildlife species observed within the proposed mad alignment is provided in Table 2. A total of 1 amphibian, S mammals, and 32 bird species were obscrved.or detected during the survey. This list represents only a portion of the species that are expected to utilize the site since migratory species, summer residents, and nocturnal species would not easily have been detectable during a daytime winter survey. Most of the wildlife species observed within the proposed alignment were found along the strips of riparian and associated alluvial fan sage scrub habitats in the southern portion of the Santa Ana River and in the Gage Canal. Species observed include red- shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), black phoebe (Sayornis nigricans), scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), loggerhead shrike (Lanus ludovicianus), house wren (Troglodytes aedon), western bluebird (Sialia mexicana), pine sisken (Carduelis pinus), lesser goldfinch (Carduelis psaltria), yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata), Lincoln's sparrow (Zonotrichia lincolnii), lark sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyt), and San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennenii). Several hawk nests were observed in cottonwoods along the southern edge of the Santa Ana River. A Pacific treefrog (Hyla regilla) was heard in disturbed wetland habitat along East Twin Creek, and a great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) was seen on a wire above the creek. The majority of the remaining wildlife habitat was composed of either non-native grassland/ruderal or urbanized. Common species occurring in these areas include the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglects), spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), and european starling (Sturnus vulgaris). U 2 � / U 5 � _ / 2 Idk � QdQ23 � � o333330 � 33 � � �� � > � � � � = Q Q_ — • � § _ Q6 - \ _ § a C It o § © @ « v ■ ` 2 �� 2 - » 2 # — u - 2 ■ u S 7 2 t « a ■ 2 2 ° — ° a 61 2 $ § : a� � S ' a — R 2 2 % v 3 ■ 2 k � 2 a � � 2 ■ g � � � . a a� � � � % � ■ � - �% � � k _ � o 0 0 a E a 2 2 2 vcl. 2 2 a a § � I Umm � UUQk �3u2W ■ Wq � < K2uQQ � � ( ■ g c 2 2 q 3 = q « u ■ 0 3 k 3 2 7 § 2 I § in M _ k \ u � � � � � � �� C6 § 7 o °% 9 � § 5 0 . � \ � I © �J | _ _ q 2 � \ / / - » ■ � 00 coo QQ d %� 2 � ■ / / � ■ u U U _ ' 3 a . in u _ 2 � k ■ � � � / � � � � * � � � ' � 2 f C. Sensitive Resources Identified sensitive resources are discussed in this section. For the purposes of this report, species will be considered sensitive if they are: (1) listed by state or federal agencies as threatened or endangered, are proposed for such listing, or are Category 1 or 2 candidates for such listing; (2) on Lists IA, 1B, or 2 of the California Native Plant Society (CLAPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (Smith and Berg 1988); or (3) considered rare, endangered, or threatened by the NDDB, or local ,organizations or specialists. Noteworthy plant species are considered to be those which are on Lists 3 and 4 of the CNPS inventory. Sensitive habitat types are those identified by the NDDB (Holland 1986). Assessments for the potential occurrence of sensitive or noteworthy species are based upon known ranges and habitat preferences for the species, and species occurrence records from the NDDB. 1. Plant Communities Southern cottonwood willow riparian forest and alluvial fan sage scrub are both communities of high priority listed in the NDDB (Holland 1986). Historically, southern cottonwood-willow riparian forest occurred along perennially wet streams and rivers from Santa Barbara County south to Baja California, Mexico and east to the western edge of the deserts (Holland 1986); however, much of this riparian habitat is fragmented and/or removed from within its previous range. Alluvial fan sage scrub occurs only on outwash fans and riverine ten-aces along the coastal draining slopes of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, in which an estimated S percent of this habitat remains (USFWS 1992). The loss of both these sensitive habitats is due mainly to flood control, sand and gravel mining activities, and urban and agricultural development within and adjacent to riparian areas of southern California. 2. Plant Species No state. or federally listed plant species or any of those considered sensitive or noteworthy by the CNPS were observed during the surveys. Sensitive or noteworthy plant species which may potentially occur within the alignment are listed in Table 3 and sensitivity codes are shown in Table 4. These plant species and the likelihood of their occurrence are discussed below. TABLE 3 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES WTTH THE POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE State/Federal CLAPS CNPS Species Status List Code Comments Arenaria paludicola CFJFP 1B 3-3-2 Freshwater matshes/swamps Match sandwort Choriz=he parryi var.parryi --/C2 -- -- Sandy places,coastal sage scrub Parry's spineflower Dodecahema leptoceras CE/FE 1B 3-3-3 Alluvial for sage scrub Slender-horned spineflower Eriastrum densitlorum ssp.sanctorum CFJFE 1B 3-3-3 Riparian terraces,alluvial for sage Santa Aria River woolly-star scrub Helianthus nuttalli ssp.parishii —/C1 IA — Freshwamr marshes and swamps Orcutfs hazardia Malacothamnus parishii —/C2 1B 3-2-3 Habitat requirements unlmown Parish's bush mallow Rorippa gambellii CT/FP 1B 3-3-2 Marshes and swamps Gambel's watercress NOTE: See Table 4 for explanation of sensitivity codes. c TABLE 4 SENSITIVITY CODES FEDERAL CANDIDATES AND LISTED PLANTS FE = Federally listed.endangered FT = Federally listed, threatened Cl = Enough data are on file to support a proposal for the federal listing Cl* = Enough data are on file to support a proposal for federal listing,but the plant is presumed extinct C2 Threat and/or distribution data are insufficient to support federal listing C2• = Threat and/or distribution data are insufficient w support federal listing;plant presumed extinct C3a = Extinct C3b = Taxonomically invalid C3c = Too widespread and/or not threatened STATE LISTED PLANTS CE = State listed, endangered CR = State listed,rare CT = State listed, dreamed CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIE71 Y LISTS R-E-D CODES IA = Species presumed extincL R (Rarity) 1B = Species rare.threatened,or 1 = Rare,but found in sufficient endangered in California and numbers and distributed widely elsewhere. These species are enough that the potential for eligible for state listing. extinction is low at this time. r 2 = Species tare, threatened,or 2 - Occurrence confined to several endangered in California but populations or to one extended which are more common elsewhere. population. These species are eligible for state listing. 3 - Occvrrence limited to one or a few highly restricted populations, 3 = Species for which more infor- or present m such small numbers mation is needed. Distribution, that it is seldom reported. endangerment,and/or taxonomic information is needed E (Endangerment) 4 A watch list of species of limited 1 = Not endangered distribution. These species need 2 - Endangered in a portion of its range to be motutored for changes in the 3 = Endangered dumSbout its range status of their populations. D (Distribution) 1 = Mae or less widespread outside California 2 - Rare outside California Marsh sandwort (Arenaria paludicola) Status: State/Federal CFJFP CLAPS List 1B Range: Marsh sandwort historically occurred from Washington state south into southern California, but is currently limited to localized areas of central and southern California, including San Luis Obisbo County and the Santa Ana River (Hickman 1993). Habitat: Shallow waters associated with riparian areas and freshwater marshes. Local Distribution: This species was documented within the city of San Bernardino approximately one mile south of the proposed project(City of San Bernardino 1989). "Occurrence On-site: This species was not identified during the survey; however, the likelihood of occurrence is considered to be low since it is a perennial species and would have been observed if present. Slender-horned spineflower (Dodecahema leptoceras) Status: State/Federal CE/FE CNPS List 1B Range: San Fernando Valley to San Bernardino Valley and Elsinore (Munz 1974) Habitat: Sandy alluvial river terraces in sage scrub vegetation below 2,000 feet. Local Distribution: This species has been documented within San Bernardino County,a few miles to the east of the proposed project (City of San Bernardino 1989). Occurrence On-site: Although this was not observed during the survey, the hikelihood of occurrence is considered to be moderate. This species may potentially inhabit the southern area of the Santa Ana River where riparian habitat was present in association with alluvial fan sage scrub species. A spring survey would be necessary to determine if it occurs on-site. Parry's spineflower(Choriurnthe parryi var.parryi) Status: State/Federal --/C2 Range: Eastern Los Angeles County to Western Riverside County and San Gorgonio Pass (Munz 1974). Habitat: Dry, sandy places in coastal or desert scrub vegetation (Hiclaman 1993). Local Distribution: This species is documented within one mile southwest of the proposed project (State of California 1992). Occurrence On-site: This species was not identified within the proposed alignment, and the likelihood for its occurrence is considered to be moderate due to the close proximity in which the species was previously recorded. A spring survey would be necessary to determine if it occurs on-site. 1 Santa Ana River Wolly-star (Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum) Status: State/Federal CENE CNPS List 1B Range: Endemic to the Santa Ana River and lowland tributaries below 1,500 feet AMSL within San Bernardino County (Zembal and Kramer 1984). Habitat: Sandy soils, infrequently flooded and scoured riparian terraces commonly dominated by coastal sage scrub vegetation. Local Distribution: Santa Ana River, Plunge Creek, City Creek, and Lytle Creek (Zembal and Kramer 1984). Occurrence On-site: This perennial species was not observed during the survey and the likelihood for its occurrence is considered to be low since this species is perennial it would have been observed during the survey. However, this species may potentially become established in the southern area of the Santa Ana River where riparian habitat is present in association with alluvial fan sage scrub species. Los Angeles Sunflower (Helianthus nuttallii ssp.parishit) Status: State/Federal --/C1 CNPS List IA Range: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange counties (Munz 1974) Habitat: Wet places including coastal freshwater marshes and swamps (Smith and Berg 1988). Local Distribution: This species has been documented in the city of San Bernardino, approximately one mile to the southeast of the proposed project (City of San Bernardino 1989). Occurrence On-site: This species was not identified during the survey and the likelihood for occurrence is low moderate since the species is an perennial and would have been observed during the survey. Parish's bush mallow (Malacothamnus parishii) Status: State/Federal —/C2 CNPS List 1B Range: San Bernardino Valley (Smith and Berg 1988) Habitat: Unknown (Munz 1974; Smith and Berg 1988) Local Distribution: This species has been documented in San Bernardino County a few miles to the east of the proposed project (City of San Bernardino 1989); however, this occurrence may have been in error since Hickman (1993) presumes this species to bC extinct. Occurrence On-site: This species was not identified during the survey, the likelihood of its occurrence is considered to be very low since no individuals of the Malacothamnus genus were identified during the survey and the species is believed to be extinct. 1 0 Gambel's watercress (Rorippa gambeUii) Status: State/Federal CT/FP CNPS List 1B Range: Endemic to San Luis Obisbo County, California (State of California 1988) Habitat: Marshy aquatic sites below 4,000 feet AMSL. Local Distribution: This species was previously reported approximately one mile to the southeast of the proposed project; however, it may be extirpated from this location (City of San Bernardino 1989). Occurrence On-site: This species was not identified during the survey and the likelihood for occurrence is considered to be low since this species is a perennial and would have been observed during the survey. 3. Sensitive Wildlife Species No state or federally listed endangered or threatened wildlife species were observed during the survey. Two federal Category 2 candidates, loggerhead shrike and San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit, were observed within the proposed project (see Figures 4, 5a, and 5b). The sensitive animal species which were detected on-site plus those that are expected to occur within the alignment, based on known distribution and habitat , preferences, are listed in Table 5 and are discussed in further detail below. a. Observed Species Loggerhead shrike (lanius ludovicianus) Status: State/Federal CSC/C2 Distribution: Most of the continental U.S. and Mexico. Local Habitat: This resident species is widespread in San Bernardino County where it inhabits grasslands, agriculture, chaparral, and desert scrub. It is absent only from the mountain zone. Occurrence On-site: One shrike was observed within the proposed alignment perched on a telephone wire along Pioneer Road; another individual was seen in a willow tree within the Gage Canal. Notes: Loggerhead shrikes feed on small reptiles and insects which they often impale on sticks or thorns before eating. Reasons for Decline: Decline of loggerhead shrike populations is attributed to loss of habitat by urbanization. Reference: Robbins et al. 1983. � E � § _ 72 \ k k \ 92 I 9k 2 § � a / � \ _ 2 ■ � / _ - - � 2 § ■ m ■ � � � � ■ � / � 2 B �� G k � \ k \ t\ - 2 lu 9 � � 2 2 � / c � � � ■ ■ 2 2 A 2 2 C:6 f ® U = Q _ cn 2 z � � J � 2 � > k_ _2 / / / u 2 � 2 / � � > � 2 js \ e _ ,, _� _ ■ � - a 2 A Q o . 2 - - 2 § 7 � 2 %- v § k § ° ■ � ' % o ± < ■ u 22 � © z It § © \ § 7 a § d f � / � � ' � ■ u � � � § / ■ 7 2 § � � e ■ E § 5 9 � � > 2 W ■ 2 � � 2 U U Q Q U / LL U U U U . � , 2 ) W) LIZ. d U 2 9 q . � . > . � z � § � 7 � � 77 q3 3 2 � � k R � � � 2 � � k � 2 k � e ■ � / CZ6 2 2 © © ; � � � 4 � 3 S o 3 � U � An g 3 3 C •• u �e ' �' � � $ e•.• a 'S' O vi U A2 a 3 0 Z H gg a E � v v ul San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus bennettis) Status: State/Federal CSC/C2 Distribution: Near Mt. Pinos southward and west of the Peninsular range into Baja California. t Local Habitat: Open or semi-open habitats to the western base of the Peninsular range. Forested and thick chaparral regions are not suitable. .Occurrence On-site: Two jackrabbits were observed on the large fill area between the Santa Ana River and Gage Canal. Reasons for Decline: It is threatened due to loss of habitat to urban uses. Reference: Hall 1981. b. Potentially Occurring Species Delhi sand flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis) Status: State/Federal --/FP Distribution: Three known populations of very limited edaphic distribution between Colton and Fontana, San Bernardino County. Local Habitat: Sandy areas of Delhi soils. Found in flat-top buckwheat, deerweed, tarplant, Prunus species, and wild lilac. Occurrence On-site: Although this species would not have been observable during the time of the survey, it is not expected on-site due to lack of appropriate soils within the project area. Notes: Flight period between late August and September. Little is known about the larval food preferences, soil depth at which larval stage is found, or the life cycle. Reasons -for Decline: Encroachment of habitat by invasive exotic plants like Russian thistle (Salsola iberica), off-road-vehicle activity, and a planned enterprise zone threatens one of the populations. Reference: Ballmer 1993. Orange-throated whiptail (Cnemidophorus hyperydvus beldings) Status: State/Federal CSC/C2 Distribution: SW San Bernardino County south into lower Baja California, Mexico. Local Habitat: Areas of low, scattered, brush and grass with loose sandy loam& Open sage scrub and mixed chaparral habitats. Hibernating sites are in soft, well-drained Occurrence On-site: Not observed during current survey, but areas of suitable habitat exist in the eastern one-half of the proposed alignment in the large fill area. As a result, the likelihood of this species occurrence on-site is considered to be low-moderate. Notes: Emerge from hibernation late April, begin hibernation late July through August. Immatures have a longer activity period--March through December 8. Reasons for Decline: The orange-throated whiptail has declined within its range as a result of habitat destruction for urban and agricultural development. References: Bostic 1964; Brattstrom 1989. Coastal whiptail (Cnemidophorus tigris multiscutatus) Status: State/Federal --/C2 Distribution: California coast from Ventura south to western Baja California, Mexico. Local Habitat: Areas of sparse vegetation allowing for quick mobility. Also requires loose soil for burrowing. Occurrence On-site: Not observed, however, areas of suitable habitat exist. The likelihood of occurrence on-site is low-moderate. Notes: The coastal whiptail has an activity period similar to that of the orange-throated whiptau. Reasons for Decline: The decline of coastal whiptail populations is attributed to loss of habitat to urban and agricultural development. References: Stebbins 1985; Behler and King 1979. Silvery legless lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra (=4C nigra argentea)) Status: State/Federal CSC/-- Distribution: Spotty distribution from near Antioch (Contra Costa Co.) south into Baja California, Mexico. Primarily west of and including the Coast Ranges, San Bernardino, and San Gabriel Mountains, and Laguna Mountains. Local Habitat: Herbaceous layers with loose soil in sage scrub, chaparral, and open riparian habitats. Sand of washes and beach dunes are preferred for burrowing. Logs and leaf litter are used for cover and feeding. They are susceptible to drying and must be in or near moist soil. Occurrence On-site: Suitable habitat occurs in the Santa Ana River floodplains. The probability of occurrence within the project area is low-moderate. Reasons for Decline: Loss of habitat to agriculture and pesticide use are the primary threats to.this species. Notes: Primarily nocturnal and fossorial. References: Stebbins 1985; Behler and King 1979; State of California 1988. San Diego horned lizard Whrynosoma coronatum blainvillu) to c er Distribution: Coastal southern California to desert foothills, into Baja California, Mexico. Local Habitat: Level to gently sloping ground with well-drained, loose or sandy soil; adjacent to hillsides characterized by dominantly exposed bedrock, especially large V granite boulders. Avoids dense vegetation, bare ground coverage ideally 20 to 40 percent, often associated with sage scrub. Occurrence On-site: Not observed, however, some suitable habitat exists in the southeastern portion of the proposed alignment. The probability of occurrence is low since no sign of ants was present within the alignment. Notes: Adults are active from late March to late August, young are active from August to November-December. Reasons for Decline: Populations along the coast and inland have been severely reduced by loss of habitat and hobby collecting. ' References: McGurry 1981; Mills 1991. Least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusiUus) Status: State/Federal SETE Distribution: Least Bell's vireos are found today in two locations in the Salinas River valley, one locality along the Amargosa River, and several populations in Santa Barbara, Riverside, and San Diego counties. Local Habitat: Riparian habitats dominated by willows and mule fat. Occurrence On-site: This species would not have been detectable during the current survey since it is a migratory species which generally does not appear in southern California until mid-March. The riparian habitat on the south side of the Santa Ana River may be marginally suitable for nesting vireos. This estimated 5-acre patch of habitat has some of the structural diversity preferred by nesting vireos; a canopy of willows and cottonwoods and an understory layer of scattered mule fat and dense patches of arrowweed. However, this patch is of marginal suitability for vireos because it has been greatly disturbed. Although a]mown nesting locality for this species is within a mile and one-half downstream from this site (City of San Bernardino 1989), the probability of occurrence on-site is low. Notes: A migratory species, wintering in Mexico but arriving on their breeding gro unds in southern California in mid-March, and remaining until September or October. Reasons for Decline: Populations of least Bell's vireo have declined drastically due to extensive loss of riparian habitat to agriculture and urbanization, nest parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird, and nest predation (USFWS 1988). References: RECON 1989; USFWS 1988. Southwestern willow flycatcher(Erapidonax traillii exdmus) -- Sialp':"'Stated"cia7SVCI"'"__"",. Local Habitat: Nesting birds are restricted to willow thickets in riparian woodland. Occurrence On-site: Not observed. The likelihood of occurrence is low since habitat is of marginal quality for this species. Notes: An uncommon spring and fall migrant, and very rare summer resident. Reasons for Decline: Brood-parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds, and widespread destruction of riparian woodlands. Reference: Robbins et al. 1983. Western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) i Status: State/Federal SE/-- Distribution: A 1977 survey located this species in the following arras: Sacramento Valley, Kern River, Owens Valley, Amargosa River, Lower Colorado River, and Santa Ana River. Local Habitat: Restricted to dense riparian woodland during breeding. Occurrence On-site: This species was not observed within the proposed alignment. Although the Santa Ana River supports one of the only southwestern California breeding localities, the habitat within the proposed alignment does not appear dense enough to support a breeding population of this species. Therefore, the likelihood of occurrence is considered to be low. Reasons for Decline: Loss of riparian habitat to channelization, sand mining, agriculture, and urban uses. Reference: Robbins et al. 1983; Garnett and Dunn 1981. State of California 1988. Yellow-breasted chat(Icteria vixens) Status: State/Federal CSC/-- , Distribution: Most of continental U.S. and Mexico. Local Habitat: Dense riparian woodlands in the coastal lowlands are their only breeding sites. Occurrence On-site: Suitable habitat for the yellow-breasted chat occurs along the southern portion of the Santa Ana River, however, as with the least Bell's vireo, willow, flycatcher, and cuckoo, the potential for occurrence on-site is low because the habitat is considered to be of marginal quality. Notes: Spring and summer resident of San Diego County. Reasons for Decline: Rapid destruction of riparian woodlands by human activities and development. Cowbird parasitism may also have contributed to their decline. References: Unitt 1984; Robbins et al. 1983; Garrett and Dunn 1981. Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia brewsten) ta e er Distribution: Nearly the entire North American continent. Local Habitat: Riparian woodland required for breeding. They utilize a wide variety of trees during migration. Occurrence On-site: The probability of the yellow warbler occurring within the proposed alignment during migration is moderate, while the probability that this species would nest within the proposed project is somewhat lower, again due to habitat quality. Notes: Fairly common spring and fall migrant, uncommon to rare summer and winter visitor. Reasons for Decline: Loss of habitat and brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds. Reference: Robbins et al. 1983. Los Angeles little pocket mouse (Perognathus fallax brevinasus) Status: State/Federal CSC/C2 Distribution: Los Angeles Basin, from Burbank and San Fernando to San Bernardino and south to Aguanga. Local Habitat: Lower elevation grasslands and coastal sage associations. Open ground with soils composed of fine sands. Occurrence On-site: No sign of this species was observed during the survey; however, there is some suitable habitat at the eastern end of the proposed project. This species has been recorded within two miles of the project site and the likelihood of occurrence within the project area is low due to the disturbed nature of the habitat on-site. Reasons for Decline: Urbanization and cultivation of lands has caused the loss of the majority of this species historic range. References: State of California 1986; McKernon, pers. comm. 1993. Southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomus torridus ramona) Status: State/Federal CSC/C2 Distribution: Southern California near Palmdale, east to Riverside, and south to the Tijuana River valley. Local Habitat: This species occurs in a wide variety of and habitats, including various types of brushlands. Occurrence On-site: This species was not observed on-site and the likelihood of occurrence is considered to be low due to the disturbed nature of the habitat on-site. Notes: This species feeds primarily on arthropods such as grasshoppers, beetles, and scorpions, as a result, they are not frequently caught in small mammal trapping studies that use grain as bait; however, trapping would increase the likelihood of determining the presence or absence of this species within the proposed project References: Hall 1981; McKernon, pens. comm. 1993. San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat(Dipodomys merriami parvus) Status: State/Federal CSC/C2 Distribution: Southwestern San Bernardino County Local Habitat: Floodplains with scattered shrubs, and Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub along the Santa Ana River. This species is known from Norton Air Force Base within a mile of the proposed project. Occurrence On-site: Although the exact species was not determined,- recently dug kangaroo rat burrows were found on the large fill area in between the Santa.Ana River and Gage Canal. A trapping study would be necessary to accurately determine which species occurs on-site. Given the existence of these burrows and the known current distribution of the species, the likelihood is moderate to high that San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat occurs on-site. However, only one location with kangaroo rat burrows was found within the entire fill area, and it is possible that the burrows observed were that of a dispersing individual. Notes: This species is very restricted in its range and, therefore, is very threatened. Reference: McKemon, pers. comm. 1993 Northwestern San Diego pocket mouse (Perognathus fallax fallax) Status: State/Federal CSC/C2 Distribution: Western side of the Peninsular range from Claremont and San Onofre south into northern Baja California, Mexico. Local Habitat: Found on rather open, sandy lands with scant vegetation. Occurrence On-site: This species was not detected on-site during the surveys. There is a moderate likelihood that this species occurs within the disturbed area on the south side of the Santa Ana River. Trapping would be required to accurately determine if the species is present on-site. References: Hall 1981; McKemon, pers. comm. 1993. 4. Jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. and Wetlands Three areas along the proposed alignment were identified as having potential to fall under the jurisdiction of the USACE; Santa Ana River, East Twin Creek, and the Gage Canal. At each location a wetland delineation was performed as described in the Methodology and Survey Limitations section of this report Locations of wetland delineation survey points are shown on Figure Sa, Sb, and 6 and the corresponding fold data forms are provided as Attachment 1. The results and conclusions for each potential area are discussed below. - - - AmRiver—__ . Vegetation. Within the Santa Ana River, only the southern portion and northern bank supported significant hydrophytic vegetation. The remainder of the channel is void of vegetation. The southern portion is dominated by hydrophytic vegetation species such as Fremont cottonwood (FACW), California black willow (OBL), mule fat (FACW), giant reed (FACW), coastal goldenbush (FACW), and Mexican juncos (FACW). Other hydrophytic species present include arroyo willow (FACW), tamarisk (Tamarix sp.) (FACW), and Douglas sagewort (FACW). The northern bank of the river is covered by rip-rap with hydrophytic plant species, such as California black willow, Fremont cottonwood, and mule fat, growing through it. Soils. Soils within the center of the Santa Ana River channel are mapped and classified as Psamments and Fluvents, frequently flooded. Further from the center, within the channel and immediately adjacent to it, the Tujunga soil series is mapped (USDA 1980). Tujunga soils are classified as Typic Xeropsamments. Both classifications designate a soil belonging to the Entisol order. Entisols are newly formed soils, similar to the parent material, which lack distinct horizons within the soil profile. Tujunga soils are typically formed on alluvial fans from granitic alluvium in dry climates. These soils are deep, loamy sands to gravelly loamy sands with low organic content and rapid permeability. Psamments and Fluvents consist of sandy and gravelly material within intermittent rivers and streams. These river bottom soils are frequently washed out and then replenished by alluvial sediments from upstream. The soil profile revealed in the test pit closely matched the description for the Tujunga soil series in the USDA soil survey. Although no hydric soil indicators characteristic of soils in the Entisol order were present (i.e., organic streaking of the subsoil, a chroma of three or less with the presence of mottles in the subsoil, the presence of an oxidized rhizosphere, or the presence of saturated soils (high water table), the soils were determined to be hydric according to the USACE wetland delineation manual, which characterized soils as hydric if all dominant plant species have an indicator of OBL or FACW, the wetland boundary is abrupt (i.e., defined banks), and the wetland hydrology indicators are present. Hydrology. The majority of the bottomlands of the Santa Ana River were inundated and flowing during the time of the survey. Hydrologic indicators such as water born vegetative debris and surface sediment deposits were present within the southern area which supported hydrophytic vegetation; however, the depth to water table was greater than 18 inches where test pits were dug. The entire channel, bank to bank, is assumed to be inundated during periods of high water flow, but the exact duration and frequency is variable and seasonal. Conclusions. The Santa Ana River is a major drainage with high volume flows. Within the piojccE area, it contains well=defined banks wiih a normahg wh ater mark covering the width of the channel. The entire channel, bank to bank, is classified as jurisdictional "waters of the U.S." in which 1.5 acres exists at the proposed Santa Ana River crossing (see Figure 5a). - � p By meeting all three wetland parameters in the USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual (USACE 1987), the vegetated portions of the bottomland of the Santa Ana River channel were determined to be wetlands, which includes approximately 0.7 ache. The unvegetated portions of the river channel are subject to excessive seasonal scouring, which inhibit the development of hydrophytic vegetation, and therefore, cannot be classified as wetlands. b. East Twin Creek Vegetation. Vegetation in East Twin Creek is generally disturbed due to the high- velocity water flows associated with this channelized drainage. Hydrophytic plant species present include cattail (OBL), mule fat, and giant reed. Soils. Soils mapped for the East Twin Creek belong to the Grangeville Series (USDA 1980). Grangeville soils are classified as Fluvaquentic Haploxerrolls. These soils are in the mollisol order which are typically dark, rich soils with a surface layer high in organic matter and a simple profile. Hydric soil indicators in Mollisol soils are often masked by the dark color of the horizons. However, certain indicators can be observed that reveal hydric conditions. These indications include a low chroma (two or less) with the presence of mottles or soil saturation, soil saturation within the top 18 inches (high water table), the presence of an oxidized rhizosphere, or the presence of gleyed soils (a gray color due to prolonged saturation). Soil test pits were dug, when feasible, within the bottomlands of East Twin Creek, which revealed hydric soils. The soil contained indicators such as a very dark grey (IOYR 311) surface horizon (0-4 inches) and a low chroma (lOYR 3R) subsurface horizon (4-18 inches). Mottles were present at the 10-inch level with a color of 7.5YR 4/6. Hydrology. As with the Santa Ana River, East Twin Creek also was partially inundated and flowing during the time of the survey. Arras not inundated showed evidence of high water mark and matted vegetation in the direction of water flow. In addition, sediment deposits were present on the surface. Test pits dug where conditions were not inundated had a depth to ground water of greater than 18 inches. It was clearly evident that water flows across the entire span of the creek, but the frequency and duration is likely variable and seasonal. The presence of hydric soils indicates that water is present for long enough duration to meet tha hydrology parameter: -- Conclusions. East Twin Creek is a major tributary to the Santa Ana River with well- defined rip-rap banks, and is, therefore, considered a jurisdictional "water of the U.S." encompassing approximately 0.6 acre within the project boundary (see Figure 6). By meeting all three wetland parameters, the bottomlands of this channel were determined to be a wetland. However, the quality of this wetland is considered to be low, since the vegetation is mostly disturbed resulting from the scouring by seasonal high-velocity water flows associated with rip-rap stream channehution. C. Gage Canal Vegetation. Vegetation on the southern one-half of the Gage Canal is dominated by hydrophytic plant species such as Fremont cottonwood, California black willow, mule fat, wild grape (FACW), and horehound (FAC). The northern portion of the canal has been disturbed or previously cleared of most vegetation and is currently dominated by non-native grasses and herbs. Soils. Soils mapped for the Gage Canal are of the Tujunga Series (USDA 1980). Soil test pits revealed soil profile characteristics similar to those observed in the Santa Ana River, although the soil is more loamy in texture. No hydric soil indicators were observed within the area. The rapid permeability of this sandy soil likely prevents prolonged soil saturation preventing the development of anaerobic conditions. Hydrology. The Gage Canal historically transported water for residential and agricultural activities for the city of Riverside. Water is currently transported through an underground pipeline below the canal. The surface inspection nor test pits observed any hydrologic indicators. Conclusions. Although at one time the Gage Canal may have been jurisdictional "waters of the U.S.," the hydrology has been permanently altered by installing the underground pipeline and is currently non-jurisdictional. Riparian hydrophytic plant species existing along the southern portion of the canal are believed to have become established when the canal was active. These mature species are believed to be rooted down to the depth of the current water table, thus enabling them to survive. This existing vegetation is classified as riparian, although low quality. Project Impacts The proposed project involves the construction of the Orange Show Road extension which will involve the loss of a limited amount of natural habitat. The direct and indirect impacts associated with the proposed project are discussed below. A. Direct Impacts Approximately 1.5 acres of jurisdictional waters within the Santa Ana River (0.7 acre of which is wetland) and 0.6 acre of jurisdictional waters and combined wetlands within East Twin Creek would be adversely impacted by implementation of the proposed project Implementation of the proposed project would impact approximately 0.9 acne of southern cottonwood/willow riparian forest and associated alluvial fan sage scrub in the Santa Ana River and in the Gage Canal. Potential impacts to federal and state listed plant species such as the Santa Ana River woolly-star and slender-horned spineflower would be considered significant if these species are determined to occur within the proposed project Loss of approximately 1.3 acmes of potential habitat of the San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat would be considered a significant regional incremental impact if the species is determined to be present Loss of 0.9 acne of riparian habitat could constitute a potentially adverse affect to the least Bell's vireo if it is also determined to be present Loss of habitat for the loggerhead shrike and San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit and raptors by the proposed project would be considered to be a cumulative impact However, it is not considered significant given the current level of disturbance already existing within the proposed alignment Construction of this road project is unlikely to affect the ability of these species to maintain viable populations in the vicinity. B. Indirect Impacts Indirect impacts to wildlife species would also be expected to result from implementation of the proposed project Noise generated by heavy equipment may mask bird vocalizations affecting a male's ability to attract a mate or defend its territory. Similarly, traffic noise generated from the completed road alignment may mask bird vocalizations. In addition, roadways may result in wildlife kills as animals try to maintain historical pathways. Impacts of these types are very difficult to quantify; however, they are not considered to be significant given the present disturbance and fragmentation of habitat throughout the proposed alignment Recommendations As cumulatively significant impacts to wetland/riparian habitat and wildlife could result• from the implementation of the project as proposed, the following measures and recommendations are deemed appropriate and necessary and would reduce the impacts to a level below significance. "Waters of the U.S." and wetlands within the proposed bridge crossings of East Twin Creek and the Santa Ana River fall under the jurisdiction of the USACE. Modification or impacts to these areas would require notification to the USACE and a Nationwide Permit (Section 15) under the Clean Water Act. Section 15 outlines the discharges of fill incidental to construction of bridges across "waters of the U.S." Wetland/riparian habitat within the proposed bridge crossings are also under jurisdiction of the CDFG, which has control over alterations to stream channels under Section 1600- 1603 of the California Fish and Game Code. Section 1601 requires that a Streambed Alteration Agreement be obtained with the CDFG regarding impacts and any mitigation for loss of riparian/wetland habitat from the proposed project. Before any modifications are made to the current stream channel, the CDFG must be notified and a 1601 Agreement formulated. A restoration plan to mitigate impacts to wetland/riparian habitat should be prepared by a qualified biologist. This plan should include the restoration of a minimum 0.9 acre (based on a recommended mitigation ratio of 1:1 for impacts) of southern cottonwood- willow scrub with associated alluvial fan sage scrub habitat. However, this ratio is subject to change through the permitting processes with the appropriate resource agencies.. The restoration site should be located within an appropriate area within the Santa Ana River drainage as close to the impact area as feasible, and be included as part of a regional open space design. Plant species chosen for the native restoration design should mimic those of surrounding habitat. In addition, any appropriate abutment slopes should be replanted with native riparian species and included as part of the restoration plan as stated above. A spring survey to search for sensitive plant species, such as the federal and state endangered slender-horned spineflower and Santa Ana River woolly-star, is recommended. Although of marginal quality, habitat which may be used by the least Bell's vireo occurs within or adjacent to the project site along the Santa Ana River and this species has been recorded within one mile of the site in the same drainage. Therefore, directed surveys for this species, using USFWS survey guidelines, are recommended to determine its status on-site. To avoid impacts to other nesting birds and to comply with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, grading activities should be conducted between August and March, which is outside of the breeding season. By impacting the habitat outside of the breeding season, construction activity can occur within the riparian area during the breeding season without potential direct impacts to nesting migratory bird species. Where potential habitat exists, a trapping program, performed by a qualified biologist with the appropriate permits, should be conducted at least one week prior to grading to determine presence of the San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat within the proposed road alignment. If this species is determined to be present, the animals should be trapped and relocated to similar habitat upstream of the proposed project in an appropriate location, which is subject to approval the USFWS. To prevent animals from returning to the proposed impact area, kangaroo rat exclusion fencing should be installed at the boundaries of the grading area. .If any federally endangered species are located within the project area, a Section 7 consultation with USFWS would be required. In addition, impacts to "waters of the U.S." would no longer be covered by a Nationwide Permit and would require an individual 404 permit involving appropriate mitigation prior to project implementation. References Cited American Ornithologists' Union 1983 Checklist of North American Birds (sixth ed.). Washington, D.C. 1989 Thirty-Seventh Supplement to the American Ornithologists'Union. Ballmer, G. 1993 Symposium, Rare and Endangered Insects of Southern California. San Bernardino Natural History Museum, Redlands,California. February 13. Behler, J. L., and F. W. King 1979 The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Bostic, D. L. 1964 The Ecology and Behavior of Cnemidophorws Hyperythrws beldingi Cope (Sauna: Teiidae). Masters Thesis. San Diego State University. Brattstrom, B. H. 1989 Status Survey of the Orange-throated Whiptail, Cnemidophorws hyperyduws beldingi, and the San Diego Horned Lizard, Phrynosoma coronatwm blainvilki. Progress Report on Fish and Game Contract: FG 8597. California Department of Fish and Game, Endangered Species Branch, Inland Fisheries Division. Rancho Cordova, California. California, State of 1991 State and Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. The Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game. Revised April. 1988 Annual Report on the Status of California's State Listed Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals. The Resource Agency, Department of Fish and Game. March. 1992 California Natural Diversity Data Base. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. Database search current through December 1992. Collins, Joseph T. 1990 Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 19. Third Edition. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Athens, Ohio. Garrett, K., and Jon Dunn 1981 Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution. Los Angeles Audubon Society, Los Angeles. Hickman, J. C. (editor) 1993 The Jepson Manual, Higher Plants of California. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, California. Holland, Robert F. 1986 Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. Nongame-Heritage Program, California Department of Fish and Game. October. Jones, J. K., D. C. Carter, H. H. Genoways, R. S. Hoffman, and D. W. Rice 1982 Revised Checklist of North American Mammals North of Mexico. Occasional Papers of the Museum, Texas Tech University 80:1-22. McGurty, B. M. 1981 Status Survey Report on the San Diego Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillei) occurring on Camp Pendleton U.S. Marine Corps Base, Miramar U.S. Naval Air Station, Fallbrook Annex U.S. Naval Weapons Station during the Survey Period August to November 1981. Report to the USFWS Endangered Species Office. Contract 11310-01129-81. i McKemon, Bob 1993 San Bernardino Natural History Museum. Personal communication with P. Famolaro, RECON. March 9. Mills, M. 1991 San Diego Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillit). San Diego Herpetological Society 13:Issue 9. Munz, P. A. 1974 A Flora of Southern California. University of California Press, Berkeley. RECON 1989 Comprehensive Species Management Plan for the Least Bell's Vireo. Prepared for the San Diego Association of Governments. May. Remsen, Jan 1979 Species of Special Concern: California's Imperiled Birds. Western Tanager 45(8):1-8. Robbins, C. S., Bertel Bruun, and Herbert S. Zim 1983 Birds of North America: A guide to field identification. Golden Press, New York. 360 pp. San Bernardino, City of 1989 City of San Bernardino General Plan. Section 10 (Natural Resources). June 2. Smith, J. P., and K. Berg 1988 Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. California Native Plant Society Special Publication No. 1,4th edition. Sacramento. Stebbins 1985 1985 A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians. 2nd ed.,revised Houghton Mifflin, Boston. Tate, James, Jr. 1986 The Blue List for 1986. American Birds 40(2):227-236. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Wetlands Research Program, Technical Report Y-87-1. Department of the Army, Washington, D.C. U.S. Department of Agriculture 1980 Soil Survey of San Bernardino County, Southwestern Part, California. Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service. January. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1988 Least Bell's Vireo Draft Recovery Plant. Portland, Oregon. 1991 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Candidate Review for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species, Proposed Rule. Federal Register vol. 56, No. 225. November 21. 1992 Letter from Brooks Harper to Jon Michaels (supervisor of the county of E Bernardino) concerning alluvial scrub habitat. March 13. U.S. Department of the Interior 1988 National List of Plant Species that Occur in Wetlands: California (Region O) Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Report 88(26.10). May. Zembal, R., and K. Kramer 1984 The known limited distribution and unknown future of the San Ana River Eriastrum. Crossosoma 10(5) 1-8. p ATTACHMENT 1 DATA FORM ROUTINE ON-SITE DETERMINATION METHODI Feld Investigator(s): Peter Famolaro,Jeff Newman Date: February 12, 1993 Project/She: East Twin Creek State: CA County: San Bernadino Applicant/Owner: City of San Bernadino Plant Community#/Name: 2/dismrbed Note: If a more detailed site description is necessary, use the back of data form or a field notebook. ' Do normal environmental conditions exist at the plant community? Yes X No (If no, explain on back) Has the vegetation, soils,and/or hydrology been significantly disturbed? Yes X No (If yes, explain on back) Seasonal scouring of the channel bottom, associated with high velocity water flows caused by stream channelization, regularly removes vegetation from the channel. VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Indicator Status Stratum 1. Tvpha sp. OBL herb 2. Baccharis glutinosa FACW shrub 3. Arundo donax FACW herb 4. Nordeum sp. ~- berb Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, and/or FAC: 75 Is the hydrophytic vegetation criterion met? Yes X No Rationale: Even the area is sparsely vegetated due to seasonal scouting,greater theta 50%of species dominaat� were OBL,FACW,and/or FAC. SOILS SeHes/phase: GrangevWe Subgroup2: Fluvaquendc Haploxerrol Is the soil on the hydric soils list? Yes No X Undetermined Is the soil a Histosol?Yes No X Histic epipedon present? Yes No X Is the soil: Mottled? Yes X No Gleyed? Yes No X Matrix Color: 0-4" 10YR 3/1,4- 1 Be 10YR 312 Mottle Colors: 7.5YR 41/6 Other hydric soil indicators: Inundated soils approximately 10 feet from test pit Is the hydric soil criterion met? Yes X No Rationale: Low chroma soils(2 or less)with Mottles HYDROLOGY Is the ground surface inundated? Yes No X Surface water depth: Is the soil saturated? Yes X No Depth to free-standing water in pit/soil probe hole: greater than IS' List other field evidence of surface inundation or soil saturation: Flowing and pooled water within 10 feet of the sample point, high water mark spanning the entire width of the chitmeL surface sediment deports across the channel Is the wetland hydrology criterion met? Yes X No Rationale: Although not entirely indundated at the time of the survey,the whole channel I n m Mowed signs of periodic water flow. JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION AND RATIONALE Is the plant community a wetland? Yes X No Ratinr ala fnr iuriadie±tinnal ria&ta nn- All thrw aeetimui nseatneumm mat DATA FORM ROUTINE ON-SITE DETERMINATION METHOD1 Feld Investigator(s): Peter Famolaro,Jeff'Newman Date: February 27, 1993 Project/She: Santa Ana River(south side) State: CA County: San Bernadino Applicant/Owner: City of San Bernadino Plant Community #/Name: 1/riparian Note: If a more detailed site description is necessary, use the back of data form or a field notebook. Do normal environmental conditions exist at the plant community? Yes X No (If no, explain on back) Has the vegetation, soils, and/or hydrology been significantly disturbed? Yes No X (If yes, explain on back) VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Indicator Status stratum 1. Populus fremontii FACW tree 2. SaUx gooddingii OBL tree 3. Pluchea serieea FACW shrub 4. Baccharis glutinosa FACW shrub 5. Arremisia douglasiana FACW herb 6. Juncus mesicanus FACW herb 7. Naplopappus venous FACW shrub 8. Croton cakfornicus UPL herb Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, and/or FAC: 100 Is the hydrophytic vegetation criterion met? Yes X No Rationale: Greater than 50%of the dominants are OBL,FACW,andlar FAC SOILS Series/phase: Tujunga Subgroup2: Typic Xeropsamments Is the soil on the hydric soils list? Yes No X Undetermined Is the soil a Histosol? Yes No X Histic epipedon present? Yes No X Is the soil: Mottled? Yes No X Gleyed? Yes No X Matrix Color. IOYR 5\3 Mottle Colors: Other hydric soil indicators: Is the hydric soil criterion met? Yes X No Rationale: Dominant plant species have an indicates status of OBL or FACW. The wedaod boundary is abrupt and wetland hydrologic indicators are present HYDROLOGY Is the ground surface inundated? Yes No X Surface water depth: Is the soil saturated? Yes No X Depth to free-standing water in pit/soil probe hole: greater than IS* List other field evidence of surface inundation or soil saturation:Flowing water approximately 25 feet from samp:e point.high water mark present across the entire channel Is the wetland hydrology criterion met? Yes X No Rationale: Portions of the river were flowing with vegetative debris indicating high water mark across the span of the channel. JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION AND RATIONALE Is the plant community a wetland? Yes X No