4.5 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

4.5.1 Overview

This section addresses the potential impacts and recommended measures regarding special-status biological resources in the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP). The TRTP includes a series of new and upgraded high-voltage transmission lines (T/Ls) and substations to deliver electricity from new wind energy facilities in eastern Kern County, California to the Los Angeles Basin. The Project components include 7 discrete transmission line segments and one segment comprised of several substation expansions and/or upgrades. It spans a distance of approximately 170 miles, through semi-arid desert, agricultural lands, the Angeles National Forest (ANF), and small-to-large incorporated areas, in more than 40 federal, state, or local jurisdictions. Detailed Project components are described in Section 3.0, Project Description.

As part of the Project’s permitting and environmental assessment process, SCE mapped the vegetative communities and wildlife habitats on the transmission segment R-O-Ws and substation sites. SCE also evaluated the likelihood of occurrence by special-status plant and wildlife species in the Project area and in association with any of the proposed Project facilities. The approach to this evaluation involved two distinct phases: review of existing literature and database records, and field surveys, wherein qualified biologists conducted constraints-level field studies along the entire R-O-W and around substation facilities. The Project biological study area includes the centerline along each proposed and alternative segment route, plus a buffer zone of 500 feet on either side of the centerline and around the substation sites. Detailed descriptions of these surveys appear in Section 4.5.2. Technical Methodology. The Biological Technical Reports in Appendix H (Appendix H1, Biological Technical Report for the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project, Segments 4, 5, 9, and 10; Appendix H2, Biological Technical Report for the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project, Segments 6, 7, 8, and 11) detail data utilized and findings presented in this analysis.

The Project crosses a wide range of biological habitats. Due to the variety of species and habitats, for the purposes of the Biological Resources analysis, the Project was divided into two parts: the Northern Portion of the Project Study Area (NPPSA) and the southern portion of the Project Study Area (SPPSA). The NPPSA includes Segments 4, 5, 10, and alternatives 10A and 10B, and substations related to Segment 9 including Vincent Substation and all substations north of Vincent Substation. The SPPSA includes Segments 6, 7, 8, 11, and substations related to Segment 9 that lie south of Vincent Substation. Figure 4.5-1 [Sheet 1, 2] providedes a set of keys for Special-status species (NPPSA Key to Special-status Species; SPPSA Key to Special-status Species) to be used for all NPPSA-related figures, and the second for all SPPSA-related figures.

Figures 4.5-2 through 4.5-10 [Figure 4.5-2 Sheet 1, 2, 4.5-3, 4.5-4, 4.5-5, 4.5-6, 4.5-7, 4.5-8, 4.5-9, 4.5-10] and the vegetation maps in Volume II of the Biological Technical Reports in Appendix H1 and Appendix H2 identify many of the findings presented in this report, including dominant vegetation types, habitats, and locations of specific special-status plant and animal sightings. These figures offer both overview information as well as details on a segment-by-segment basis.

4.5.1.1 Vegetation Communities

The NPPSA, for biological purposes, covers the portions of the Project in the Mojave Desert between the Tehachapi Mountains and San Gabriel Mountains. The SPPSA covers the portion of the Project in the ANF and portions of urban areas in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Valleys. The SPPSA traverses numerous upland and wetland vegetation community types. Major vegetation community types that occur within the southern portions (Segments 6, 7, 8, and 11) of the TRTP include agricultural and developed lands, herbaceous communities, scrubs and chaparral communities, riparian communities, woodland communities, and forest communities. This section covers both the NPPSA and SPPSA. The Vincent Substation is the common point between the two portions.

Vegetation communities were observed and mapped within the NPPSA from the Windhub Substation, along Segments 4, 5, and 10, to and around the Vincent Substation. Communities identified include: Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub, Big Sagebrush Scrub, Rabbitbrush Scrub, Desert Saltbush Scrub, Southern Mixed Chaparral, Semi-desert Chaparral, Non-native Grassland, Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest (a sensitive community), Mojave Desert Wash Scrub, Mojavean Juniper Woodland and Scrub, and Joshua Tree Woodland. The distribution of vegetation communities across segments is listed in Table 4.5-1 and mapped on a 68-page figure set that can be found in Volume II of the Biological Technical Report.

Quality of the vegetation communities in the SPPSA ranges from very high in the San Gabriel Mountains and Puente/Chino Hills areas to moderately degraded and burned near the Vincent Substation, to highly degraded and mostly developed in the southern areas of Segments 7 and 11, as well as the eastern and western ends of Segment 8.

Where Segments 6 and 11 traverse the ANF, the primary vegeta-tion communities are large expanses of various series of chaparral communities, divided by smaller patches of forest and woodland communities on ridges and steep drainage walls and bottoms. The vegetation cover the foothills of the ANF include coastal sage - chaparral scrub mix and coastal sage scrub communities.

Table 4.5-1
Distribution of vegetation communities

¹   Present along Amargosa Creek and Anaverde Creek.

²   Patch size of individual communities below minimum mapping unit.

South of the mountains, the San Gabriel Valley is largely developed, with much of the study area located in narrow transmission line easements with land uses including commercial plant nurseries, ranches, or other developments. Notably, the slopes between the ANF and the edge of the developed areas on the valley floor still support natural open space communities including chaparral and coastal sage scrub on Segment 11, and Riversidean alluvial fan sage scrub communities associated with flood control basins along the San Gabriel River.

Other natural open spaces supporting native vegetation communities occur in the Whittier Narrows area along Segments 7 and 8. These were originally bottomlands supporting coastal sage scrub and various riparian communities such as arroyo willow riparian forest, southern willow scrub, and freshwater marsh communities. These currently occur in patches within large areas of non-native grasslands and ruderal habitats in the Whittier Narrows Dam Recreation Area and associated parks.

The Puente Hills/Chino Hills portions of Segment 8A traverse a ridgeline supporting a matrix of coast live oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grassland communities. The coast live oak woodlands transition to California walnut woodlands to the east. The Chino Hills, in the vicinity of Chino Hills State Park, is dominated by a non-native grassland community with small patches of coastal sage scrub and riparian scrubs and woodlands remaining.

The area east of Chino is a patchwork of agricultural and abandoned agricultural lands with little to no remaining native vegetation communities. These areas provide little habitat for native and special-status plant species, but does, however, provide habitat for a number of wildlife species, many associated with the numerous agricultural fields and ponds of the area.

Native vegetation communities in both the NPPSA and the SPPSA were described following the convention of Holland (1986) except those lacking codes in Holland for Agricultural lands and Non-native Grasslands, which are described from the California Gap Analysis (Davis, 1998). Vegetation communities that occur within the project area are described below.

4.5.1.1.1 Non-native Vegetation, Developed Areas, or Unvegetated Communities.

Disturbed/Developed. Disturbed/developed areas are generally subject to intensive use with much of the land covered by structures. Disturbed areas are typically characterized by heavily compacted or frequently disturbed soils, and are often devoid of vegetation or possess only a sparse cover, including ruderal communities which are well adapted to survive in such conditions.

Developed areas are largely devoid of vegetation, with the exception of sparse ornamental plantings. Disturbed areas within the NPPSA are primarily comprised of annuals, such as Wild Oat (Avena fatua), Black Mustard (Brassicca nigra), and brome grasses (Bromus spp.), as well as occasional shrubs, including Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus). Disturbed/ developed areas occur patchily along all segments and adjacent to all existing and proposed substations due to greater levels of human use. Along Segments 4, 5, and 6, disturbed/developed lands comprised a minor component (i.e., less than 7 percent).

Agricultural Land. Agricultural land is used primarily for production of food and fiber. The number of building complexes is smaller and the density of the road and highway network is much lower in Agricultural land than in developed areas.

Agricultural lands within the NPPSA are comprised of various crops, including alfalfa, cherry trees, and olive trees. Active crops are most abundant along Segment 4, where agricultural uses comprised 17 percent of that segment. Agriculture comprised less than one percent of Segment 5 and was not observed in Segment 10.

Agricultural lands occur sporadically throughout Segment 6, 7, and 8 within the SPPSA. The Agricultural lands are comprised of various row crops, including strawberry and vineyards.

Non-native Woodland. Non-native Woodland consists primarily of eucalyptus, pepper tree, and pines, although some of the mapped extent represents mixed ornamental species. Non-native Woodlands within the project area typically occurred in recreational areas such as golf courses or maintained public parks. Non-native Woodland was mapped where trees are in close proximity to natural open space and could support nesting birds. Trees within developed areas were mapped as part of the developed habitat.

Unvegetated Channel. These communities describe scoured floodways, unvegetated streambeds and in some cases unvegetated water retention ponds and manmade flood retention channels. Most common species include scattered Narrow-leaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia), Duckweed (Lemna sp.), Goodding’s Black Willow (Salix goodingii), and Bulrush (Scirpus sp.), but not to an extent that they constitute other vegetation communities. In some cases unvegetated channel habitat can be United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) unvegetated Waters of the U.S., but not in all cases.

Open Water.Open Water habitat typically is unvegetated due to a lack of light penetration. Floating plants such as duckweed, Water Buttercup (Ranunculus aquatilis), and Mosquito Fern (Azolla filiculoides) are typically present. Open water includes inland depressions, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and stream channels containing standing water and often occur in conjunction with riparian and upland vegetation communities. Depth may vary from hundreds of feet to a few inches.

Ruderal. Ruderal areas those that have generally been severely disturbed or cleared, such as road fills and construction sites, or that are subject to recurrent disturbance, such as roadsides, but are not actively maintained free of vegetation like dirt road beds. The disturbances that result in ruderal areas are typically a result of anthropogenic impacts. The flora of such ruderal areas is dominated by introduced exotic species such as Russian-thistle, Tumbleweed (Amaranthus albus), Mustard (Brassica spp.), Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Horseweed (Conyza spp.), Lamb’s Quarters (Chenopodium album), and Castor Bean (Ricinus communis).

4.5.1.1.2 Herbaceous Communities.

Native Grassland. Native Grassland is dominated by perennial, tussock-forming Needlegrass (Nassella spp.). Native and introduced annuals occur between the perennials, often actually exceeding the bunchgrasses in cover, usually on fine-textured (often clay) soils, moist or even waterlogged during winter, but very dry in summer.

Native Grassland was identified only in two areas of the SPPSA. These areas are located within the Puente and Chino Hills along the Segment 8A study corridor. Within these areas, Native Grassland is associated with non-native grassland. Areas were mapped as native grassland if they had a greater than 10 percent cover of native grassland species.

Non-native Grassland. Non-native grassland is comprised of dense to sparse cover of annual grasses with flowering culms growing from 0.7 feet to 1.6 feet high. This community is often associated with numerous species of showy-flowered, native annual forbs (wildflowers), especially in years of favorable rainfall. Germination occurs with the onset of the late fall rains, and growth, flowering, and seed-set occur from winter through spring. With few exceptions, the plants are dead throughout the summer-fall dry season, persisting as seeds. Non-native grasslands typically occur on fine-textured, usually clay soils, moist or even waterlogged during the winter rainy season and very dry during the summer and fall.

Non-native grasslands within the NPPSA are comprised of brome grasses, Black Mustard, Wild Oat, and occasional Russian Thistle (Salsola trigus). Additionally, non-native grasslands often mix transitionally (intergrade) with other communities as an understory. Non-native grasslands are predominant along flatland stretches of Segments 4 and 5, since non-native species often colonize areas that have been subjected to human disturbance. Along Segment 10, characteristic species occur only as an understory component of desert shrub communities.

Non-native Grassland is patchily distributed throughout the entire SPPSA. Large stands of Non-native Grasslands occur within the Puente and Chino Hills of the project area within the Segment 8A study corridor.

4.5.1.1.3 Shrub and Chaparral.

Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub. Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub is comprised of widely-spaced shrubs from 0.5 to 3 m in height, dominated by Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) and Burro-weed (Ambrosia dumosa). Growth is prevented by cold in winter and limited by drought in other seasons, and only occurs during spring when rainfall is sufficient. The community generally develops on well-drained secondary soils with very low water-holding capacity. It occurs on slopes, fans, and valleys. This community typically grows where winter temperatures are often below freezing. Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub occurs only within the NPPSA.

Within the NPPSA, Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub is dominated by Creosote Bush, with varying shrub and herb layers. Shrubs commonly occurring within this community included Rabbitbrush, Cheesebrush (Hymenoclea salsola), Mormon Tea (Ephedra californica), and occasional Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia). The herb layer varied from sparse to abundant, dominated by non-native grasses, such as brome grasses and Wild Oats. The Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub community occurred along all segments, becoming most predominant along Segment 10 where it comprised approximately 80 percent of the area surveyed along the R‑O‑W.

Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub. Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub (MMWS) is a complex desert scrub community that is open enough to be passable and is usually characterized by Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia herbertii), California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum polifoliu), and Bladderpod (Isomeris arborea). MMWS occurs on very shallow, overly-drained, often rolling-to-steep soils usually derived from granitic parent materials. Sites have extremely low water-holding capacity, mild alkalinity, and low salinity. MMWS intergrades on deeper soils (with higher water-holding capacity); at cooler elevations it intergrades with Great Basin Scrubs, Blackbush Scrub, or Pinyon Woodlands, and at warmer elevations with Creosote Bush Scrub. MMWS occurs only within the NPPSA.

Within the NPPSA, MMWS is dominated by a mix of shrubs, including California Buckwheat, Encelia spp., Mormon Tea, Rabbitbrush, California Sagebrush (Artemesia californica), and Our Lord’s Candle (Yucca whipplei). It was found exclusively within Segment 5, comprising nearly 18 percent of the area. It occurred patchily along hillsides, interspersed with other dry-habitat shrub communities.

Rabbitbrush Scrub. According to Holland, Rabbitbrush Scrub is dominated by species of Rabbitbrush, such as Rubber Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), which usually grows to approximately 3.3 feet tall. The community is comprised of fairly evenly-spaced gray shrubs flowering in late summer or fall. Rabbitbrush Scrub develops in areas that have been relatively recently subjected to fire, grazing, and/or soil tilling. Given that this community is limited to disturbed areas, it is hypothesized that vertisols (self-churning soils) may have been the only “pristine” rabbitbrush sites. Rabbitbuch occurs only within the NPPSA.

Within the NPPSA, Rabbitbrush Scrub is predominantly comprised of a varying cover of species such as Big Sagebush and Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub. This community grew exclusively along Segment 5, comprising less than one percent of the surveyed area along the R‑O‑W.

Desert Saltbush Scrub. Desert Saltbush Scrub is usually comprised of low, grayish, microphyllous shrubs that typically grow from 1 foot to 3.3 feet in height. This community also includes succulent species. Competition for water in highly arid environments makes total vegetation cover low, with much bare ground between the widely-spaced shrubs. Stands typically are strongly dominated by a single species of Saltbush (Atriplex). This community develops on fine-textured, poorly-drained soils with high alkalinity and/or salinity, usually surrounding playas on slightly higher ground. Desert Saltbush Scrub occurs only within the NPPSA.

Within the NPPSA, Desert Saltbush Scrub was dominated by Big Sagebrush, Mojave Saltbush (Atriplex spinifera), and All-scale (Atriplex polycarpa). Associated species include Rabbitbrush, California Juniper (Juniperus californicus), Mormon Tea, California Buckwheat, and Joshua Tree. This arid-adapted vegetation community was found along all segments, occurring at greatest abundance along Segment 10, where it reached seven percent cover of the surveyed area.

Southern Mixed Chaparral. Southern Mixed Chaparral typically grows to 4.9 feet to 10 feet in height. It is often not as dense as other chaparral communities, and occasionally occurs with patches of bare soil or forms a mosaic with sage scrub communities. This community is transitional from the chaparral habitats of California to the coastal semi-desert of Baja California Norte.

Within the NPPSA, Southern Mixed Chaparral is dominated by Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia). Other commonly occurring species include California Juniper (Juniperus. californicus) and Big Berry Manzanita (Arctostaphylus glauca), with occasional Holly-Leaf Redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia) and Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus mexicanus). The understory of the community was comprised of sub-shrubs, such as California Buckwheat, sages (Salvia spp.), and non-native grasses. Southern Mixed Chaparral was mapped exclusively along Segment 5, where it comprises eight percent of the surveyed area. It was most often found on slopes of hilly to mountainous terrain.

In the SPPSA, subdominant shrubs or occasional components of southern mixed chaparral include Chaparral Whitethorn (Ceanothus leucodermis), Bigberry Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca), Mountain Mahogany, Toyon, Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), Chaparral Candle (Hesperoyucca whipplei), and Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). In the SPPSA, this community primarily occurs along Segments 6 and 11 within the ANF. This vegetation community is also patchily distributed along Segments 7 and 8.

Semi-desert Chaparral. Semi-desert Chaparral is very similar to Northern Mixed Chaparral, but more open and not quite so tall (4.9 feet to 9.8 feet). Several of the genera that dominate this community include junipers, buckwheats, and cactuses. This community most likely becomes dormant in the winter from cold and in late summer and fall from drought. It often intergrades with Mojavean Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands, but occurs on rockier soils or recently burned sites. It is less fire-prone than other chaparrals due to lower fuel loads (i.e., lower plant densities). Semi-desert Chaparral occurs only within the NPPSA.

Within the NPPSA, Semi-desert Chaparral was dominated by Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) with California Buckwheat, Our Lord’s Candle, and Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon sp.). Non-native grasses also comprised portions of the understory, making this community similar to other described shrub communities. This community was mapped only along Segment 5, where it comprised approximately two percent of the area surveyed along the R‑O‑W.

Mojave Desert Wash Scrub. Mojave Desert Wash Scrub is a low and scrubby, diverse vegetation community that is often characterized by Cat-claw (Acacia greggii),Desert Willow (Chilopsis lineraris), California Ephedra (Ephedra californica), Desert Olive (Forestiera neomexicana), Barberry (Berberis haematocarpa), and Smoke Tree (Psorothamnus spinosus). It tends to lack the conspicuous microphyllous trees of Desert Dry Wash Woodland. This community occurs on sandy arroyos, washes, and sub-irrigated bajadas, usually below about 5,000 feet in elevation. These stands experience some winter frost, which appears to keep out the fabaceous (bean-pod-bearing) trees, such as oaks. Mojave Desert Wash Scrub is distributed along washes, springs, and arroyos throughout the Mojave Desert. Mojave Desert Wash Scrub occurs only within the NPPSA.

Within the NPPSA, Mojave Desert Wash Scrub was observed to be dominated by Cheesebrush (Hymenoclea salsola) and Scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum), with Rabbitbrush (Artemesia nauseosus), native bunch grasses (Stipa spp.), and Joshua Treeoccurring occasionally. Mojave Desert Wash Scrub comprised just over one percent of surveyed areas along Segment 10, but was not mapped along any other segment.

Big Sagebrush Scrub. Big Sagebrush Scrub is mostly comprised of soft-woody shrubs approximately 1 foot to 6 feet tall, usually occurring with bare ground underneath and between shrubs. The dominant shrub in this community is Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). Typical of southern California scrub communities, growth occurs mostly in late spring and early summer, before plants drop their leaves to avoid high rates of transpiration during the hot, dry summer. The community is largely dormant in the winter. Big Sagebrush Scrub occurs on a wide variety of soils and terrain, from rocky, well-drained slopes to fine-textured valley soils with high water tables. Frequently associated with Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, it may also occur in colder, drier, less well-drained, or more alkaline areas.

Portions of the NPPSA that were comprised of Big Sagebrush Scrub were dominated by Big Sagebrush, which was interspersed with various species of shrubs, including Rabbitbrush and an understory of non-native grasses. The Big Sagebrush community was a minor component of all vegetation communities along the R‑O‑W, comprising less than one percent of the area mapped along Segment 5. It was not noted along the other segments.

Big Sagebrush Scrub primarily occurs within the northern desert portions of the SPPSA. The understory of this community is often sparse due to the harsh climate and difficult growing conditions.

Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub. Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub is an open to moderately dense, broad-leaved phreatophyte evergreen scrub that attains a height of 3 feet to 4.5 feet. It is dominated by Scalebroom (Lepidospartum squamatum), which is primarily restricted to floodplain habitats. These areas flood only occasionally (every 5 to 10 years); therefore, many upland species become established in the streamside habitat. The occasional flooding and sediment reworking, however, is the driving force that maintains this vegetation type and is described as open vegetation adapted to alluvial fans and outwashes. It grows on sandy, rocky alluvia deposited by streams that experience infrequent episodes of flooding at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub plant communities or habitats found within the SPPSA are considered a sensitive biological resource by several regulatory and conservation agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and California Native Plant Society (CNPS). Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub primarily occurs within the San Gabriel River floodplain in the southern and eastern portions of the SPPSA along Segments 7 and 8 and is not found within the NPPSA.

Chamise Chaparral. Holland (1986) describes the Chamise Chaparral vegetation type as a chaparral that is overwhelmingly dominated by Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum). Stands of this type are very dense, with little understory vegetation or litter, reaching 3 feet to 10 feet in height. This chaparral type is found on dry, exposed sites, and is adapted to repeated fires by stump sprouting. Species that can be present in the chamise chaparral include Bigberry and Eastwood Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca and A. glandulosa), Black Sage (Salvia mellifera), California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), Poison Oak, Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), and California Lilac (Ceanothus cuneatus). Chamise Chaparral occurs only within the SPPSA.

Chamise Chaparral is the most dominant habitat type within the ANF portions of the SPPSA. This vegetation community occurs along both Segments 6 and 11.

Coastal Sage Scrub - Chaparral Scrub. Coastal Sage Scrub - Chaparral Scrub is a mix of leathery-leaved, woody chaparral species and drought deciduous, fleshy-leaved sage scrub species. Likely a post-fire successional community, this community is an intermediate between coastal scrubs and chaparrals. Dominant species include Chamise, Deerweed (Lotus scoparius), Red Brome (Bromus madritensis ssp. rubens), Black Sage, Tocalote (Centaurea melitensis), and Mission Manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor). Coastal Sage Scrub-Chaparral Scrub occurs only within the SPPSA.

Coastal Sage-Chaparral Scrub primarily occurs along the transition zones between Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub habitat within the SPPSA. These areas occur primarily along Segments 6 and 11, and are patchily distributed along Segments 7 and 8.

Coastal Sage Scrub. Coastal Sage Scrub is one of the major shrub-dominated (scrub) communities within California. This community occurs on xeric sites with shallow soils. Sage scrub species are typically drought deciduous plants with shallow root systems. Both of these adaptations allow for the occurrence of sage scrub species on these xeric sites. Coastal Sage Scrub consists of low, mostly soft-woody shrubs, 1.5 feet to 6 feet tall, and typically with bare ground or grasses underneath and between shrubs. Coastal Sage Scrub can occur as a dense, closed canopy cover or as scattered shrubs. In areas where coastal sage scrub is mechanically disturbed to the point that it would no longer function as habitat for characteristic wildlife species, it was mapped as disturbed sage scrub. The Coastal Sage Scrub vegetation community is considered a sensitive biological resource by several regulatory and conservation agencies including local governments and federal and state agencies such as the USFWS and CDFG. Coastal Sage Scrub occurs only with the SPPSA.

Coastal Sage Scrub dominants in the SPPSA include California buckwheat, coastal sagebrush (Artemisia californica), laurel sumac (Malosma laurina), broom baccharis (Baccharis sarothroides), white sage (Salvia apiana), black sage, deerweed, and lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia). Coastal Sage Scrub is one of the most widely distributed habitat type within the SPPSA. Large continuous stands of this habitat occur within the foothills of the ANF along Segments 6 and 11, and it is patchily distributed along Segments 7 and 8A within the more urbanized areas of the SPPSA.

Northern Mixed Chaparral. Northern Mixed Chaparral is composed broad-leaved sclerophyllous shrubs, 6 feet to 12 feet tall, forming dense, often nearly impenetrable vegetation dominated by Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia), California Sagebrush, and any one of several taxa in Arctostaphylos and Ceanothus. Northern Mixed Chaparral typically occurs on dry, rocky, often steep south-facing slopes in northern California but north-facing in the south, with little soil usually little or no understory vegetation; often considerable accumulation of leaf litter. Plant growth may occur throughout the year but is highest in spring and much reduced during the late summer-fall dry season or during the winter at higher elevations. Northern Mixed Chaparral is adapted to repeated fires with many species responding via stump sprouting. A dense cover of annual herbs may appear during the first growing season after a fire, followed in subsequent years by perennial herbs, short-lived shrubs and re-establishment of dominance by the original shrub species (Holland, 1986). Nothern Mixed Chaparral occurs only within the SPPSA.

Northern Mixed Chaparral primarily occurs within the higher granitic slope areas of Segments 6 and 11 that traverse the ANF. Associated species include California Flannelbush (Fremontodendron californica), Thick Leaf Lilac (Ceanothus crassifolius), Hairy Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon trichocalyx), and Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus minutiflorus).

Scrub Oak Chaparral. Scrub Oak Chaparral is a dense, evergreen chaparral to 20 feet tall, dominated by scrub oak with considerable mountain mahogany. Scrub Oak Chaparral typically occurs in more mesic areas than other chaparral associations, often at slightly higher elevations (to 5,000 feet) (Holland, 1986). This habitat can occur on all slope exposures in deep or shallow soils that may be rocky. The understory layer is typically sparse to lacking (Sawyer and Keeler-Wolf, 1995). Scrub Oak Chaparral primarily occurs within the ANF portions of the SPPSA along Segments 6 and 11 and occurs on Segment 5 within the NPPSA.

Upper Sonoran Ceanothus Chaparral. Upper Sonoran Ceanothus Chaparral is a low, fairly penetrable scrub of soft-wooded, summer-dormant, drought-tolerant shrubs. Dominance varies among sites, but usually consists of both chamise and several ceonothus species. Upper Sonoran Ceanothis Chaparral occurs only within the SPPSA.

Upper Sonoran Ceanothus Chaparral is patchily distributed within the higher elevation portions of the ANF in Segments 6 and 11. Associated species within this vegetation community within the SPPSA include Chamise, Thick Leaf Lilac, Chaparral Candle, and Bigberry Manzanita.

4.5.1.1.4 Woodland Communities.

Mojavean Juniper Woodlands and Scrub. Mojavean Juniper Woodland and Scrub is an open woodland dominated by California Juniper, with an understory of typical Mojave Mixed Scrub and Steppe species that is more diverse than in most Pinyon-Juniper types. This community is better developed on gentle slopes or alluvium, usually at slightly lower elevations than the Mojavean Pinyon Woodland, Jeffrey Pine forest, or Semi-desert Chaparral. It also intergrades with Joshua Tree Woodland or Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub on drier soils. It occurs from 5,000 feet to 8,000 feet in the north and 4,000 feet to 6,000 feet in the south.

Within the NPPSA, Mojavean Juniper Woodland and Scrub was observed to be dominated by California Junipers (Juniperus californicus) with an understory comprised of Rabbitbrush, Big Sagebrush, Mormon Tea (Ephedra sp.), the grass species Vulpia myuros, and sparsely-occurring species of cholla, such as Teddy-bear Cholla (Opuntia bigelovii). This community grows along Segments 4 and 5, where it comprises approximately 10 and 27 percent of the mapped vegetation communities, respectively.

Mojavean Juniper Woodland and Scrub primarily occurs within the desert portions of the SPPSA, including the northern portions of Segment 6 and 11 near the Vincent Substation.

Joshua Tree Woodland. Joshua Tree Woodland is an open woodland with Joshua Trees, which grow up to 39 feet high,usually as the only arborescent species. Due to the sparse distribution of Joshua Trees in this community, numerous 3.3- to 13-foot-tall shrubs occur between these trees. The dominant understory species display a diversity of life forms: sclerophyllous evergreen trees and shrubs, microphyllous evergreen shrubs, semideciduous shrubs, semisucculents, and succulents. The main growing season is spring, with most growth limited by cold in winter and drought in summer and fall. This community occurs typically on sandy, loamy, or gravelly, well-drained gentle alluvial slopes. It is transitional climatologically and biologically between low and high elevations with Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, which occurs in areas with poorer soil drainage and colder winters. At higher elevations, Joshua Tree Woodland intergrades with Mojavean Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, which occurs in areas that are cooler and moister, but better drained. Joshua Tree Woodland occurs only within the NPPSA.

Within the NPPSA, Joshua Tree Woodland occurred at relatively low densities. In certain areas, the community contained California Juniper at such densities that it was described as a co-dominant, as well as shrub species common to Mojavean Juniper Woodland and Scrub. Mormon Tea, Saltbush, and Cheesebrush also occurred commonly in many areas. Joshua Tree Woodland occurs along all segments; however, it occurs at greater cover along the more-arid Segment 10 (six percent cover) than Segment 4 (two percent) and Segment 5 (less than one percent).

California Walnut Woodland. California Walnut Woodland is similar to and often intergrades with interior Live Oak Woodland or Coast Live Oak Woodland, but with a more open tree canopy locally dominated by California Walnut (Juglans californica). The open tree canopy allows development of a grassy understory. In most sites, this understory is comprised of introduced winter-active annuals that complete most of their growth cycle before the deciduous walnut leafs out in spring. This vegetation community occurs on relatively moist, fine-textured soils of valley slopes and bottoms, as well as encircling rocky outcrops mostly between 500 feet and 3,000 feet.

California Walnut Woodland primarily occurs along portions of Segment 8A that traverse the Puente and Chino Hills. California Walnut Woodlands found within the SPPSA are considered a sensitive biological resource by several regulatory and conservation agencies including local governments and federal and state agencies such as the USFWS and CDFG.

Coast Live Oak Woodland. Coast Live Oak Woodland typically occurs on steep, north-facing slopes and shaded ravines or along raised stream banks and terraces, where it forms open to relatively closed canopy stands dominated by only one dominant tree, Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia), which is evergreen and reaches 30 feet to 75 feet in height. The shrub layer is poorly developed, but may include Toyon, Gooseberry (Ribes spp.), Lemonadeberry, and Mexican Elderberry. The herb component is typically dominated by non-native grassland. This vegetation community occurs within the outer South Coast Ranges, and coastal slopes of Transverse and Peninsular ranges, usually below 4,000 feet. Coast Live Oak Woodland occurs only within the SPPSA.

Coast Live Oak Woodland is widely distributed throughout the southern portions of the SPPSA within Segments 6, 7, 8A, and 11. Coast Live Oak Woodlands found within the SPPSA are considered a sensitive biological resource by several regulatory and conservation agencies including local governments and state agencies such as the CDFG.

Interior Live Oak Woodland. Interior Live Oak Woodland is a broad-leaved, sclerophyllous woodland that grows to 50 feet tall and is dominated by Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizenii). Interior Live Oak Woodland usually occurs on sloping to steep, north facing hillsides below about 8,500 feet. The overstory canopy closure is typically dense and abundant, persistent leaf litter precludes much of the herbaceous understory. The Interior Live Oak Woodland vegetation community primarily occurs along Segment 6 and 11 within the ANF of the SPPSA, typically within ravines and does not occur within the NPPSA.

Mojavean Pinyon Woodland. Mojavean Pinyon Woodland is open woodland dominated by Pinyon Pine (Pinus monophylla) with an open shrubby understory of species commonly found in adjacent non-forested stands. Dominant shrubs include Big Sagebrush, California Juniper, and Mountain Mahogany.

Mojavean Pinyon Woodland is patchily distributed along the northern portion of Segment 6 near the Vincent Substation of the SPPSA. This vegetation community intersperses with Mojavean Juniper Woodland and Scrub found within the NPPSA.

Mixed Woodland. This vegetation community was created specifically for areas that occur along Segment 7 and 8A of the SPPSA within the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area that did not exemplify any of the Holland vegetation communities. Associated species include a mix non-native woodland and riparian species. Mixed Woodland contains small patches of arroyo willow riparian forest, southern willow scrub, mule fat scrub, coastal sage scrub, ruderal habitat, and stands of non-native trees. This vegetation community may contain wetlands or support sensitive species typically associated with its component communities.

4.5.1.1.5 Forest Communities. None of the Forest Communitites are present north of Vincent Substation. Several Forest Communities occur South of the Vincent Substation, in the SPPSA and are described below.

Big Cone Fir - Canyon Oak Forest. Big Cone Fir - Canyon Oak Forest is an open (on steep slopes) to dense (on flats) forest dominated by Bigcone Spruce (Pseudotsuga macrocarpa). Trees are typically 50 feet to 80 feet tall and occur over a dense subcanopy of Canyon Oak (Quercus chrysolepis) and a very sparse herb layer. Most stands are fairly small within a chaparral matrix. Big Cone Fir-Canyon Oak Forest is scattered throughout the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges of southern California. Its modern distribution has been altered by the frequency and severity of fires. In many places it appears to be dwindling as a result of very intense modern fires. Although the species is known to resprout and to have thick, fire-resistant bark, it cannot survive extremely hot fires. This vegetation community occurs only within the portions of Segments 6 and 11 that traverse the higher peaks of the ANF.

Canyon Oak Forest.Canyon Oak Forest, dominated by Canyon Oak, is transitional forest community between low elevation broadleaved forests and higher elevation coniferous forests. This vegetation community typically occurs with little understory species on rocky, often steep north-facing slopes on relatively low elevations and on south-facing slopes at higher elevations with little understory.

Canyon Oak Forest occurs only within portions of Segment 6 and 11 that traverse the ANF. This forest community was often observed in transitional areas where forest habitats integrate with chaparral communities. Canyon Oak Forest was also often observed in areas where Big Cone Spruce seemed to be unable to resprout, evidence of this was the presence of old dead Big Cone Spruce “snags.”

Coulter Pine Forest. An open forest (or more accurately, woodland) of scattered Coulter’s Pine (Pinus coulteri) that typically occur on dry, rocky soils of slopes and ridges at elevations ranging from 4,000 feet to 6,500 feet. Coulter Pine Forest is most frequent on south-facing slopes and frequently intermixes with chaparral. Some stands are dense enough to suppress the shrubby layer. This forest community is subject to fairly frequent fires. Coulter Pine Forest primarily occurs within the higher elevations of Segment 6 and 11 that traverse the ANF.

4.5.1.1.6 Riparian Communities.

Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest. Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest is comprised of tall, open, broadleafed winter-deciduous riparian forests dominated by Freemont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and several tree willows. The understories usually are comprised of shrubby willows. This community occurs on sub-irrigated and frequently overflowed lands along rivers and streams. The dominant species require moist, bare mineral soil for germination and establishment, which is provided after flood waters recede, leading to uniform-aged stands. Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest occurs only within the NPPSA.

Within the NPPSA, Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest is similar to that described by Holland, comprised of Freemont Cottonwoods and Willows (Salix spp.). Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest only occurs in Segment 5, along portions of Amargosa Creek and Anaverde Creek. Riparian areas within the NPPSA appeared to be slightly degraded since portions of the creeks and surrounding vegetation were being subjected to grading and channelization by roadwork crews as of March 2007 field surveys.

Disturbed Wetland. Disturbed Wetlands occur in areas of mechanical disturbance where exotic, herbaceous wetland species have invaded to an extent that native species have been displaced, and that the habitat is no longer definable as any native community. Despite the name, disturbed wetlands may or may not fall under the jurisdiction of the CDFG or USFWS. Disturbed wetlands occur in portions of Segment 7, 8A, and 11 of the SPPSA and do not occur within the NPPSA.

Mule Fat Scrub. Mule Fat Scrub is a depauperate, tall, herbaceous riparian scrub strongly dominated by Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia). This early seral community is maintained by frequent flooding. Absent frequent flooding, most stands would succeed to willow or sycamore dominated riparian forests or woodlands. The community occurs in intermittent stream channels with fairly coarse substrate and moderate depth to the water table, and frequently occurs as a patchy understory in light gaps in sycamore alluvial woodland, especially under heavy grazing. Mule Fat Scrub occurs only within the SPPSA.

The community is widely scattered along intermittent streams and near larger rivers from about Tehama County south through the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada to San Diego and northwestern Baja California, usually below about 2,000 feet. Mule fat scrub primarily occurs along the SPPSA within drainages in Segments 7, 8A, and 8B.

Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest. Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian forest is dominated by Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis) and interspersed with Freemont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and other willow species. This vegetation community often has a dense understory of shrubby willows, Mule-Fat, and Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana). It is an open or closed canopy forest that is generally greater than 18 feet high and occupies relatively broad drainages and floodplains supporting perennially wet streams. The dominant species require moist, bare mineral soil for germination and establishment. This is provided after floodwaters recede, leading to uniform-aged stands. Riparian forest differs from riparian woodland in that California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) is generally lacking, or at least is not dominant. Coast Live Oak are also mostly absent from this community. Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest primarily occurs along the SPPSA within drainages in Segment 8A and does not occur within the NPPSA.

Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest. Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest is an open to locally dense evergreen sclerophyllous riparian woodland dominated by coast live oak. This type appears to be richer in herbs and poorer in understory shrubs than other riparian communities. The habitat occurs in bottomlands and outer floodplains along larger streams, on fine-grained, rich alluvium in canyons and valleys of coastal southern California, mostly south of Point Conception. Southern Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest occurs along the SPPSA within drainages in Segment 7, 8A, and 11 and does not occur within the NPPSA.

Southern Cottonwood Riparian Forest. Southern Cottonwood Riparian Forest is a tall, open, broadleafed winter-deciduous riparian forests dominated by Freemont Cottonwood and Black Cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) with a tree and shrubby willow understory. It occurs in sub-irrigated and frequently overflowed lands along rivers and streams. The dominant species require moist, bare mineral soil for germination and establishment. This is provided after flood waters recede, leading to uniform-aged stands in this seral type. This forest is distributed along perennially wet stream reaches of the Transverse and Peninsular ranges, from Santa Barbara County south to Baja California and east to the edge of the deserts. Southern cottonwood riparian forest occurs along the SPPSA within drainages in Segment 8A and does not occur within the NPPSA.

Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland. Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland is a tall, open, broadleafed, winter-deciduous streamside woodland dominated by California sycamore and, often, White Alder (Alnus rhombifolia). These stands seldom form closed canopy forests, and even may appear as trees scattered in a shrubby thicket of sclerophyllous and deciduous species.

Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland occur in very rocky streambeds subject to seasonally high-intensity flooding. Alder increases in abundance on more perennial streams, while sycamore favors more intermittent hydrographs. It is distributed in the Transverse and Peninsular ranges from Point Conception south into Baja California Norte. Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland occurs along the SPPSA within drainages in Segment 6, 8A, and 11 and does not occur within the NPPSA.

Southern Willow Scrub. Southern Willow Scrub forms dense, broadleafed, winter-deciduous riparian thickets dominated by several willow species, with scattered emergent Freemont Cottonwood and California Sycamore. Most stands are too dense to allow much understory development. Southern Willow Scrub often forms in loose, sandy, or fine gravelly alluvium deposited near stream channels during flood flows. This early seral type requires repeated flooding to prevent succession to Southern Cottonwood-Sycamore Riparian Forest. The habitat was formerly extensive along the major rivers of coastal southern California, but now much reduced by urban expansion and flood control. Southern Willow Scrub occurs along the SPPSA within drainages in Segment 6, 7, and 8A and does not occur within the NPPSA.

4.5.1.1.7 Sensitive Vegetation Communities. Sensitive vegetation communities are considered relatively rare in southern California. These habitats are limited in distribution, restricted by narrow habitat requirements, susceptibility to human disturbance and degradation, invasion of non-native species, or a combination of all of these factors. Consequently, the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) maintains a list of sensitive communities or habitats that require special consideration due to their unique nature, limited distribution, or importance as habitat for special-status species and common wildlife. These communities are afforded special status by the State due to their considerable decrease, primarily a result of urban and agricultural development.

Most natural riparian vegetation in southern California has been lost or degraded by land use conversions to agricultural, urban, and recreational uses; channelization for flood control; sand and gravel mining; ground water pumping; water impoundments; and various other changes. Riparian habitats are biologically productive and diverse, and are the exclusive habitat of several threatened or endangered wildlife species. The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) identifies these communities as “high priority for inventory,” because riparian areas have the potential to support special-status plant and animal species such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that are otherwise unlikely to occur in surrounding upland, arid vegetation communities.

Riparian vegetation occurs along perennial or intermittent drainages that typically are subject to seasonal flooding. Such drainages are regulated under provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Sections 1600 to 1612 of the California Fish and Game Code.

One sensitive vegetation community occurs within the NPPSA: Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest, as described in Section 4.5.1.1.6.

Descriptions of the relative abundance of vegetation communities within the NPPSA along segments are provided in Sections 4.5.6.1 (Segment 4), 4.5.6.2 (Segment 5), 4.5.6.6 (Segment 9, i.e., substations), and 4.5.6.7 (Segment 10, including Alternatives 10a and 10b). Direct impacts of the TRTP on these communities are also discussed separately for each segment, while indirect construction and operations impacts for all segments combined are presented in Segment 4, Section 4.5.6.1.2 Impact Analysis, Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts.

Several of the vegetation communities occurring within the SPPSA are considered sensitive, or to have special status, due to their natural rarity and their decline in area due to development and/or the number of sensitive plant or animal species dependent upon them. Sensitive habitats also include those regulated by the USACE pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA; are under the jurisdiction of the CDFG pursuant to Sections 1600 through 1612 of the California Fish and Game Code; are known or believed to be of high priority for inventory in the California Natural Diversity Data Base (CNDDB, 2007) or regulated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (i.e., site-specific designated critical habitat areas for federally listed wildlife species).

Sensitive vegetation communities within the SPPSA include California walnut woodland, coast live oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, native grassland, riparian, and wetland communities.

Descriptions of the relative abundance of vegetation communities within the SPPSA along Segments 6, 7, 8, and 11 are provided in Sections 4.5.6.3 (Segment 6), 4.5.6.4 (Segment 7), 4.5.6.5 (Segment 8 including Segments 8A, 8B, and 8C), and 4.5.6.8 (Segment 11). Direct impacts of the TRTP on these communities are also discussed separately for each segment, while indirect construction and operational impacts for all segments combined are presented in Segment 4, Section 4.5.6.1.2 Impact Analysis, Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts.

4.5.1.2 Special-status Species

Special-status species1 include those plant and wildlife species that receive local, state, and federal protection. These species are listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), USFS, CDFG, and California Native Plant Society (CNPS) as a result of their limited distributions, restricted habitat requirements, and susceptibilities to human disturbance (i.e., urbanization, and introduction of non-native species) extirpation and extinction. Sensitive plant species include those occurring on the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California (2007). Consequently, these plants and animals have received the following local, state, and federal designations.

•  Federal Designations

•  Federally Endangered: species, subspecies, or varieties in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range (extirpation)

•  Federally Threatened: species, subspecies, or varieties likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range

•  Federally Proposed Endangered or Threatened: species, subspecies, or varieties for which a proposed regulation, but not a final regulation, has been published in the Federal Register

•  Federal Candidate: species, subspecies, or varieties considered for listing, but for which a proposed regulation, but not a final regulation, has yet to be published in the Federal Register

•  USDA Forest Service Designations

•  Region 5 Forest Service Sensitive: designated sensitive species, not listed or proposed under the ESA, that have been identified by a Regional Forester for which population viability is a concern, as evidence by: significant current and predicted downward trend in population number and density and/or significant current or predicted downward trends in habitat capability that would reduce a species’ existing distribution.

•  Region 5 Forest Service Watch List: species reviewed for the Regional Forester’s Sensitive List that did not meet the criteria to be included, but are of more localized concern and need to be considered in the planning process; includes species that are locally rare (as opposed to declining throughout their range), are of public concern, occur as disjunct populations, are newly described taxa, lack sufficient information on population size, threats, trend, or distribution.

•  California State Designations

•  State Endangered: species in serious danger of becoming extinct throughout all, or a significant portion, of their range due to one or more causes, including loss of habitat, over exploitation, competition, or disease.

•  State Threatened: species that, although not presently threatened with extinction, is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future in the absence of special protection and management efforts.

•  State Rare Plants: native California plant species, subspecies or varieties that, although not presently threatened with extinction, occur in such small numbers throughout their range that they may become endangered if their present environment worsens. In addition, the CNPS has established a system of ranking rare plant species based on their threat level as enumerated and defined in Section 4.5.3.2.7.

•  California Species of Special Concern (CSC): vertebrate species that have been designated as “species of special concern” by the CDFG because declining population levels, limited ranges, and/or continuing threats have made them vulnerable to extinction.

4.5.1.2.1 Special-status Plants. Twelve special-status plant species are reported by the CNDDB and California Native Plant Society Electronic Inventory (CNPSEI) as having occurred within a 5-mile radius of the NPPSA (Figures 4.5-1 [Sheet 1, 2] , 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] , Figure 4.5-3, Figure 4.5-8, Figure 4.5-9 and Table 4.5-2). The potential for occurrence of each species was evaluated based on an assessment of habitat suitability for supporting the species, known species range, and

Table 4.5-2
Special-status Plant Species Potentially Occurring or Encountered in the vicinity of Segments 4, 5, 9, and 10

population status. Of these 12 plant species, only one is State-listed and a federal candidate - the San Fernando Valley General discussions of special-status plant species were derived from descriptions provided by the CNDDB (CNDDB, 2007) and the CNPSEI (CNPS, 2007). Locations of special-status plant species that have been reported to the CNDDB to occur within the study corridor are depicted on Figure 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] , Figure 4.5-3, Figure 4.5-4, Figure 4.5-8, and Figure 4.5-9. Additionally, habitat descriptions, listing statuses, potentials for occurrence, and potential NPPSA habitats and segments in which special-status plant species have a potential to occur are presented in Table 4.5-2. The Biological Technical Report, Appendix H1, contains more detailed discussion of individual plant species with the potential to occur in the NPPSA.

The SPPSA, according to the CNPS Electronic Inventory of Rare or Endangered Vascular Plants of California (CNPS, 2007), CNDDB (2007), ANF - Forest Service Sensitive Plant List (USFS, 2006), and other sources, contains several special-status plants that have the potential to occur in the general vicinity of the SPPSA (Table 4.5-3). For plants judged as having low potential, no further assessment is provided, because potential impacts to species of such plants with low potential are considered unlikely and hence not significant. For plants that were identified during preliminary field surveys or were judged as having moderate to high potential for occurrence along the routes, more specific discussions are provided below. The Biological Technical Report, Appendix H2, contains more detailed discussion of individual plant species with the potential to occur in the SPPSA.

Preconstruction surveys for federal and state-listed species, USFS-sensitive, and CNPS List 1B and 2 plant species with moderate or higher probabilities to occur along the Project R‑O‑W will be conducted in the appropriate blooming season for all plants to determine likely presence or absence within both the NPPSA and the SPPSA. Special-status plant species that have the potential to occur are enumerated on a segment-by-segment basis in Sections 4.5.6.1 (Segment 4), 4.5.6.2 (Segment 5), 4.5.6.3 (Segment 6), 4.5.6.4 (Segment 7), 4.5.6.5 (Segment 8), 4.5.6.6 (Segment 9), 4.5.6.7 (Segment 10), and 4.5.6.8 (Segment 11). Direct impacts of the TRTP on these plants are also discussed separately for each segment, while indirect construction and operations impacts for all segments combined are presented in Segment 4, Section 4.5.6.1.2 Impact Analysis, Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts.

4.5.1.2.2 Special-status Wildlife. Twenty-four special-status wildlife species are reported to occur within a 5-mile radius of the NPPSA. Four of the species are listed as federal or state Endangered Species Act (ESA) protected species. The 20 remaining special-status species are listed by the CDFG as California Species of Special Concern. Three of these species were observed within the NPPSA, including the Golden Eagle (Aquila chryseatos), Ferruginous Hawk, and California Horned Lark. Fourteen of the California Species of Special Concern were determined to have moderate or high potentials to occur. Three species, including the Southwestern Pond Turtle, Tehachapi Pocket Mouse (Perognathus alticolus inexpectatus), and San Joaquin Pocket Mouse were determined to have low potentials to occur within the overall NPPSA (i.e., across all Project segments) due to the absence of suitable habitat requirements. Descriptions of the special-status wildlife species with moderate or higher potentials for occurrence are provided. Those species that are State or Federally Listed receive special attention. Species discussions are largely based on descriptions provided by the CNDDB (CNDDB, 2007). Locations of special-status wildlife species that have been reported within the study corridor during the field surveys, along with occurrences reported to the CNDDB, are depicted on Figure 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] . Additionally, habitat descriptions, listing statuses, potentials for occurrence, and potential NPPSA habitats and segments in which special-status wildlife species have a potential to occur are presented in Table 4.5-4. The species that occur in the SPPSA are presented in Table 4.5-5 with additional information including listing status, habitat requirement, and their potential for occurrence within each segment of the SPPSA.

According to the CNDDB (2007), USFWS database of listed species (USFWS, 2007), the ANF Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Candidate and USFS Sensitive Species which may occur within the ANF (USFS, 2004), and other sources, a number of special-status wildlife species are known to occur or have the potential to occur in the vicinity of the proposed TRTP.

State- and Federally-listed Wildlife Species. In the NPPSA, four Federal or State-listed wildlife species are known occur within the general vicinity, include: California Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii), Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), and Mohave Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus mohavensis). The Mojave Ground Squirrel is considered to have a low probability of occurrence in the project footprint because very few records exist of it in the vicinity west of Highway 14. The other three species were determined to have moderate or high potentials to occur due to the presence of suitable habitat requirements.

Federal or State-listed wildlife species known to historically occur in the general vicinity of the SPPSA, or with a moderate-high potential to occur, include the Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis), Unarmored Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni), Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae), California Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora draytoni), Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa), Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus), San Gabriel Mountain Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps gabrieli), American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum), California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus), Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Coastal California

TABLE 4.5-3
SPECIAL-STATUS PLANT SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING OR ENCOUNTERED IN THE VICINITY OF SEGMENTS 6, 7, 8, AND 11

Table 4.5-4
Special-status Wildlife Species Observed or Potentially Occurring within the vicinity of Segments 4, 5, 9, and 10

¹   While some of these species are USFS-sensitive, no USFS designations are noted because the NPPSA does not enter the ANF.

Table 4.5-5
sPECIAL-STATUS WILDLIFE SPECIES OBSERVED OR POTENTIALLY OCCURRING iN THE VICINITY OF SEGMENTS 6, 7, 8, AND 11

Gnatcatcher, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), and Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus).

Of these species, several were determined not to occur in the SPPSA because of the extirpation of local populations, lack of suitable habitat, or because the SPPSA is out of the expected range of the species. Although occupied Delhi Sands Flower-loving Fly habitat occurs 1.0 mile north of the Mira Loma Substation (near the eastern end of Segment 8A, and Segments 8B and 8C), no suitable habitat was observed within the Project corridor. Unarmored Threespine Stickleback and Santa Ana Sucker occur in the San Gabriel River and major tributaries, but are not known from the crossings in the SPPSA and suitable habitat does not occur where impacts are expected. California Red-legged Frog potentially occurred in the proposed Project vicinity historically, but is generally believed to be extirpated from the ANF in the vicinity of the Project area with no recent sightings (Berkeley, 2007). San Gabriel Mountain Slender Salamander occurs in the ANF to the south of the proposed Project area, but the SPPSA is not within the species’ documented range and does not contain characteristic or suitable habitat (large talus slopes) for the species. California Condor historically occurred in the proposed Project vicinity, but the population has been extirpated. Captive bred condors released in the ranges to the north are carefully tracked and have not been reported in the proposed Project vicinity (Berkeley, 2007).Additional information is presented below for select species observed, with known historical locations, or a moderate to high potential to occur in the study area based on species range and potentially suitable habitat in or immediately adjacent to the SPPSA.

Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus). Arroyo Toad is listed as endangered by the USFWS. This species is also designated as a California Species of Special Concern and fully protected by the CDFG. Arroyo Toad is found in only very restricted areas of southern California and Baja California, Mexico. The northern-most populations of arroyo toad exhibit habitat specialization apparently favoring shallow pools and open sand-gravel flood terraces of medium to large order intermittent or perennial streams that are subject to periodic flooding. Arroyo toad populations exhibit utilization of lower order (smaller) streams, deep cut canyons where suitable breeding sites may be patchy, and use adjacent upland habitats (USFWS, 1999a). Arroyo toad larvae and eggs are especially susceptible to changes in water flow and siltation. Changes in water flow can strand or dislodge eggs and silt can suffocate larvae and eggs. Arroyo toad requires water for breeding and larvae, but disperses up to 1 kilometer into surrounding upland habitat as adults (USFWS, 1999a).

In general, arroyo toad habitat includes: 1) open streamside sand or gravel flats on low-gradient drainages (canopy closure is rare along streams inhabited by arroyo toads because the channel is usually wide, and episodic flooding prevents the establishment of tall riparian trees), especially those bordering the breeding pools; 2) margins of old flood channels on low terraces, particularly on sand and gravel flats in association with dense clumps of willows (especially during the late spring and summer); and 3) canopy margins of live oaks or scrub oaks on higher terraces, or bordering the floodplain (arroyo toad has been observed within about 6 feet of the dripline of the oak canopies, most often where the branches were within 6 feet to 8 feet of the ground) (Sweet 1991, 1993). The USFWS considers suitable upland habitat within one kilometer of occupied breeding habitat to be potential upland habitat for the species. Upland habitat suitability can be restricted by obstacles such as steep banks, cliffs, and slopes; as well as dense covers of vegetation or development that restrict movement. These factors would need to be addressed in an assessment of upland habitat.

On 13 April 2005, the USFWS designated critical habitat for arroyo toad. Unit 7B of designated arroyo toad critical habitat includes the portion of the Upper San Gabriel River that crosses Segments 6 and 11 of the Project Study Area. Another critical habitat area in the ANF is located along Little Rock Creek , approximately 3.5 miles east of Segment 6, but in a different watershed.

Arroyo toad has been documented at Castiac Creek, Big Tujunga Creek, Mill Creek, Alder Creek, Little Rock Creek, and Cajon Creek within the ANF (Stephenson and Calcerone, 1999; Schoenherr, 1976) of the SPPSA. Focused surveys conducted in 2001, 2002, and 2003 according to federal survey guidelines for this species failed to detect arroyo toad in the Arroyo Seco (AMEC 2002, USGS, 2002; AMEC, 2004). The USFS conducted a focused survey for arroyo toad, mountain yellow-legged frog, and California red-legged frog the ANF in suitable habitats within segments of Tujunga Canyon, Vogel Canyon, Bouquet Canyon, Big Rock Creek, Millard Canyon, Santa Anita Canyon, Winter Creek, Roberts Canyon, North Fork San Gabriel River, San Dimas Canyon, Wolfskill Canyon, San Antonio Creek, Icehouse Canyon, and Arroyo Seco with negative results for all three species (USGS, 2002).

In the project area, arroyo toad localities are reported from downstream of the Project Study Area at North Fork Mill Creek and Upper Big Tujunga Creek, and at the crossing of Alder Creek. All of these are part of the Big Tujunga Creek drainage system. Low to moderate potential for arroyo toad occurs at a number of other crossings on the ANF, as detailed in Appendix G.

Mountain Yellow-legged Frog (Rana muscosa). Mountain Yellow-legged Frog is listed as endangered in southern California (San Gabriel, San Jacinto, and San Bernardino mountains populations only) by the USFWS, designated a California Species of Special Concern by the CDFG, and managed as “sensitive” by the USFS.

The known geographic range of the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog is confined almost entirely to California, extending beyond the state line into Nevada only on Mount Rose, and probably historically around Lake Tahoe (Jennings and Hayes, 1994, Stebbins, 1985). It is distributed uniformly throughout the Sierra Nevada from its northern-most extent (Butts Creek, Plumas County) southward to southern Tulare County (vicinity of La Porte). Isolated populations are also known in the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, and Palomar Mountains in southern California (Jennings and Hayes, 1994). However, Stebbins (1985) reported an apparent decline in these southerly populations, which are now federally endangered

This montane frog frequents ponds, lakes, and streams at moderate to high elevations, typically from approximately 2,400 feet to greater than 12,000 feet above sea level (Jennings and Hayes, 1994). In southern California, the elevational range of this species is from 600 to 7,500 feet (USFWS, 1999b). It is absent from the smallest tributaries, likely due to insufficient depths for adequate refuge and overwintering (Jennings and Hayes, 1994). In southern California, the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog is associated with shaded rocky creeks (USFWS, 1999b). Mountain Yellow-legged Frog is vulnerable to poor water quality, siltation of habitat, and removal of streamside vegetation shading.

Currently, the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog is known to occur in upper Little Rock Creek, Cooper Canyon, upper reaches of Prairie Creek/Vincent Gulch, Devil’s Canyon, and Alder Canyon/East Fork of the San Gabriel River in the San Gabriel Mountains.

American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum). The American Peregrine Falcon is listed as endangered by the CDFG and considered sensitive by the USFS. It has been delisted by the USFWS. The species was eliminated as a breeding resident from much of continental U.S. during the 1950s but is currently being reintroduced into its historical range (Johnsgard, 1990).

In southern California, the American Peregrine Falcon is a rare winter visitor and breeding resident, most commonly observed from October through May (Unitt, 1984). Peregrine falcons are primarily found near large bodies of water where they feed on waterbirds. The species continues to be threatened by pesticide poisoning on wintering grounds, low breeding densities and reproductive isolation, lack of gene flow between populations, and reduced availability of foraging habitats and avian prey (Finch, 1992). A peregrine falcon pair has been recorded nesting near the Segment 11 crossing of Big Tujunga Creek along an access road. An additional migrating individual was historically observed perched on a structure at the Mira Loma Substation. The species has some potential of nesting in the SPPSA near Big Tujunga Creek, but would likely occur only as a winter visitor or migrating individual throughout the remainder of the SPPSA.

Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). Coastal California Gnatcatcher is listed as threatened by the USFWS, and considered a California Species of Special Concern by the CDFG. Studies of the species’ habitat preferences indicate that California sagebrush and California buckwheat are the primary plants used by Coastal California Gnatcatchers when foraging for insects (Atwood et al., 1995; RECON, 1987; ERCE, 1990; Ogden, 1992). The primary cause of this species’ decline is the cumulative loss of coastal sage scrub vegetation to urban and agricultural development (Atwood et al., 1995). Initial studies suggest that the Coastal California Gnatcatcher may be highly sensitive to the effects of habitat fragmentation and development activity (Atwood, 1990; ERCE, 1990; Ogden, unpublished data). The population in the U.S. is estimated to exceed 3,400 pairs (USFWS, 2000).

Critical habitat was designated by the USFWS for the species and includes 13 critical habitat units. Several portions of Segment 8A are located in Critical Habitat Unit 9, including Montebello, Puente, and Chino Hills.

The Biological Technical report, Appendix H2, identifies species sightings, historical localities, and potential habitat by segment and milepost number in the Project Study Area. Coastal sage scrub occurs onsite primarily in four areas: along Segment 11 in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near Eaton Canyon, in the foothills along Segment 7 and in the San Gabriel River floodplain, in the Montebello Hills along Segment 8a, and along the ridge of the Puente and Chino hills in the Segment 8a corridor. A total of eight pairs and territorial individuals were observed incidentally during project surveys in the Montebello Hills. Historical localities (CNDDB, 2007) are known from the southern foothills of the Puente and Chino hills, and moderate to high quality habitat occurs in the Project Study Area in this vicinity. In the San Gabriel River floodplain along Segment 7, no occurrences have been reported in the Project Study Area, although there has been a recent report of a pair of coastal California gnatcatchers in the Santa Fe Dam area (Long, 2007). Eaton Canyon is not within the known range of the species, and although the area is heavily visited by various bird groups and is included in Audubon Society Christmas Bird Counts, no individuals have been reported from this area. The nearest reported localities are the population in the Montebello Hills and a report of a juvenile individual in lower Arroyo Seco.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus). Southwestern Willow Flycatcher was listed as endangered by the USFWS in February 1995 because of “extensive loss of riparian breeding habitat, brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), and lack of adequate protective regulations” (USFWS, 1995). The species willow flycatcher is listed as endangered by the CDFG. Spring migration of the endangered subspecies is relatively late, beginning in early May and extending through June (Unitt, 1984). Fall migration occurs from August through mid October. Egg laying typically occurs from the end of May through the end of June. Dense thickets of willows, cottonwoods, white alders, or tamarisk are required for nesting, and nests are often near standing water (Zeiner et al., 1990), but the species has been found nesting in oak-dominated habitat in some areas. The breeding range includes the San Bernardino Mountains to the east, the Mojave River to the northeast, and the Santa Clara River to the northwest. Although potentially suitable habitat occurs in many of the drainages of the SPPSA, nesting has not been reported from the Angeles National Forest although migrating individuals have been observed on a number of studies (Berkeley, 2007) This species may occur elsewhere in the SPPSA where suitable riparian forests and woodlands occur, but is spottily distributed in southern California.

Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus). The Least Bell’s Vireo is listed as endangered by the USFWS and the CDFG. Historically this subspecies was a common summer visitor to riparian habitat throughout much of California. Currently, Least Bell’s Vireo is found only in riparian woodlands in southern California, with the majority of breeding pairs in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Riverside counties and smaller populations in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties.

The Least Bell’s Vireo arrives in southern California in late March and early April and leaves for its wintering ground in September. Least Bell’s Vireo nests during this period in riparian scrub habitats such as southern willow scrub as well as other riparian woodlands and forest with a shrubby understory. Individuals have also been known to nest in sub-optimal habitat such as non-native trees or shrubs adjacent to high quality habitat; mostly in cases where large populations occur in major riparian corridors (AMEC unpublished data). Since the vireos build their nests in dense shrubbery 3 feet to 4 feet above the ground (Salata, 1984), they require young successional riparian habitat or older habitat with a dense understory. Therefore, riparian plant succession is an important factor in maintaining vireo habitat. Nests are also often placed along internal or external edges of riparian thickets (USFWS, 1986).

Least Bell’s vireo has been recorded historically within Segment 8, and could occur in suitable riparian habitats throughout the lowlands of the SPPSA. Within the ANF portion of the SPPSA, nesting has not been recorded, but could potentially occur in the lower areas, particularly the along the southern boundary in Segments 6 and 11.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The Bald Eagle is listed as endangered by the USFWS but has been proposed for delisting. The species is listed as endangered by the CDFG. Numbers of Bald Eagles have been increasing since the 1970s, after precipitous declines in the first half of that century. Full legal protection and the banning of DDT are largely responsible for bringing bald eagle back from the brink of extinction.

Bald Eagles are extremely rare breeders in southern California (recent nesting at Lake Hemet in the San Jacinto Mountains); wintering birds are annual but rare and are typically found near large lakes and reservoirs (i.e., Big Bear Lake, Silverwood Lake, Lake Mathews). Bald Eagles prey on a variety of fish, birds and mammals, and carrion may comprise a large part of their diet. Bald Eagle may occur as a migrating species in the SPPSA, but is unlikely to nest there because of the lack of adjacent large water bodies suitable for foraging.

Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). The Desert Tortoise, a federal-threatened and state-threatened species, is a medium-sized tortoise with an adult carapace length up to about 14 inches. Its range extends from southern Nevada and extreme southwestern Utah south through southeastern California and southwestern Arizona into northern Mexico. In California, tortoises occur in northeastern Los Angeles, eastern Kern, and southeastern Inyo counties, and over most of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties. The Desert Tortoise inhabits river washes, rocky hillsides, and flat desert with sandy or gravelly soil. These habitats often contain Creosote Bush, Burrobush, Saltbush, Joshua Tree, Mojave Yucca and cacti along with other shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers (CNDDB, 2007). The Desert Tortoise’s range in California has been reduced 50 to 60 percent since the 1920s and is now highly fragmented due largely to human disturbances. In an effort to facilitate tortoise recovery, a federal Recovery Plan was completed in 1994 by the USFWS designating about six million acres as Critical Habitat, most of which is in California. Neither the NPPSA nor the SPPSA is within designated Critical Habitat for this species. The Recovery Plan will be implemented in California by a series of large-scale ecosystem management plans, including the West Mojave Plan (WMP), within which the NPPSA of the TRTP is located.

The WMP divides the historic Desert Tortoise distribution west of Highway 14 (West Mojave Plan FEIR/S, Map 20-9) into a “Survey Area” and “No Survey Area” (hatched and unhatched areas respectively). A 15-mile stretch of Segments 4 and 10 crosses through a WMP Survey Area (Figure 4.5-2 [Sheet 1. 2] ). The WMP promotes performing presence-absence surveys, using USFWS protocol methodology, for projects where there are several alternative sites or alignments being considered within Desert Wildlife Management Areas (DWMAs). The TRTP is outside any DWMA. The presence-absence surveys are aimed at making data available to choose sites and alignments that best meets the project proponent’s needs while minimizing impacts on Desert Tortoise individuals and habitats. Therefore, areas of the NPPSA with the following suitable vegetation communities may require preconstruction surveys: Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub, Big Sage Scrub, Desert Saltbush Scrub, Mojave Desert Wash Scrub, and Joshua Tree Woodland.

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsonii). Swainson’s Hawk, a State Threatened species, is a medium-sized hawk with relatively long, pointed wings and a long, square tail. It winters in South America and typically nests in the interior states of the western United States. Its breeding habitat includes grasslands with scattered trees, Juniper-sage flats, riparian areas, savannahs, and agricultural fields and ranches. Swainson’s Hawk commonly forages within grasslands, alfalfa, and/or grain fields that support populations of rodents such as voles (CNDDB, 2007). Swainson’s Hawks are restricted to portions of the Central Valley and Great Basin regions where suitable nesting and foraging habitat is still available. The loss of agricultural lands to various residential and commercial developments is a serious threat to this hawk throughout California. The NPPSA contains broad areas of land within Segments 4, 5, and 10 that provide suitable foraging and breeding habitat for the Swainson’s Hawk. These vegetation communities include: agricultural lands, Mojave Juniper Woodland and Scrub, Southern Mixed Chaparral, Semi-desert Chaparral, Non-native Grasslands, and Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest. It is a migrant or visitor to the Coast Ranges and coastal slope Southern California. Two nesting pairs of Swainson’s Hawk have been documented and confirmed within ten miles north of the Antelope Substation, adjacent to a series of Alfalfa fields (SCE, 2004, CPUC, 2006). This site is just south-southwest of Willow Springs, and about 6.5 miles northeast of the proposed Whirlwind Substation sites.

A large group of migrating individuals was observed flying high overhead within Segment 8 near Mira Loma, and the species could potentially occur in open habitats throughout the SPPSA as a migrant.

Mohave Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus mohavensis). The Mohave Ground Squirrel (MGS), a State Threatened species, inhabits underground burrows, in which it spends at least seven months of the year (usually from July or August through February) in estivation. It resides in various desert scrub communities of the western Mojave Desert in southwestern Inyo, eastern Kern, northwestern San Bernardino, and extreme northeastern Los Angeles counties. The Mohave Ground Squirrel inhabits Desert Scrub, Alkali Scrub, and Joshua Tree Woodland, preferring areas with sandy to gravelly soils, while avoiding rocky areas (CNDDB, 2007). The Mohave Ground Squirrel is threatened by loss and degradation of habitat due to clearing for agriculture and military activities and for urban, suburban, and rural development. Within the Mojave Desert, the WMP was established to conserve and protect the Mohave Ground Squirrel, among other species. Segments 4, 5, and 10 occur within the coverage area of the extreme western portion of the WMP (BLM, 2005). The Mohave Ground Squirrel has a “moderate” potential to occur within suitable habitats within the NPPSA, as noted below. Only a few records of the Mohave Ground Squirrel are known from west of Highway 14 where it is generally considered to be extirpated. Isolated individuals of this species are typically found scattered throughout its large range. Two individual Mojave Ground Squirrels were observed during reconnaissance-level surveys for the ATP Segment 3 (CPUC, 2006), which is in the proximity of TRTP Segment 10. Because of its scattered and patchy distribution, which is considered normal for the species, the WMP has designated a research program to do extensive trapping for the Mohave Ground Squirrel on 24 Sections of publicly held lands in the vicinity of TRTP Segments 4 and 10 (including Alternatives 10A and 10B). These factors make a strong case that preconstruction clearance surveys in TRTP Segments 4, 5, and 10 will be necessary. Despite its putative low potential to occur anywhere, and considering its special status in the WMP, the Mohave Ground Squirrel was determined to rank a “moderate” potential to occur within suitable habitats within the NPPSA.

The potential suitable habitats include: Non-native Grasslands, Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub, Big Sagebush Scrub, Rabbitbrush Scrub, Desert Saltbush Scrub, Mojave Desert Wash Scrub, Mojave Juniper Woodland and Scrub, and Joshua Tree Woodland.

See Section 3.6.3 of the Biological Technical Report in Appendix H1 for further discussion on the status of the Mohave Ground Squirrel in regard to potential occurrence in the NPPSA R-O-Ws and corridors. The MGS is an exceptional species in regards to determining its status on projects within its historic range. It has a naturally low probability for occurrence everywhere because throughout most of its vast range, seemingly only isolated individuals are found. Because of its rarity and special status with the WMP, the MGS is considered herein to require analysis similar to those special-status species that have moderate probability of occurrence.

California Species of Concern.

Fish. No special-status fish species were historically recorded in the SPPSA or the NPPSA or observed during initial surveys. One species, Arroyo Chub, has a moderate potential to occur several of the streams in the SPPSA based on habitat presence and general range of the species. Complete descriptions of special-status species can be found in the Biological Technical Reports (Appendices H.1 and H.2).

Amphibians. Special-status amphibian species observed during initial surveys or historically documented in, or immediately adjacent to the SPPSA, include Coast Range Newt. Western Spadefoot have a moderate to high potential of occurring in the SPPSA. No special-status amphibian species were located within the NPPSA.

Reptiles. In the NPPSA, the reptile species observed during initial surveys or historically documented in, or immediately adjacent to the NPPSA, include Silvery Legless Lizard, Coast (San Diego) Horned Lizard, and the Coast (California Horned Lizard).

Special status reptile species observed during initial surveys or historically documented in, or immediately adjacent to the SPPSA, include Southwestern Pond Turtle, Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake, Two-striped Garter Snake, and San Diego Coast Horned Lizard. Species with a moderate to high potential to occur in the SPPSA based on habitat and known range of species include Silvery Legless Lizard, Coastal Rosy Boa, San Bernardino Ringneck Snake, San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake, and Coast Patch-nosed Snake. Selected species recorded from the surveys and high interest species with a moderate to high potential to occur in the area are described below. Complete descriptions of special-status species can be found in the Biological Technical Reports (Appendices H.1 and H.2).

Silvery Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra). The Silvery Legless Lizard, a California Species of Special Concern, occurs largely within California, ranging from Contra Costa County south through the Coast, Transverse, and Peninsular ranges; parts of the San Joaquin Valley; and the western edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Mojave Desert to Baja California (Jennings and Hayes, 1994; Stebbins, 1966). In addition to being a California species of concern, this lizard is also a USFS Sensitive Species. California Legless Lizards occur primarily in areas with sandy or loose loamy soils under the sparse vegetation of beaches, Chaparral, or Pine-oak Woodland; or stands of sycamores, cottonwoods, or oaks that grow on stream terraces. They also occur in desert scrub at the western edge of the Mojave Desert (CNDDB, 2007). Small shrubs such as bush lupine (Lupinus sp.) growing in sandy soils are often indicators of suitable conditions. These lizards burrow in the loose soil of the washes, dunes, and loose alluvium, often near intermittent and permanent streams and can sometimes be found in association with plant roots. Because of their fossorial habits, they are not often detected. The Silvery Legless Lizard has a moderate potential to occur within the NPPSA due to the presence of suitable habitat requirements. Suitable habitat include Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest, as well as more arid habitats with sandy soils, such as Southern Mixed Chaparral, Semi-desert Chaparral, Desert Saltbush Scrub, Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, Mojave Mixed Woodland Scrub, Mojave Juniper Woodland Scrub, and Joshua Tree Woodland. Consequently this species may occur throughout all segments of the NPPSA and SPPSA, within specific areas where suitable sandy, friable soil occurs.

Two-striped Garter Snake (Thamnophis hammondii). The Two-striped Garter Snake inhabits coastal California from the Salinas area to northwest Baja California, and is also listed as a USFS Sensitive Species. It occurs from sea level to about 2,130 m in elevation. The Two-striped Garter Snake is a highly aquatic species found in or near permanent fresh water, often living along streams with rocky beds and riparian growth (CNDDB, 2007). It feeds on tadpoles, frogs, and small fish, although it ranges into surrounding upland habitats, especially in areas where ephemeral creeks and ponds dry down. The Two-striped Garter Snake has a moderate potential to occur within riparian areas, such as Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest in Segment 5. This species is historically reported from a stream crossing in Segment 6 (CNDDB, 2007) and is likely to occur in ponds and slow-flowing creeks throughout the TRTP.

Southwestern Pond Turtle (Emys [Clemmys] marmorata pallida). The Southwestern Pond Turtle is a federal species of concern and a state species of special concern. Pond turtles inhabit aquatic habitats such as ponds, marshes, or streams with rocky or muddy bottoms and vegetative cover.

They will occasionally leave the water to bask, and females leave the water from May through July to lay eggs in banks and open areas up to 1,300 feet from ponds (Stebbins, 1954). These turtles require exposed rocks, logs, or other structures for basking and streambank structure that allows access to adjacent uplands. One Southwestern Pond Turtle individual was observed in the Brea Creek on Segment 8A during initial surveys. The potential for Southwestern Pond Turtle to occur elsewhere in the SPPSA is high, where permanent suitable habitat associated with permanent water exists. Smaller, ephemeral or intermittent drainages may provide potential movement corridors for pond turtles, but are less likely to support populations of the species.

Coastal Rosy Boa (Charina trivirgata roseofusca). Coastal Rosy Boa is a USFS Sensitive Species and California Species of Special Concern that is widely, but sparsely, distributed throughout open habitats of the coastal plain and foothills, of southern California (Zeiner et al., 1990). This subspecies is widespread throughout southern California west of the Coast Ranges, but also occurs on the eastern slopes in some areas. It has been recorded to over 8,000 feet elevation (Case and Fisher, 1997), but typically occurs much lower. It occurs in dry rocky brushlands and arid habitats, usually near intermittent streams, but does not require permanent water. It is declining as a result of habitat alteration and collection for the pet trade. Habitat requirements include vegetation or rock outcrops for shelter and small mammals or birds for prey. Coastal Rosy Boa is likely to occur in coastal sage scrub and other open vegetation communities, as well as riparian edges on the western slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains, and in the Montebello, Puente, and Chino hills of the SPPSA.

San Bernardino Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus modestus ). San Bernardino Ringneck Snake is a USFS Sensitive Species and occurs in a number of habitats in the area. The species is most often found in the vicinity of riparian or moist areas where slender salamanders, the primary prey item, occur. The species uses debris, fallen logs, or rocks for cover. It is likely to occur spottily throughout the SPPSA from the western slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains to the coastal lowlands.

San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata parvirubra). San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake is a California Species of Special Concern and USFS Sensitive Species. It occurs primarily in the mountains in habitats ranging from open chaparral to oak woodlands and coniferous forest. It is often associated with rocky outcrops and more prevalent in areas with some surface water to support prey items. San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake is likely to occur throughout the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills, but would not be expected in the San Gabriel Valley or Puente/Chino Hills.

Birds. Special status bird species observed during initial surveys or historically documented in, or immediately adjacent to the SPPSA, include Sharp-shinned Hawk, Southern California Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Yellow Warbler, American Peregrine Falcon, Loggerhead Shrike, White-faced Ibis, Coastal California Gnatcatcher, California Spotted Owl, and Least Bell’s Vireo. Of these, all but Sharp-shinned Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, and Swainson’s Hawk, and White-faced Ibis are likely to breed in or adjacent to the SPPSA. Complete descriptions of special-status species can be found in the Biological Technical Reports (Appendices H.1 and H.2).

Species with a moderate to high potential of occurring in the SPPSA based on habitat presence and known species range include Cooper’s Hawk (breeding), Tri-colored Blackbird (breeding), Bell’s Sage Sparrow (breeding), Northern Harrier, Black Swift, White-tailed Kite (breeding), California Horned Lark (breeding), Yellow-breasted Chat (breeding), and Least Bittern (breeding).

Golden Eagle (Aquila chryseatos). Golden Eagle was once a common permanent resident throughout the open areas of California; however, numbers are now reduced near human population centers. Eagles inhabit rolling foothills, mountain areas, sage-juniper flats, and desert. Cliff-walled canyons and large trees in open areas serve as suitable nesting habitat (CNDDB, 2007). One foraging Golden Eagle was observed within the NPPSA during 2007 surveys in Segments 10 and 10B (Figures 4.5-1 [Sheet 1, Figure 4.5-1 Sheet 2] and 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] ). Given the broad foraging range of this species, it could occur within nearly all vegetation communities along all segments of the NPPSA. No golden eagles were observed during initial surveys of in the SPPSA, although recent records of golden eagle nesting were found for the Chino Hills area of Segment 8A (Scott and Cooper, 1999). These individuals could also be expected to forage over Segments 8B and 8C, but not nest there. No recent nesting records were found for Segments 6, 7, or 11, although potentially suitable habitat for foraging and nesting occurs throughout the area.

Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea). Burrowing Owl is also a USFS Sensitive Species and a California Species of Special Concern. It inhabits open, dry annual or perennial grasslands, deserts, and scrublands characterized by low-growing vegetation. It can also be found in vacant lots in residential areas, along railroad ballast, along dirt roads, and on canal levees Its range extends throughout California, occurring in areas with small mammal burrows, such as those made by California Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) (Collins, 1979), for its subterranean nesting (CDFG, 1995; CNDDB, 2007). The Burrowing Owl nesting distribution is strongly correlated to local burrow distribution. Its breeding season extends from March through August, peaking in April and May (Zeiner et al., 1990). Habitat loss as a result of urbanization, as well as the destruction of ground squirrel colonies, has led to reductions in owl populations throughout the State. This species often nests and perches near roads where they are vulnerable to roadside shooting, being hit by cars, road maintenance operations, and general harassment (Remsen, 1978). Although no signs or individuals were located during surveys, the Burrowing Owl has a high potential to occur within all segments of the NPPSA due to the presence of agricultural lands, grasslands, desert vegetation communities, and similar suitable habitat. In addition, past sightings in the central portion of the Antelope Valley were reported by the CNDDB. Preconstruction focused surveys will be conducted in accordance with CDFG protocols in areas with suitable habitat that will be subject to Project disturbance during Burrowing Owl nesting periods.

Along the SPPSA project alignment, the species is known to occur along Segment 6 approximately three miles south of the Vincent Substation (individual and active burrow observed on 13 March 2007) and at and near the Mira Loma Substation (Dudek, 2006). Scott and Cooper (1999) stated that the burrowing owl has been extirpated from the Puente Hills and Chino Hills, but point out that suitable habitat persists, and future reoccupation is possible. Burrowing owl has a moderate to high potential to occur in the open habitats along the project alignment, including the lower desert slope of the San Gabriel Mountains, excluding very steep slopes (Segment 6 and Segment 11), the Montebello Hills, Puente Hills (Segment 8A), Chino Hills, Chino Valley, and Mira Loma areas (all portions of Segments 8) of the Project Study Area, among others.

California Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis). California Spotted Owl is designated a California Species of Special Concern by the CDFG, and is a USFS Sensitive Species. Threats include wildfire, logging, hazard tree removal, habitat fragmentation, forest pests and diseases, water diversion, ground water depletion, climate change, mining, road-building, and recreation within the limited extent of coniferous forest in southern California.

California Spotted Owls are resident in forested habitats in the San Gabriel Mountains of the ANF. Typical nesting and roosting habitat is densely wooded oak and mixed oak-coniferous forest in steep canyons, although southern California individuals may use densely wooded riparian habitat as well. Big Cone Douglas Fir-Canyon Oak Forest and Coulter Pine Forest provide high quality habitat in the proposed Project vicinity. Chaparral or other habitats adjacent to forested habitat may be used for foraging.

Nesting habitat for California Spotted Owls throughout their range generally is described as stands with an average dominant and co-dominant tree diameter at breast height (dbh) of greater than 24 inches and canopy cover of greater than 70 percent. Foraging habitat is generally described as stands of trees of 12 inches dbh or greater, with canopy cover of 40 percent or greater. The home ranges of two pairs of radio-tagged California Spotted Owls in the San Bernardino Mountains were smaller than those reported for the Sierra Nevada and varied widely between pairs (800 to 2,000 acres [Zimmerman et al., 2001]).

Potentially suitable habitat for California Spotted Owl occurs in the SPPSA at the higher elevation areas of Segments 6 and 11, within the ANF, and historical sighting localities have been recorded at several locations within these habitats near the SPPSA.

White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus). White Tailed Kite is a California Special Animal, and is Fully Protected by the CDFG. It forages and nests in open habitats with scattered trees in the coastal lowlands, and it likely to occur throughout Segment 8A west of Chino Substation, and in segments 7 and 11 in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. It could potentially nest in suitable habitat within Segment 8A.

Mammals. Special status mammal species observed during initial surveys or historically documented in, or immediately adjacent to the TRTP, or with a moderate or high potential to occur in the TRTP based on habitat presence and general range of the species include the Pallid Bat (in both NPPSA and SPPSA), Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (SPPSA), Western Mastiff Bat (SPPSA), Western Red Bat (SPPSA), San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit (SPPSA), San Diego Desert Woodrat (SPPSA), Southern Grasshopper Mouse (in both the NPPSA and SPPSA), Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse (SPPSA), Los Angeles Pocket Mouse (SPPSA), and American Badger (in both the NPPSA and SPPSA). Complete descriptions of special-status species can be found in the Biological Technical Reports (Appendices H.1 and H.2).

Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus). Pallid Bat is also designated a USFS Sensitive Species. It inhabits deserts, grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and forests. It is most common in lowlands, including grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, forests, and open dry habitats where it utilizes rocky areas for roosting. Roosts must be of sufficient quality to protect bats from high temperatures. In addition, roosts of this species are easily disturbed (CNDDB, 2007). Due to the abundance of desert habitats, the Pallid Bat has a moderate potential for foraging within the NPPSA, although rocky areas suitable for roosting are generally absent from the TRTP corridors. Foraging and/or roosting habitat exists in Segment 6 within and north of the ANF, in Segment 7, Segment 8 (both east and west of the Chino Substation), and Segment 11 within and surrounding the ANF. It may occur in Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, Mixed Mojave Woody Scrub, Southern Mixed Chaparral, Semi-desert Chaparral, Mojave Juniper Woodland and Scrub, and Joshua Tree Woodland, among others.

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii). The Townsend’s Big-eared Bat is a USFS Sensitive Species. It is found in coniferous forests, riparian habitats, and desert habitats. It generally roosts in caves and mines, but occasionally buildings, bridges, rock crevices, and hollow trees. Foraging and/or roosting habitat exists in Segment 6 within and north of the ANF; in Segment 7; Segment 8 (both east and west of the Chino Substation); and Segment 11 within and surrounding the ANF of the SPPSA.

Western Red Bat (Lasiurus blossevillii). The Western Red Bat is a USFS Sensitive Species. It is found in forests and woodlands and roosts primarily in trees, often in riparian areas. Foraging and/or roosting habitat exists in Segment 6 within and north of the ANF; in Segment 7; Segment 8 (both east and west of the Chino Substation); and Segment 11 within and surrounding the ANF of the SPPSA.

Los Angeles Pocket Mouse (Perognathus longimembris brevinasus). The Los Angeles Pocket Mouse is designated a California Species of Special Concern by the CDFG and is a USFS Sensitive Species. It is found in shrublands, riparian woodland and scrub in sandy soils. The species has potential habitat available along the San Gabriel River bed in Segment 7 and in Segment 8 west of the Chino Substation.

Preconstruction surveys for special-status wildlife species with moderate or higher probabilities to occur along the project R‑O‑W will be conducted following applicable USFWS and CDFG protocols to determine presence or absence of species in portions of the NPPSA that may be subjected to Project impacts. Special-status wildlife species that have the potential to occur within the NPPSA are discussed on a segment-by-segment basis in Sections 4.5.6.1 (Segment 4), 4.5.6.2 (Segment 5), 4.5.6.6 (Segment 9), and 4.5.6.7 (Segment 10). Special-status wildlife species that have the potential to occur within the SPPSA are discussed on a segment-by-segment basis in Sections 4.5.6.3 (Segment 6), Section 4.5.6.4 (Segment 7), Section 4.5.6.5 (Segment 8), and Section 5.6.8 (Segment 11). Direct impacts of the TRTP on these animals are also discussed separately for each segment, while indirect construction and operations impacts for all segments combined are presented in Segment 4, Section 4.5.6.1.2 Impact Analysis.

4.5.2 Technical Methodology

This section provides an overview of the methods used to evaluate biological resources for proposed TRTP. The methods are divided into two components: background research (Section 4.5.2.1) and field surveys (Section 4.5.2.2). Background research was performed to determine the biological resources that have been reported or may be expected to occur within the TRTP. After collection of background information, field surveys were performed to assess the presence and quality of biological resources along the R-O-W. Vegetation communities were mapped (Section 4.5.2.2.1) and habitat was assessed for the potential to support special-status plants (Section 4.5.2.2.2) and wildlife (Section 4.5.2.2.3). The description of this phase appears in Section 4.5.2.1. Following this pre-field orientation, the second phase involved having qualified field biologists conduct field studies along the entire R-O-W and other project facilities. Section 4.5.2.2 describes the methods used for the field survey phase of the Project.

4.5.2.1 Background Research

Prior to conducting field studies, an evaluation of biological resources began with a review of pertinent literature and databases for historical and known occurrences of special-status species and habitats within a 5-mile radius of the proposed TRTP. A search for regional and specific sensitive species data was conducted for the TRTP project area and surrounding lands and relevant agencies were contacted. The following resources were used in researching biological resources that are associated with the proposed Project. A complete list of literature and sources reviewed to date is included in the Biological Technical Report (Appendix H1 and H2).

•  Recent (2006) Aerial Photos

•  CNDDB RareFind3 (CNDDB, 2007)

•  State and federally listed endangered and threatened animals of California (CDFG, 2006a)

•  Special animals list (CDFG, 2006b)

•  CNPS’ Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (CNPS, 2007)

•  West Mojave Plan HCP and EIR/EIS (BLM, 2005).

•  A Field Guide to the Rare Plants of the ANF (USFS, 1995)

•  ANF Land Management Plan (USDA Forest Service [USFS], 2005)

•  ANF Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Candidate and USFS Sensitive Animal Species which may Occur within the ANF (USFS, 2004)

•  ANF Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Candidate and USFS Sensitive Plant Species which may Occur within the ANF (USFS, 2006)

•  USFS ANF and SCE “in house” species specific survey documentation and resource studies.

•  Amended Proponent’s Environmental Assessment Antelope Transmission Project, Segment 2 and 3 (SCE, 2005).

•  Antelope Transmission Project Segments 2 and 3 Environmental Impact Report (CPUC, 2006).

•  Antelope Valley Water Bank Project Environmental Impact Report (Kern County Planning Department, 2006).

Based on data reviews for the NPPSA and the SPPSA, a list of potentially occurring special-status plants and animals was prepared for the TRTP. Plant and animal taxa were considered to be special-status species if they were classified as one or more of the following:

•  State and Federally-listed as endangered, threatened, or rare

•  Candidates for State or Federal listing as endangered, threatened, or rare

•  Taxa listed in the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California (Lists 1 and 2)

•  Taxa that meet the criteria for listing, even if not currently included on any list, as described in Section 15380 of the CEQA Guidelines

•  Bureau of Land Management (BLM), USFWS, or U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Sensitive Species

•  Taxa that are biologically rare, very restricted in distribution, or declining (CNDDB, 2007)

Lists of special-status species were refined and potential-for-occurrence designations within the TRTP were determined based on literature reviews, conversations with resource specialists, and field assessments of habitat suitability and resource availability. Special-status species were assessed for potentials to occur within the TRTP based on the following criteria:

•  Observed: Species observed on the site during surveys described here, or recorded onsite by other qualified biologists.

•  High: Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which occur within the study area, and further survey or study is necessary to determine likely presence.

•  Moderate: Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which marginally or mostly occur within the study area, and further survey or study is necessary to determine likely presence or absence of species from the study area.

•  Low: Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which do not occur within the duty areas, and no further survey or study is obligatory to determine likely presence or absence of this species within the study area.

•  Absent: Species distribution is restricted by substantive habitat requirements, which do not occur within the study area, and no further surveys or study is obligatory to determine likely presence or absence of this species within the study area.

4.5.2.2 Field Survey Methods for the NPPSA

Biological reconnaissance surveys were conducted along proposed Segments 4, 5, 9, and 10, and alternatives 10A and 10B to identify the presence of biological resources that may be impacted by the NPPSA. Vegetation communities were mapped, habitat quality was assessed, and observed plant and animal species were recorded within the NPPSA, which included the NPPSA R‑O‑Ws plus a defined buffer on each side of the proposed transmission line (T/L) centerline. Surveys conducted in May 2006 utilized a 1,000-foot buffer. A 500-foot buffer was utilized during the March 2007 surveys. The entire R‑O‑W corridor was assessed for biological resources. Specific tower locations had yet to be defined as of the date of field surveys and are not addressed in this document.

Field surveys were performed using a combination of pedestrian and vehicular surveys. Two-person field crews traveled along the R‑O‑W, stopping at vantage points to map vegetation communities, observe plant and wildlife species, and assess habitat suitability for special-status species. Digital photographs and way points were recorded at many of the mapping stations to serve as a reference for field determinations.

Plants were identified to the lowest taxonomic level sufficient to determine whether plant species where non-native, common, or special status. Plants of uncertain identity were collected and subsequently identified from keys (Hickman, 1993). Scientific and common botanical species’ names were recorded according to The Jepson Manual Higher Plants of California (Hickman, 1993). Wildlife presence/absence surveys were performed for amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The presence of a wildlife species was based on direct observation, wildlife sign (i.e., tracks, burrows, nests, scat), or vocalization. Field data compiled for wildlife included the species observed, scientific name, common name, and evidence of sign when no direct observations were made. In instances where special-status species were observed, a way point and photograph were taken (if practicable) for mapping and reference purposes.

4.5.2.2.1 Vegetation Mapping Methods. For the 2007 survey, a set of 234 field maps was created at a scale of 1 inch equals 200 feet prior to field surveys. The background of these maps is an aerial photograph (photo dates 2005 and 2006) overlaid with the proposed centerline and potential substation boundaries, along with a 500-foot buffer on each side. Vegetation communities were mapped along each segment as polygons, and communities were identified using Holland’s (1986) classification system. Plant species occurring within communities were recorded along with the relative dominance of different species within communities. Wash features and streams were also noted on maps.

Hand-drawn vegetation maps were digitized into a geographical information system to re-create vegetation polygon layers and determine the aerial coverage of mapped vegetation communities. Project impacts to vegetation communities were then estimated based on the relative cover of vegetation communities along segments, proposed locations of transmission towers, substations, and the total area that TRTP activities are projected to impact both temporarily and permanently.

4.5.2.2.2 Special-status Plant Species Methods. Surveyed areas were assessed for the presence of suitable habitat with the potential to support special-status plant species. Habitat was assessed based on soil composition, disturbance regime, native species composition of vegetation communities, and known records of special-status species in the vicinity. Pre-construction surveys for special-status plant species will be conducted during the flowering period of species identified during the habitat assessment as having a moderate or higher potential to occur. Survey protocols will follow established CDFG methods (CDFG, 2006) and CNPS guidelines (CNPS, 2001)

4.5.2.2.3 Special-status Wildlife Species Methods. Surveyed areas were assessed for the presence for suitable habitat with the potential to support special-status wildlife species. Habitat was assessed based on topography, disturbance regime, native composition of vegetation communities, and known records of special-status species in the vicinity. Focused surveys for listed wildlife species which were determined to have moderate or higher potentials for occurrence will be conducted following established USFWS and CDFG protocols for those species to which they are applicable. Pre-construction surveys will be conducted for special-status wildlife species that have been identified as having a moderate or higher potential to occur.

4.5.2.3 Field Survey Methods in the SPPSA

Surveys were conducted in order to assess the biological resources and potential impacts to biological resources which may be associated with the TRTP. A detailed study area including the 200- to 400-foot R-O-W and a 100-foot survey buffer was surveyed, and vegetation communities were mapped to a total of 500 feet from the initial centerlines to allow for project changes and to aid in the assessment of indirect impacts to adjacent habitats. Surveys were conducted by inspection of these R-O-W corridors. Impacts at specific locations of towers and other project areas are not discussed in this document because the project specific locations were not identified prior to going into the field and final engineering has not been completed. Many unpaved access routes were also inspected for special-status plant species and wildlife habitat. The survey area was modified at some locations where steep topography would preclude the ability to use the area for construction activities, such as canyons where the transmission line would span but not impact habitat.

Field maps were created prior to field visits (1 inch = 400 feet) which included centerlines of each proposed segment and included known sensitive species (e.g., CNDDB locality points) along with jurisdictional boundaries and other relevant data plotted over high resolution, true color, georectified aerial photography (AirPhotoUSA, 2005; 2006). Potentially occurring habitats for special-status species were identified prior to field investigations through aerial photo-interpretation and consultations with SCE staff biologists. A series of pre-survey field visits were made by AMEC biologists with SCE biologists and SCE patrol personnel to identify issues for investigation and establish access routes for the remote areas of the project.

Between June 27, 2006 and March 16, 2007, AMEC biologists conducted biological surveys and habitat suitability assessments within Segment 6, 7, 8, and 11 of the TRTP. Typically, a two-person team of biologists traveled together conducting the field surveys and recording data. Existing biological data was collected using ESRI Arcpad-based tablet style field data collectors with an external Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capable Geographic Positioning System (GPS) receiver. This allowed for data to be collected in real time. Data layers uploaded onto these PCs included recent aerial photography, topographic contours, alignment study corridors and historical localities of special-status species. Biological data was mapped onto the aerial photograph layers as polygon, line, and point attributes. Field forms designed specifically for the project were developed to record the results of field surveys. Digital photos were taken periodically for reference purposes. Specific locations of sensitive resources found in the field were digitized for later mapping and reporting purposes. CNDDB Reporting Forms were submitted for all special-status species.

4.5.2.3.1 Vegetation Mapping Methods. Vegetation mapping of Segment 6, 7, 8, and 11 of the TRTP was conducted by visual examination of the route segment survey corridors. The purpose of these surveys was to identify vegetation and land cover within the project area. Vegetation communities along each segment were recorded onto field maps using orthorectified aerial photographs using a combination of direct observation and aerial photo interpretation in the field. Dominant plant species and community structure were also recorded. Vegetation communities were described according to Holland’s Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California (Holland, 1986).

Data from field maps were digitized into a geographical information system (GIS) though a combination of the use of a digitizing tablet and “heads-up” digitizing with the aid of digital aerial orthophotographs. Vegetation community boundaries were initially entered as a polyline layer, and then built into a polygon layer, using topology rules to ensure a valid geometry. Polygons were attributed and checked for accuracy against the original field maps by project biologists.

Special-status Plant Species Methods. Botanical surveys of Segment 6, 7, 8, and 11 of the proposed TRTP were conducted following the CDFG Guidelines for Assessing the Effects of Proposed Project on Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants and Natural Communities (CDFG, 2006) and the CNPS’ Botanical Survey Guidelines (CNPS, 2001). Due to the time of year that surveys occurred, few plants were in bloom and most annuals were not observable. For this reason, focused sensitive plant surveys for annual plant species were not possible; however, an assessment was made of potentially suitable habitat.

Areas with potential habitat for special-status species (i.e., mesic sites, rocky outcrops, alkaline soils, etc.) to occur were surveyed on foot. Other areas were surveyed by vehicle in areas where there was little to no potential for occurrence or in developed areas. All plant species encountered during the field surveys were identified and recorded. Those species that could not be identified immediately were brought into the laboratory for further investigation. Latin and common names of plants follow The Jepson Manual (Hickman, 1993) or more recent published taxonomical revisions of genera. The localities of sensitive plant species encountered were mapped and added to the GIS.

Special-status Wildlife Species Methods. Reconnaissance wildlife surveys were conducted in conjunction with vegetation mapping and sensitive plant species surveys in order to identify and characterize habitat for special-status wildlife species known to occur in the SPPSA (see Table 4.5-5). No protocol-level surveys (i.e., formal surveys conducted to CDFG and/or USFWS standards) were conducted as part of this study.

Binoculars were used to aid in the identification of observed animals. Wildlife localities were recorded and sign, including tracks, scat, nests, and vocalizations were used to identify wildlife species not directly observed. Species that were detected or encountered within the SPPSA are presented in Appendix D of the Biological Technical Report.

All sensitive wildlife species encountered were mapped and added to the GIS. In addition to species observed, expected wildlife use of the site was determined by known habitat preferences of local species and knowledge of their relative distributions in the area. Naming conventions follow Stebbins (2003) for reptiles and amphibians, American Ornithologists’ Union (2002) for birds, Jones et al. (1997) for mammals, and Emmel and Emmel (1973) for butterflies.

Future Surveys. Based on the findings of the initial 2006 and 2007 biological surveys, protocol-level species specific surveys should be conducted for listed species and pre-construction should be conducted for sensitive species prior to construction to determine presence of sensitive, listed, and covered species within the TRTP alignments. A floristic survey, as required in a complete CEQA analysis would be conducted in spring and summer prior to construction to determine whether listed or special status plant species or sensitive plant communities occur. The listed and special-status plant surveys would follow protocols recommended in the USFWS, CDFG, and CNPS guidelines for rare plant surveys. All plants encountered would be identified to a level necessary to ensure detection of covered or special status species.

More specific field delineations of wetlands and other waters of the United States would be conducted where necessary along the TRTP alignments and associated facilities including substations, access corridors, and staging areas. Delineations would include verification of wetlands identified from the NWI database as well as other wetlands encountered within the Project Study Area. Wetland delineations would be conducted following methodologies outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual (USACE, 1987). Photographic documentation and a sketch of each wetland would be included.

Through consultation with state and federal agencies, protocol-level wildlife surveys would be conducted during the appropriate survey periods. The list of target species would be developed using habitats identified in the 2006 and 2007 surveys and areas of known and potential occupation.

4.5.3 Regulations, Plans, and Standards

4.5.3.1 Federal Regulations

4.5.3.1.1 National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its supporting federal regulations establish certain requirements that must be adhered to for any project “financed, assisted, conducted or approved by a federal agency.” In making a decision on the issuance of federal grant monies for elements of the proposed project, the federally designated lead agency pursuant to NEPA is required to “determine whether the proposed action may significantly affect the quality of the human environment.”

4.5.3.1.2 Federal Regulation of Waters of the United States, Including Wetlands (Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401, 33 U.S.C. 1251-1376). The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material into “waters of the U.S.,” including wetlands, under Section 404 of the CWA. The USACE has defined the term “wetlands” as follows:

“Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstance do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas (40 CFR 116.3).”

Some classes of fill activities may be authorized under general permits if specific conditions are met. Projects that would result in the placement of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S. require a Section 404 permit from the USACE. Utility line construction activities that result in the placement of fill into waters of the U.S. may be authorized under Section 404 Nationwide Permit 12. Nationwide Permit 12 also notes that overhead utility lines constructed over navigable waters of the U.S. require a Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 permit. The general definition of navigable waters of the U.S. includes those waters of the U.S. that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to the mean high water mark, and/or are presently used or have been used in the past, or may be susceptible to use to transport interstate or foreign commerce. Nationwide permits do not authorize activities that are likely to jeopardize the existence of a threatened or endangered species or that may affect properties listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (56 FR 59134, November 22, 1991). In addition to conditions outlined under each nationwide permit, project-specific conditions may be required by the USACE as part of the Section 404 permitting process.

Section 401 of the CWA requires the issuance of a water quality certification or waiver thereof for all Section 404 nationwide or individual permits issued by the USACE. The EPA has deferred water quality certification authority to the State Water Quality Control Board (SWQCB). The federal government also supports a policy of minimizing “the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands.” Executive Order 11990 (May 24, 1977) requires that each federal agency take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands.

On January 9, 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (in Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) that the USACE jurisdiction does not extend to previously regulated isolated waters, including but not limited to isolated ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands. Examples of isolated waters that are affected by this ruling include: vernal pools; stock ponds, lakes (without outlets); playa lakes; and desert washes that are not tributary to navigable or interstate waters or to other jurisdictional waters.

In June of 2006 the Supreme Court issued a decision for a joint case involving Rapanos v. United States and Carabell v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This consolidated case brought into question the USACE’s jurisdiction over intermittent and ephemeral streams. The complex ruling stated that, in order to assert jurisdiction, the USACE would need to provide evidence of a “significant nexus” between a given wetland and an associated tributary of a navigable water. The USACE is in the process of developing guidance in response to this court ruling, and the local USACE District will not make any Rapanos-related determinations until after the guidance is issued.

4.5.3.1.3 Federal Policies on Riparian Communities in California. Riparian communities have a variety of functions, including providing high-quality habitat for resident and migrant wildlife, stream bank stabilization, and runoff water filtration. Throughout the U.S., riparian habitats have declined substantially in extent and quality compared with their historical distribution and condition. These declines have increased concerns about dependent plant and wildlife species, which consequently, has lead federal agencies to adopt policies to arrest further loss. USFWS mitigation policy identifies California’s riparian habitats as belonging to resource Category 2, for which no net loss of existing habitat value is recommended (46 FR 7644, January 23, 1981).

4.5.3.1.4 Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands (May 24, 1977). Executive Order (EO) 11990 establishes a national policy to avoid adverse impacts on wetlands whenever there is a practicable alternative. On projects with federal actions or approvals, impacts on wetlands must be identified in the environmental document. Alternatives that avoid wetlands must be considered. If wetland impacts cannot be avoided, then all practicable measures to minimize harm to those wetlands must be included and documented in the final environmental document for the proposed project.

4.5.3.1.5 Executive Order 13112, Invasive Species (February 3, 1999). EO 13112 calls on Executive Branch agencies to work to prevent and control the introduction and spread of invasive species. Non-native flora and fauna can cause substantial change to ecosystems, upset the ecological balance, and have the potential to cause economic harm. Highway corridors provide opportunities for the movement of invasive species through the landscape.

4.5.3.1.6 Federal Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). The USFWS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries oversee the federal ESA. Sections 9 and 4(d) of the ESA prohibit the “take” of any fish or wildlife species listed as endangered or threatened, including the destruction of habitat that could hinder species recovery. The ESA defines take as, “to harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect listed animal species, or attempt to engage in such conduct.” Section 9 take prohibition of the ESA applies to wildlife and fish species. Section 9 also prohibits the removal, possession, damage, or destruction of any endangered plant from federal lands. Section 9 further prohibits acts to remove, cut, dig up, damage, or destroy an endangered plant species in non-federal areas in knowing violation of any state law or in the course of criminal trespass.

Candidate species and species that are proposed for listing receive no protection under the ESA. The USFWS has jurisdiction over plants, wildlife, and resident fish; NOAA Fisheries has jurisdiction over anadromous fish, marine fish, and marine mammals. Section 7 of the Act mandates that all federal agencies consult with the USFWS and/or NOAA Fisheries to ensure that federal agencies’ actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or adversely modify critical habitat for listed species. If there will be direct, indirect, or both direct and indirect impacts, alterations to critical habitat that appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat for both the survival and recovery of a species, the adverse modification will require a formal consultation with the USFWS or NOAA.

Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA permits to be issued to authorize “incidental take’’ of listed species. “Incidental take’’ is defined by the ESA as take that is incidental to, and not for the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. To obtain a take permit, an applicant must submit an HCP outlining what will be done to minimize and mitigate the impact of the permitted take on the listed species. The underlying principle of Section 10 exemption from the ESA is that some individuals of a species or portions of their habitat may be expendable over the short term, as long as enough protection is provided to ensure the long-term recovery of the species.

4.5.3.1.7 Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (Title 16, United States Code [USC], Part 703). The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) states that it is unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, transport, import, or kill any migratory bird. A list of migratory bird species protected by the MBTA appears in 16 USC 703, 50 CFR 21, 50 CFR 10. Strict avoidance of take is required, limiting the mortality of birds and active nests (defined as nests containing eggs or chicks). Game birds are regulated under State hunting permit programs.

4.5.3.1.8 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (The Eagle Act) amended in 1962, was originally implemented for the protection of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). In 1962, Congress amended The Eagle Act to cover golden eagles, a move that was partially an attempt to strengthen protection of bald eagles, since the latter were often killed by people mistaking them for golden eagles. This act makes it illegal to import, export, take (which includes molest or disturb), sell, purchase, or barter any bald eagle or golden eagle or part thereof.

4.5.3.1.9 National Forest Land Management Act. The National Forest Land Management Act (NFMA) is the primary statute governing the administration of national forests. This act requires the Secretary of Agriculture to assess forest lands, develop a management program based on multiple-use, sustained-yield principles, and implement a resource management plan for each unit of the National Forest System.

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) recently revised the Southern California Forest Plan (Forest Plan) (USDA, 2005), which includes four Southern California national forests; Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernardino, and Cleveland. The revised Forest Plan reflects strategies for addressing issues identified by the public and USFS staff. The TRTP will need to be consistent with the objectives outlined in the revised Forest Plan. The USFS is required (under 36 CFR 219.10) to review all site-specific projects, including authorized uses of the land, to ensure they are consistent with the 2005 Forest Plan, per the NFMA (16 U.S.C. 1600-1614, as amended).

4.5.3.2 State Regulations

4.5.3.2.1 California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code 21000 et seq.). The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) establishes state policy to prevent significant, avoidable damage to the environment by requiring changes in projects through the use of alternatives or mitigation measures. CEQA applies to actions directly undertaken, financed, or permitted by State lead agencies. CEQA guidelines establish an overall process for the environmental evaluation of projects. Significant impacts to the environment are typically mitigated through the environmental review process in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

4.5.3.2.2 California Department of Fish and Game Regulation of Waters (Fish and Game Code 1601-1603). The CDFG regulates activities that would interfere with the natural flow of, or substantially alter, the channel, bed, or bank of a lake, river, or stream. Section 1602 of the California Fish and Game Code requires notification of the CDFG for lake or stream alteration activities. If, after notification is complete, the CDFG determines that the activity may substantially adversely affect an existing fish and wildlife resource, the CDFG has authority to issue a streambed alteration agreement under Section 1603 of the California Fish and Game Code. Requirements to protect the integrity of biological resources and water quality are often conditions of streambed alteration agreements. These may include avoidance or minimization of heavy equipment use within stream zones, limitations on work periods to avoid impacts to wildlife and fisheries resources, and measures to restore degraded sites or compensate for permanent habitat losses.

4.5.3.2.3 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. The SWQCB implements water quality regulations under the federal CWA and the State Porter-Cologne Act. These regulations require compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), including compliance with the California Storm Water NPDES General Construction Permit for discharges of storm water runoff associated with construction activities. General Construction Permits for projects that disturb one or more acres of land require development and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

4.5.3.2.4 California Endangered Species Act (Fish and Game Code 2050 [et seq.]). California implemented its own Endangered Species Act (CESA) in 1984. The state act prohibits the take of state-listed endangered and threatened species; however, unlike the federal definition, habitat destruction or modification is not included in the state’s definition of take. Section 2090 of CESA requires state agencies to comply with endangered species protection and recovery and to promote conservation of these species. The CDFG administers the act and authorizes take through Section 2081 agreements (except for designated “fully protected species”).

In regards to listed rare and endangered plant species, the CESA defers to the California Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) of 1977, which prohibits importing of rare and endangered plants into California, and the taking and selling of rare and endangered plants. The CESA includes an additional listing category for threatened plants which are not regulated under the NPPA. In this case, plants listed as rare or endangered under the NPPA are not protected under CESA but can be protected under CEQA. In addition, plants that are not state-listed but meet the state standards for listing, are also protected under CEQA (Guidelines, Section 15380). In practice, this is generally interpreted to mean that all species on lists 1B and 2 of the CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants (CNPS, 2007) qualify for protection under CEQA.

4.5.3.2.5 California Fish and Game Code Section 3500 (et seq.) Bird Protections. Code Section 3503, 3503.5, and 3505 set forth limits on take, possession, and destruction of certain avian species, their nests and eggs. Section 3503 of the California Fish and Game Code prohibits destruction of the nests or eggs of most native resident and migratory bird species. Section 3503.5 specifically prohibits the taking of raptors or destruction of their nests or eggs. Code Section 3511.(a)(1) establishes that fully-protected birds may not be taken or possessed at any time with the exception of permits granted for scientific research.

4.5.3.2.6 The Native Plant Protection Act (California Fish and Game Code 1900-1913). The Native Plant Protection Act (NPPA) includes measures to preserve, protect, and enhance rare and endangered native plants. The definitions of “rare and endangered” differ from those contained in the CESA. However, the list of native plants afforded protection pursuant to the NPPA includes those listed as rare and endangered under the CESA. This NPPA provides limitations on take as follows: “no person will import into this state, or take, possess, or sell within this State” any rare or endangered native plant, except in compliance with provisions of the Act. Individual land owners are required to notify the CDFG at least 10 days in advance of changing land uses to allow the CDFG to salvage any rare or endangered native plant material.

4.5.3.2.7 California Native Plant Society. The CNPS is a private plant conservation organization dedicated to the monitoring and protection of sensitive species in the state. CNPS has compiled an inventory comprised of the information focusing on geographic distribution and qualitative characterization of rare, threatened, or endangered vascular plant species of California. The list serves as the candidate list for listing as threatened and endangered by the CDFG.

CNPS has developed five categories of rarity:

•  List 1A: Presumed Extinct

•  List 1B: Rare, threatened, or endangered throughout their range

•  List 2: Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common in other states

•  List 3: Plant species for which additional information is needed before rarity can be determined

•  List 4: Species of limited distribution in California (i.e., naturally rare in the wild), but whose existence does not appear to be susceptible to threat

All of the plants constituting Lists 1A, 1B, and 2 meet the definitions of Section 1901, Chapter 10 (NPPA) or Sections 2062 and 2067 (CESA) of the California Fish and Game Code, and are eligible for state listing. It is mandatory that they be fully considered during preparation of environmental documents relating to CEQA.

Some of the plants constituting List 3 meet the definitions of Section 1901, Chapter 10 (NPPA) or Sections 2062 and 2067 (CESA) of the California Fish and Game Code, and are eligible for state listing. These plants are not required to be fully considered during preparation of environmental documents relating to CEQA; however, the CNPS strongly recommends that they are considered.

Very few of the plants constituting List 4 meet the definitions of Section 1901, Chapter 10 (NPPA) or Sections 2062 and 2067 (CESA) of the California Fish and Game Code, and few, if any, are eligible for state listing. The plants are also not required to be fully considered during the preparation of environmental documents relating to CEQA. The CNPS recommends this consideration for populations at the periphery of a species’ range or in areas where the taxon is especially uncommon or has sustained heavy losses, or for populations exhibiting unusual morphology or occurring on unusual substrates.

4.5.3.3 Local Regulations

Local plans and ordinances are evaluated in this report to assist the CPUC and the USDA Forest Service in determining whether the proposed Project would be potentially consistent with locally adopted land use plans, goals, and policies. However, as CPUC has preemptive jurisdiction over the construction, maintenance, and operation of public utilities in the State of California, no local discretionary permits (e.g., conditional use permits) or local plan consistency evaluations are required for the proposed Project or alternatives. SCE would be required to obtain all applicable ministerial building and encroachment permits from local jurisdictions for the proposed Project.

Several land use plans and local regulations occur within the study area of the project. A brief description of the policies that pertain to biological resources for each of these planning documents follows. The information provided on local regulations is for reference only as counties and other local agencies do not have jurisdiction over the proposed Project (per GO 131-D, Section XIV B).

4.5.3.3.1 Kern County General Plan (Adopted June 15, 2004). The Kern County General Plan indicates that through its goals, policies, and implementation, impacts on rare or endangered plants, wildlife, or habitat will be mitigated to a level below significance in compliance with state and federal laws. The Land Use/Conservation/Open Space Element requires that individual projects minimize or mitigate their site specific impacts on wildlife and botanical resources through the CEQA process. The General Plan also provides policies that protect oak woodlands and large oak trees.

4.5.3.3.2 Los Angeles County General Plan. The Los Angeles County General Plan assists Los Angeles County officials in the decision-making process which affects growth and resources in unincorporated areas adjacent to the City’s jurisdiction. The Conservation, Open Space, Recreation, and Ecological Resources goals of the Plan aim to preserve and protect prime agricultural lands, forests, fisheries, significant ecological areas, and other biotic resources through preservation, mitigation, and enhancement actions.

4.5.3.3.3 San Bernardino County General Plan. The San Bernardino County General Plan is a policy document that guides all aspects of land use within the County. A portion of the SPPSA is located in the Valley Planning Region of the General Plan. This area is defined as all the areas within the county that are south and west of the USFS boundaries. The Valley Planning Region of the County is approximately 60 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and borders Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties.

4.5.3.3.4 West Mojave Plan. The TRTP does not cross any federal lands within the West Mohave Plan (WMP) area, therefore the WMP does not apply. However, information from the WMP is provided herein for informational purposes. In any event, with implementation of the proposed measures SCE would be consistent with the provisions of the WMP, although not required.

The WMP (BLM, 2004) Alternative A (the Preferred Plan) is a Habitat Conservation Plan, Federal Land Use Plan Amendment, and California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment that provides a comprehensive strategy to conserve and protect the Federally Threatened Desert Tortoise and State Threatened Mohave Ground Squirrel, plus about 100 other sensitive plants, animals, and biological communities, including many Federal and State-Listed Endangered and Threatened Species. The WMP provides a vehicle for streamlined compliance with the California and Federal ESAs. The WMP was designed to allow Los Angeles and Kern counties and participating entities to better control local land-use decisions and maintain a strong economic climate in the region while addressing the requirements of State and Federal ESAs. Participants in preparing the WMP included the counties of Kern and Los Angeles, as well as numerous cities, such as Lancaster and Palmdale that are proximal to the TRTP corridors. In addition to the BLM, the USFWS, CDFG, California Department of Transportation, and many other responsible, cooperating, and trustee agencies assisted in preparing the WMP. In addition, over 100 non-government organizations participated in the process of producing the WMP. To date, only the participating federal agencies have formally adopted the WMP as it applies to federal lands.

The WMP Preferred Plan (Alternative A) provides conservation and management programs and specific conserved areas for the covered special-status species, while other WMP alternatives, excluding the No-Action Alternative, provide conservation based generally on changes in public agency policies and land use designations. In the Preferred Plan survey protocols are specified for various special-status species to collect information used to determine subsequent species-specific conservation actions, including the assemblage of blocks of conservation lands. The Preferred Plan provides potential for limited incidental take permits on development projects that cannot entirely avoid impacts on covered special-status species. Under the WMP, the USFWS and CDFG may grant “Take Authorization” for otherwise private or public lawful actions that may incidentally take or harm individual species or their habitat within the WMP boundaries. In addition to mitigations tailored for covered species, mitigations for the removal or degradation of habitat used by special-status species are to be implemented by discretionary approvals that focus on the assemblage of large blocks of conserved habitat.

The Preferred Plan applies to public lands within WMP boundaries, which includes northern portions of the NPPSA from approximately the Vincent Substation, just west of Highway 14. Due to the likelihood that the WMP will receive discretionary approvals and certifications during planning, permitting, and/or construction phases of the TRTP, and although SCE is not required to comply with the WMP Preferred Plan, its policies and information covering TRTP special-status biological resources were considered. The WMP designates species-appropriate land use conservation designations and components. For the Desert Tortoise, these designations occur generally east of Highway 14, outside of the TRTP footprint. Habitat Conservation Areas (HCA) are designated in 18 locations east of Highway 14 to conserve covered species, such as the Desert Tortoise. Three open space corridors are designated to protect critical linkages and wildlife movement corridors. Special Review Areas (SRA) are designated where biological values appear to be high, but not within an HCA.

The WMP addresses the following sensitive-status species that have been observed or are expected to occur within portions of the NPPSA along Segments 4, 5, 9, and 10: Alkali Mariposa Lily, Short-joint Beavertail Cactus, Desert Tortoise, Coast (San Diego) Horned Lizard, Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Le Conte’s Thrasher, and Mohave Ground Squirrel.

4.5.3.3.5 Los Angeles County Significant Ecological Areas. Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) are defined by the County of Los Angeles to be “ecologically important or fragile land and water areas, valuable as plant and animal communities. These areas are classified as one or more of the following: 1) habitats for rare and endangered species of plants and animals; 2) restricted natural communities - ecological areas which are scarce on a regional basis; 3) habitat restricted in distribution in the county; 4) breeding or nesting grounds; 5) unusual biotic communities; 6) sites with critical wildlife and fish value; and 7) relatively undisturbed habitat.”

There are over 60 designated SEAs in Los Angeles County. There are also 12 proposed SEAs totaling 442,983 acres in unincorporated Los Angeles County, which expand and interconnect existing SEAs. The Los Angeles General Plan Land Use Element sets forth SEA design compatibility criteria for proposed development within a designated SEA. The SEA designation does not have any effect within the jurisdiction of incorporated cities, as it is a tool the County uses to identify areas that require protective considerations when development is proposed within the SEA boundaries.

The Los Angeles County Zoning Ordinance currently contains a procedure for reviewing development proposals that are located within or partially within an SEA. The SEA process is triggered by an application for a building or grading permit. The intent of this procedure is not to preclude development, but to allow limited, controlled development that does not jeopardize the remaining biotic resources of SEAs.

This procedure exempts certain developments from the SEA provisions but subjects other developments to a high degree of review through the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process, including review by the Significant Ecological Area Technical Advisory Committee (SEATAC), who advises the County Planning Commission during proposed project planning phases on the sensitivity of the proposed projects to the protected biological resources within the SEAs and to proposed modifications that could compromise the integrity of SEAs.

The following proposed SEAs have been identified within the NPPSA and the SPPSA:

•  Joshua Tree Woodlands SEA (NPPSA)

•  Puente Hills SEA (SPPSA)

•  Rio Hondo College Wildlife Sanctuary SEA (SPPSA)

•  San Andreas Rift Zone SEA (NPPSA)

•  Santa Clara River SEA (SPPSA)

•  San Gabriel Canyon SEA (SPPSA)

•  Santa Fe Dam Floodplain SEA in the San Gabriel River (SPPSA)

•  Whittier Narrows Dam County Recreation Area SEA (SPPSA)

Each of the SEAs was created to provide natural open space areas where the broad range of plant communities and special biological resources found in the County could be conserved in large blocks. The SEAs provide large acreages of foraging and nesting habitats for numerous wildlife, as well as corridors for movement and linkage between population centers. Some SEAs provide the very best natural open spaces, supporting special-status species, as well as the best examples of common vegetation, such as Chaparral, Desert Scrub, Native and Non-native Grassland, Juniper Woodlands, Freshwater Marsh, and Alluvial Wash vegetation. Current and proposed SEAs that occur along Segments 4 and 5 are mapped on Figure 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] .

Los Angeles County SEAs are important linkages that conserve and connect regional habitat blocks, as presented in the “Missing Linkages Project (Albers, 2001, Penrod et al., 2004). The TRTP is planned within the much larger South Coast Ecoregion bounded on the north, in part, by the Tehachapi Mountains. This region extends to the Little San Bernardino Mountains, Coachella Valley, and Imperial Valley to the east; Baja California to the south; and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The route of the TRTP follows one of several major north-to-south corridor connections across the Antelope Valley between two major blocks in the ecoregion, the San Gabriel and Tehachapi Mountains. For example, the Joshua Tree Woodland SEA and San Andreas Rift zone SEA are important stepping stones in these connections. The existing and proposed SEAs in the San Andreas Rift Zone, particularly, are also important in the east to west connection between the Sierra Pelona and San Gabriel Mountains. The junction of several major biological corridors occurs in the general vicinity of the Vincent Substation where additional connections from southern valleys and east to west habitat blocks (= core areas) join into those just noted.

4.5.3.3.6 Tree Protection/Preservation Ordinances. Los Angeles County Ordinance 153478 applies to all unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Under the county ordinance, a person shall not cut, destroy, remove, relocate, inflict damage, or encroach into the protected zone of oak trees of a certain size.

The ordinance specifically prohibits the destruction of Valley oak (Quercus lobata) and California live oak (Quercus agrifolia) and any tree of the oak genus indigenous to California which measures eight inches or more in diameter four and one-half feet above the ground. It excludes scrub oaks (Quercus berberidifolia) and nursery grown oaks. The Department of Public Works, as the primary enforcement agency, has the authority to authorize relocation or removal under certain circumstances, such as public endangerment.

4.5.3.3.7 Cities. The NPPSA traverses several incorporated cities within Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties. Some cities have their own ordinances and regulations that govern sensitive resources (e.g., vegetation removal) within their respective jurisdictions, while others adopt county ordinances. For example cities within the counties may have adopted the county oak tree ordinance or have other ordinances defined in the zoning codes.

4.5.4 Significance Criteria

Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines suggests that a development project could have a significant impact on biological resources, if the project would:

•  Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or indirectly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

•  Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS

•  Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the CDFG or USFWS

•  Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the CWA (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal wetlands) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means

•  Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites

•  Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as tree preservation policy or ordinance

•  Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan

4.5.5 Applicant Proposed Measures and Biological Mitigation Measures

4.5.5.1 Applicant Proposed Measures

This section presents the Applicant Proposed Measures (APMs) designed by SCE to reduce impacts of the proposed Project on biological resources. These APMs are considered part of the proposed TRTP. Mitigation Measures are proposed in addition to the APMs for the purpose of mitigating significant impacts to less than significant. Table 4.5-6 presents a list of the APMs and mitigation measures related to biological resources for the proposed TRTP.

4.5.6 Proposed Project and Alternatives

4.5.6.1 Segment 4

4.5.6.1.1 Environmental Setting. Segment 4 begins west of Cottonwood Creek Wash at S4 MP 0, approximately 3.8 miles northwest of the proposed Whirlwind Substation, and runs southeasterly for 19.6 miles, ending immediately before intercepting the existing Antelope Substation. Elevations range from approximately 2,427 feet to 2,788 feet along this segment, with a topography that is largely comprised of flatlands.

The major soils along Segment 4 are Hanford, Vista, Ramona, Las Posas, Anaverde, and Godde series soils, and Terrace Escarpments, which are defined and discussed in the Biological Technical Report (Appendix H1). At the Vincent Substation, the soils are transitional from those more commonly associated with mountains in the south to alluvium found on the Antelope Valley floor. The transitional edge in this region is quite jagged, with many upland intrusions of soil types washing downward into the lower elevations. The alluvial source material found in desert washes and broad planes is produced from soils at higher elevations, providing a great variety of soil mixes and inclusion lenses that interplay with the biological resources.

The majority of Segment 4 passes through previously disturbed areas that now support Non-native Grasslands. These areas were cleared of native vegetation in the past to accommodate dryland farming, but have since become fallow. Due to rapid colonization of and competitive exclusion by non-native grasses, native desert shrub communities have been unable to recover. Additionally, large areas of this segment are still currently used for agriculture. The remaining land is dominated by native communities, including Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, Desert Saltbush Scrub, and Joshua Tree Woodland. Acreages of mapped vegetation communities are provided in Table 4.5-7.

Although the majority of Segment 4 is comprised of non-native vegetation communities, the segment still provides suitable habitat for common and special-status species. Over 70 percent of the area in Segment 4 is comprised of Non-native Grasslands and agricultural fields, which are important foraging habitats for several wide-ranging sensitive raptors in the area. These areas are used by both diurnal (hawks and relatives) and nocturnal raptors (owls and nightjars [Chordeiles sp.]). Along with these habitat types, Disturbed/Developed lands also support populations of California Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi), Botta’s

Table 4.5-6
Applicant proposed measures AND
MITIGATION MEASURES for biological Resources

Pocket Gophers (Thomomys bottae), and Blacktailed Jackrabbits (Lepus californicus), which serve as prey for raptors found in these three habitat types. Botta’s Pocket Gopher is active both day and night, and often comprises a high percentage of food items in the diet of owls. Additionally, the burrows of the California Ground Squirrel are frequently adopted by Burrowing Owls as their primary roosting and brooding locations. Burrowing owls are

TABLE 4.5-7
Segment 4 Vegetation Communities

known to occur in fallow agricultural lands, in areas with low-lying vegetation, often comprised of non-native grasses. In addition, areas of Segment 4 mapped as native desert vegetation communities (i.e., Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, Mojave Juniper Woodland and Scrub, Desert Saltbush Scrub, and Joshua Tree Woodland) provide suitable habitat for both special-status plants and animals. Thus, both native and non-native vegetation communities provide suitable foraging, breeding, nesting, and burrowing habitat for common and special-status wildlife due to the presence of suitable environmental conditions (i.e., appropriate elevation range, appropriate soils, vegetation communities, and common prey species), as shown in Table 4.5-7.

Segment 4 crosses two Los Angeles County SEAs. It passes through the eastern edge of the Joshua Tree Woodland SEA (No. 60), encompassing the Antelope and Fairmont Buttes. It also passes through the northeastern corner of a second, disjunctive patch of the SEA, north of the Buttes. This SEA does not support core populations of Endangered or Threatened plant or wildlife. On a regional basis, the SEA provides stands of Joshua Tree Woodland, Desert Scrub, Juniper Woodland (Holland, 1986), and Disturbed areas that potentially support 22 special-status species of plants and wildlife (PCR, 2000a).

The Fairmonte-Antelope Buttes SEA provides outstanding nesting, roosting, denning, and refuge habitats for many wildlife species. This SEA is known for a high concentration of wintering raptors, which forage in nearby grasslands and agricultural fields. It also provides year-round foraging habitat for many passerine bird species. Observed and potential sensitive species within this SEA include four plants, two reptiles, ten birds, and six mammals. Special-status species observed, or ones that have potential to occur in this SEA, are included in Table 4.5-2 and Table 4.5-4 if their habitats also occur within a 5-mile range of the NPPSA. The SEA covers a much larger acreage than is present in the nearby TRTP corridor, and only a restricted number of the identified species are expected to occur within Segment 4’s R‑O‑W.

Special-status Plant Species. Special-status plants with a moderate or higher potential to occur along Segment 4 include: Round-leaved Filaree (California macrophyllum), Alkali Mariposa Lily (Calochortus striatus), White-bracted Spineflower (Chorzanthe xanti var. leucotheca), Pale-yellow Layia (Layia heteroticha), Piute Mountains Navarretia (Navarretia setiloba), Short-joint Beavertail (Opuntia basilaris var brachyclada), and Mason’s Neststraw (Stylocline masonii).

Special-status Wildlife Species. Observed special-status wildlife species within Segment 4 include the Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) and California Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris actia). In addition, 14 other special-status wildlife were determined to have moderate or higher potentials to occur along Segment 4, and are listed as follows: two reptiles: Silvery Legless Lizard (Anniella pulchra pulchra) and Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii); 9 birds: Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii), Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor), Golden Eagle, Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea), Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis), Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus), Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus), and Le Conte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei); and four mammals: Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus), Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona), and American Badger (Taxidea taxus). The Mohave Ground Squirrel has a low probability of occurrence based on current range boundaries, habitat preferences, and lack of records on the TRTP corridor.

4.5.6.1.2 Impact Analysis.

Construction and Operation Impacts. This section analyzes direct and indirect impacts on biological resources.

Direct Construction and Operation Impacts.

Would the TRTP have a substantial adverse effect either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the CDFG or USFWS?

Habitats and Vegetation Communities. Direct impacts from ground disturbance or alteration, including destruction and removal of individuals of special-status species during grading or other construction activities, may potentially occur during the course of TRTP implementation. Based on a 200-foot by 200-foot disturbance area for each tower, an estimated 109.3 acres of vegetation will be temporarily disturbed by tower construction along Segment 4. Of this, 82 acres (75 percent) are comprised of Non-native Grassland, Agriculture, and Disturbed/Developed land (Table 4.5-8). The remaining 30.6 acres (25 percent) are occupied by native vegetation communities, including Joshua Tree Woodland, Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, and Mojavean Juniper Woodland and Scrub. None of the communities present in Segment 4 are designated as special-status vegetation communities. Preliminary construction drawings indicate that approximately 166 acres of temporary ground disturbance from marshalling areas, staging areas, new grading of roads, and other non-tower clearing activities will occur during construction. After construction is finished, about 14.3 acres will remain permanently disturbed in Segment 4. Ground disturbance activities in Segment 4 are primarily temporary and will not have a substantial adverse effect on special-status species given the abundance of surrounding habitat, as well as the predominance of impacts within non-native habitats.

TABLE 4.5-8
DIRECT TOWER-PLACEMENT DISTURBANCES TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES - SEGMENT 4

¹   Disturbances of tower footprints are based on a 200-foot by 200-foot area per tower.
Number of overlapping towers was adjusted to estimate acres of potential disturbance for Segment 4: Equivalent footprint of 119 towers, based on the area disturbed by two lines of towers that overlap on average by 25 percent.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), construction impacts to habitat and vegetation communities are expected to be less than significant.

All habitat and vegetation community disturbance would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Special-status Vegetation and Plant Species. Special-status vegetation communities have not been identified in Segment 4. Special-status plant species with a moderate to high probability of occurrence in Segment 4 include the Round-leaved Filaree, Alkali Mariposa Lily, White-bracted Spineflower, Pale-yellow Layia, Piute Mountains Navarretia, Short-joint Beavertail Cactus, and Mason’s Neststraw (Table 4.5-2). Where these special-status species may be present, construction activities could potentially remove or disturb individuals or populations, which could constitute a significant impact. Special-status species surveys will establish the presence or absence of sensitive species in this Segment. If any special-status species is located in areas that must be disturbed by construction activities and that cannot be avoided, APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation) would reduce impacts to less than significant.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-level Surveys), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation), construction impacts to special-status vegetation and plant species would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to the special-status vegetation and plant species would be less than significant.

Nesting Raptors and Other Nesting Birds. Special-status raptors are unlikely to build nests in the low vegetation of Segment 4. Burrowing Owls may inhabit burrows in the grasslands and agricultural areas of Segment 4 where California Ground Squirrels and Botta’s Pocket Gophers are present. Burrowing Owls frequently use abandoned ground squirrel burrows on the raised berms of roads for shelter and nesting. Where new access or spur roads are created, nesting Burrowing Owls may be disrupted during breeding season (April 15 to July 15), which would be a significant adverse impact. Preconstruction nesting surveys, as specified in APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts To Active Nests) for bird species covered by California Fish and Game Code 3500 (et seq.) and MBTA requirements would be conducted and appropriate actions taken to avoid significant impacts, including for those special-status species determined to have moderate or high potentials to nest within the Segment-4 NPPSA: Cooper’s Hawk, Golden Eagle, Swainson’s Hawk, and California Horned Lark.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-6 (Swainson’s Hawk), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests) and APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection), construction impacts to nesting raptors and other nesting birds would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests), operational impacts to nesting raptors and nesting birds would be less than significant.

Special-status Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals. No special-status amphibians were identified to occur within the Segment 4 NPPSA.

Silvery Legless Lizard habitat may be present in Segment 4 where there are sandy or loose loamy soils under sparse vegetation. Grading of new or existing access and spur roads could disrupt individuals or habitat of this lizard. With the implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation) and APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitor), impacts to the Silvery Legless Lizard would be less than significant.

Individual Desert Tortoises, or small isolated populations, may exist on Segment 4 in the area designated as a “Survey Zone” in the WMP (Figure 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] ). The population in the TRTP area (west of Highway 14) is considered to be of very low density (1 to 20 individuals per square mile). The area north of the Kern/LA County line (Figure 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] ) is designated by the WMP as a “Survey Area” where pre-construction clearance surveys are specified for Desert Tortoise. Destruction of individual tortoises during construction or operations would constitute a significant impact. With the implementation of BIO MIT-4 (Desert Tortoise), this potential impact to Desert Tortoises would be reduced to less than significant.

The historic range of the Mohave Ground Squirrel (MGS) includes the area traversed by Segments 4, 5, and 10 in the Antelope Valley. The current range of the MGS has been considerably reduced such that it is considered to be extirpated from areas west of State Highway 14, although isolated individuals may occur within the Antelope Valley floor and bajadas. The western edge of the currently accepted range of the MGS is indicated on Figure 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] where it crosses about two miles into the NPPSA five-mile buffer zone shown on the map. The TRTP corridor is outside the accepted range of the species and the portion of the corridor nearest the MGS range (in the southern portion of Segment 5) is outside the habitat utilized by the MGS. Only one record from the CNDDB occurs (number 12 on the map points) within the five-mile buffer zone, about 5 miles northeast of Segment 5 in Palmdale. Two individual Mojave Ground Squirrels were observed during reconnaissance-level surveys for the ATP Segment 3 (CPUC, 2006), which is in closer proximity to the MGS range boundary than is the TRTP Segment 10. Four historical CNDDB records, indicate the MGS was present near Lancaster, Rosamond, Randsburg, and Mojave. These data do not preclude that isolated individuals of the MGS may be present in the TRTP corridor on the northern portion of Segment 10. Biological monitors, as specified in APM BIO-5. (Biological Monitors) will be trained to recognize, and required to actively watch for sightings of the MGS at construction sites. Impacts to Mojave Ground Squirrel would be reduced to less than significant levels by implementation of BIO MIT-5 (Mohave Ground Squirrel).

Through implementation of BIO MIT-4 (Desert Tortoise), BIO MIT-5 (Mohave Ground Squirrel), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), and APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitor), construction impacts to special-status Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals would be less than significant.

Special-status Birds. Special-status bird species that may be affected by Project implementation within habitats of Segment 4 include Cooper’s Hawk, Tricolored Blackbird, Golden Eagle, Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Mountain Plover, California Horned Lark, Prairie Falcon, Loggerhead Shrike, and Le Conte’s Thrasher. Construction work during the bird nesting season may disturb breeding activities, and potentially result in ‘take’ of birds, nests, and eggs. Additionally, noise and visual disturbances caused by construction activities and vehicular disturbance may adversely affect nesting Le Conte’s Thrashers if the project is implemented in occupied areas during the bird breeding season (February to June). Burrowing Owl breeding activities may also be interrupted between April 15 and July 15.

Critical Habitat pursuant to the FESA is designated for the California Condor about 2.5 miles to the northwest of S4 Milepost 0 (Figure 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] ). This habitat is centered to the west within the Tehachapi Mountain Range and does not overlay any portion of the TRTP footprint. California Condor range widely in the region and may be expected to occasionally forage or travel over the TRTP corridors. The transmission towers and lines on the TRTP are constructed according to Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) standards and do not pose a threat to the raptors utilizing them.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-6 (Swainson’s Hawk), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), BIO MIT-10 (Burrowing Owl), APM BIO-1 (Pre-construction surveys), APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation), and APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection), construction impacts to special-status birds would be reduced to less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection), operational impacts to special-status birds would be less than significant.

Additional Information on APM and Mitigation Special-status Species Assessments and Surveys. As part of APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys) and BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), the following species specific surveys would be conducted. Recommended additional surveys for special-status species would be conducted by experienced biologists qualified and appropriately authorized by the CDFG/USFWS to conduct surveys in their respective areas of expertise.

Additional recommended special-status plant species assessments and surveys for Segment 4 include: Round-leaved Filaree, Alkali Mariposa Lily, White-bracted Spineflower, Pale-yellow Layia, Piute Mountains Navarretia, Short-joint Beavertail Cactus, and Mason’s Neststraw. These plants would be surveyed during the appropriate blooming season.

Additional recommended pre-construction special-status wildlife species assessments and surveys for Segment 4 include the following reptiles: Silvery Legless Lizard and Coast Horned Lizard. Surveys for the California Horned Lizard would be done systematically in areas where ground disturbance is planned. Preconstruction surveys, in compliance with the MBTA and California Fish and Game Code Section 3500 (et seq.) would be conducted to identify nests for removal outside the breeding season in areas where Project disturbances cannot be avoided for: Cooper’s Hawk, Golden Eagle, Burrowing Owl, Swainson’s Hawk, California Horned Lark, Loggerhead Shrike, and Le Conte’s Thrasher. Recommended preconstruction mammal surveys include: Pallid Bat, Mohave Ground Squirrel, and American Badger. Mohave Ground Squirrel surveillance would be conducted visually by biologists during other survey efforts for plants and animals. The American Badger surveys would be based on the presence of diagnostic burrows.

Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS?

Segment 4 does not have any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community as defined by local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the CDFG or USFWS, therefore no construction or operational impact would occur.

Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the CWA (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?

Segment 4 does not have any protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the CWA, therefore no construction or operational impacts would occur.

Would the Project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

The TRTP in Segment 4 will not interfere with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species, or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites. The Project corridors provide an unimpeded open linkage that crosses from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Tehachapi Mountains. The corridor connects the two areas within native habitat and does not block the lateral movement of any species, therefore no construction or operational impacts would occur.

Would the Project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as tree preservation policy or ordinance?

Segment 4 does not pass through an area that would create a conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, therefore no construction or operational impact would occur.

Would the Project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

Segment 4 passes through two Los Angeles County SEAs, including the existing Joshua Tree Woodland SEA and the existing Fairmont-Antelope Buttes SEA. The TRTP is consistent with the goals of the Los Angeles County General Plan for SEAs.

Segment 4 is contained within the boundary of the WMP. However, because the WMP is currently only applicable to federal lands, the TRTP is not required to comply with the provisions of the WMP. Additionally, the TRTP is in a portion of the WMP that no longer supports significant populations of the Desert Tortoise and Mohave Ground Squirrel. Nonetheless, various SCE APMs would ensure consistency. Segment 4 is in an area designated as a “Survey Zone” for the Desert Tortoise that may support isolated individuals or small populations of Desert Tortoise at a density of 1 to 20 individuals per square mile. The WMP specifies that preconstruction clearance surveys where tortoises are removed from a site immediately prior to construction comply with the WMP Desert Tortoise protocols. Implementation of BIO MIT-4 (Desert Tortoise) would ensure that the proposed TRTP would be consistent with the WMP with regard to Desert Tortoise.

The northern portion of the Antelope Valley in Kern County, on 23 sections of public land, is designated as a Mohave Ground Squirrel Study Area in the WMP. The WMP also specifies that trapping of Mohave Ground Squirrels would not be required during preconstruction surveys. Implementation of BIO MIT-5 (Mohave Ground Squirrel) would ensure that the proposed TRTP would be consistent with the WMP with regard to Mohave Ground Squirrel.

Segment 4 is consistent with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. With the implementation of BIO MIT-4 (Desert Tortoise) and BIO MIT-5 (Mohave Ground Squirrel), no significant construction impacts to the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan would occur.

All impacts would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts.

Indirect construction and operations impacts on special-status biological resources have the potential to occur in all TRTP segments during implementation of the Project. The magnitude, frequency, and location of impacts are subject to final project design (i.e., tower placement, alignment of access roads) and the locations of biological resources. This section combines the discussion of indirect construction and operations impacts for all segments because they applicable to the entire TRTP. Through the application of the APMs (see Section 4.5.5.1), and Best Management Practices (BMPs) in APM BIO-4, none of these impacts would be considered to be a significant impact on special-status resources within any segment of the Project. Indirect construction and operations impacts will be discussed only in this section.

Indirect construction and operations impacts could result from establishment of marshalling yards for staging equipment and materials, from creation and upgrading of access and spur roads, from removal of existing structures, construction of tower sites and associated structures, wire installation, pulling stations, and splicing stations (e.g., erosion impacts are an indirect impact resulting from establishment of a marshalling yard). The indirect impacts assessed in this section include: increases in runoff, erosion, and siltation; introduction and establishment of non-native species; increases in noise and human activities; increases in lighting; accidental release of toxic substances; and increases in fugitive dust. Significance criteria for indirect impacts follow the aforementioned CEQA Guidelines (Section 4.5.4).

Would the TRTP have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or indirectly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the CDFG or USFWS?

Runoff, Erosion, and Siltation. Siltation and erosion resulting from the proposed construction and operations activities are potentially significant indirect construction impacts on biological resources where the segments cross intermittent or perennial drainages supporting riparian vegetation and special-status wildlife species. Where vegetation is removed during teardown or installation of towers, and during grading of access roads and various staging areas, erosion may disturb topsoil that supports stabilizing vegetation. The eroded soil could be deposited as silt and alluvium in the drainages, and would affect the ability of riparian plants to obtain light, oxygen, and nutrients. By minimizing vegetation removal and applying BMPs during construction, as specified in the APM BIO-4 (BMPs), erosion control measures will reduce this potential impact to a less-than-significant level. Potential hydrologic impacts from tower pad and access/spur road grading would be minimized by use of staked straw bales, water bars, silt fences, mulching, and seeding of disturbed areas where necessary to protect biological resources. The transmission lines will completely span streams supporting running water, riparian vegetation, and special-status species, thereby avoiding direct and indirect impacts on the biological resources supported by the stream and its banks.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation) and APM BIO-4 (BMPs), indirect construction impact from runoff, erosion, or siltation on special-status biological resources would be less than significant.

All indirect impacts through runoff, erosion, or siltation, would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Non-native Invasive Species Introduction and Establishment. Exotic plant species most readily establish themselves where topsoil is disturbed by grading or erosion. The exotic species can out-compete and replace native special-status species through competitive exclusion. This is potentially an adverse significant impact when the native species cannot recover or the form of the invasive vegetation causes changes in erosion, sheet flow, or changes in the available water in the soil profile. Exotic invertebrate species such as the Argentine Ant (Iridomyrmex humilis) may out-compete native species and change the delicate dynamics of food webs supporting special-status species such as the San Diego Horned Lizard (see the Biological Technical Report in Appendix H1). To reduce the likelihood of additional exotic species being introduced, any construction and operations equipment used on the TRTP will be initially washed by high pressure jets to eliminate any soil buildup that may contain invertebrates, such as ants and ant eggs, or the seeds of exotic plant species (BIO MIT-1 [Invasive Species Management]). For all ground disturbing work within the ANF, SCE will follow the requirements put in place by the ANF Supervisor in response to FSM Section 2081.03 (BIO MIT-2 [ANF Invasive Species Management]).

Through implementation of BIO MIT-1 (Invasive Species Management) and BIO MIT-2 (ANF Invasive Species Management), indirect construction impact from Non-native Invasive Species Introduction and Establishment on special-status biological resources would be less than significant.

All indirect impacts through Non-native Invasive Species Introduction and Establishment, would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Noise and Human Presence. Most noise impacts on special-status wildlife species will be temporary and of short duration. Raised noise levels during construction have the potential to disrupt the breeding success of special-status wildlife species during their breeding cycles. Loud and continuous noises, such as those produced by construction helicopters or heavy construction equipment, may frighten individuals of special-status species and interfere with their normal activities, such as foraging, detecting predators, and attracting mates.

SCE will conduct Project-wide raptor nest surveys to identify the locations of established nests prior to construction (APM BIO-8 [Avoid Impacts to Active Nests]). This will reduce the potential for significant breeding impacts on special-status birds, and identify locations where nests need to be removed during the non-breeding season. The locations identified and mapped during the surveys will be considered in scheduling construction work times and locations. Construction work performed in the vicinity of active nests where towers or poles are planned for removal or installation will be scheduled outside the bird breeding season - when and where feasible. When this is not feasible, SCE will coordinate with the CDFG and USFWS to obtain written agreements on the procedures and timing for removing active nests.

Periodic noise and human presence from operations activities are not expected to produce adverse impacts on special-status species. Periodic noise and human presence from operational activities are not expected to produce significant impacts on special-status species. The USFWS typically considers a 60 dBA L_eq (1-hour) at the edge of suitable habitat to be a significance threshold in assessing noise impacts on noise-sensitive breeding birds. This threshold is based on a study by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) that determined a traffic noise level of 60 dBA L_eq (1-hour) would effectively mask the breeding call of the least Bell’s vireo (SANDAG, 1988). Under APM BIO-4 (BMPs), construction and maintenance equipment will be equipped with operations muffler systems, as feasible. Access of construction personnel and equipment and materials will be limited to designated Project staging areas and routes of travel as designated in the Project Description and plans. With these practices in place, noise and human presence from construction activities would be minimized and would not be expected to be a significant impact on special-status species.

Through implementation of APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests) and APM BIO-4 (BMPs), indirect construction impacts from Noise and Human Presence on special-status biological resources would be less than significant.

All indirect impacts through Noise and Human Presence would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Lighting. Under normal operating conditions, substations (Segment 9) would not be illuminated at night. Lighting would be used only when required for maintenance outages or emergency repairs occurring at night. The lighting would consist of high-pressure sodium lights located in the switchyards, around the transformer banks, and in areas of the yard where operating and maintenance activities may take place during evening hours. Maintenance lights would be controlled by a manual switch and would normally be in the “off” position. When in use, the lights would be directed downward, and shielded to reduce glare outside the facility.

Lighting has the potential to alter habitual movement paths of some nocturnal wildlife. For example, increases in lighting have been shown to alter migration patterns in several bird species, as well as reduce foraging in mice. Some insectivorous species, such as bats, nightjars, and toads, often benefit from insects that are attracted in high numbers to lights located within open spaces. The incremental increase in lighting is not expected to be a significant impact on special-status biological resources.

Indirect construction impacts from lighting would not have significant impacts on special-status biological resources.

Indirect operation impacts from lighting would not have significant impacts on special-status biological resources.

Toxic Substances. No intentional releases of toxic substances are planned as part of the proposed Project. During construction or operations maintenance, accidental releases could occur from leaking equipment or fuel spills. Implementation of BMPs during construction will reduce the risk of leaks and fuel spills to below a level of significance (APM BIO-4 [BMPs]). BMPs include procedures for spill management that would reduce any accidental spills to less than significant. BMPs also specify that refueling and maintenance of equipment is not conducted in the vicinity of any streambeds. Section 4.8 of this PEA addresses hazards of this kind in more detail.

Through implementation of APM BIO-4 (BMPs), indirect construction impacts from toxic substances on special-status biological resources would be less than significant.

All indirect impacts from toxic substances would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Fugitive Dust. Grading of access roads, spur roads, and various staging areas, as well as vehicle movements and helicopter landings, may temporarily produce fugitive dust during construction. The fugitive dust can block out light when it accumulates on plant leaves of adjacent vegetation. This could increase the range of disturbance caused by construction activities. Raised levels of dust may also be detrimental to the photosynthesis of plants or the respiratory systems of special-status animals, such as Burrowing Owls, that may have burrows adjacent to construction sites or roads where construction vehicles frequently pass. After the initial clearing of staging areas, the major potential biological effect of fugitive dust will be restricted to areas within the tower disturbance sites and along heavily traveled roads. Construction in the immediate areas of new or expanded substations may potentially produce fugitive dust that may reach uncleared vegetation beyond the 200-foot cleared perimeter. BMPs as specified in APM BIO-4, such as restricting construction traffic to the minimum trips required to complete the work, will prevent fugitive dust from becoming a significant impact on sensitive biological resources that may be in a work area. The BMPs would also restrict the speed of construction and operations maintenance vehicles while moving through dusty areas.

Through implementation of APM BIO-4 (BMPs), indirect construction impacts from fugitive dust on special-status biological resources would be less than significant.

All indirect impacts from fugitive dust would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?

Riparian habitat within the NPPSA is located exclusively within Segment 5 along Amargosa Creek and Anaverde Creek. Within the SPPSA riparian habitats are found in Segments 6, 7, 8, and 11. The Project will not indirectly impact these areas because the transmission lines will completely span these creeks. Construction and operations crews are expected to utilize existing roads, to the greatest extent possible, for all Project activities rather than build new access and spur roads as indicated in APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands). BMPs as specified in APM BIO-4 (BMPs) would reduce impacts to biological resources to less than significant where grading of tower pads occur in the vicinity of these creeks, as discussed above for ‘Runoff, Erosion, and Siltation.’

Through implementation of APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands) and APM BIO-4 (BMPs), indirect construction impacts to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community would be less than significant.

All indirect impacts would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?

No wetlands are present in along Segments 4, 5, 9, and 10 within the NPPSA. Wetlands are present within Segments 6, 7, 8, and 11 of the SPPSA.

With the implementation of APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), BIO MIT-1 (Invasive Species Management), and BIO MIT-2 (ANF Invasive Species Management), indirect construction impacts to wetlands would be less than significant.

All indirect impacts would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Would the Project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

Increases in noise, traffic, and human activities within the Project area during construction activities may temporarily deter movement of wildlife. In less-developed areas, wildlife is anticipated to shift movement beyond the reach of TRTP activities. Indirect, adverse, substantial effects on movement of wildlife or impediments to the use of wildlife corridors or nursery sites are not expected from construction or operations activities of the TRTP.

Indirect construction impacts would have a less than significant impact on the movement of biological resources.

Indirect operation impacts would have a less than significant impact on the movement of biological resources.

Would the Project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as tree preservation policy or ordinance?

Indirect construction impacts would have a less than significant impact or conflict with policies or ordinances protecting sensitive biological resources.

Indirect operational impacts would have a less than significant impact or conflict with policies or ordinances protecting sensitive biological resources.

Would the Project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

The TRTP has taken into account all local, regional, and state conservation plans, including Los Angeles County SEAs and the WMP, beginning at the planning phase of TRTP implementation.

Indirect construction impacts would not have a significant impact or conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.

Indirect operational impacts would not have a significant impact or conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan.

4.5.6.1.3 Mitigation Measures.

General Environmentally Sensitive Construction and Operations Practices. In addition to the Applicant Proposed Measures (APM BIO-1 [Pre-Construction Surveys], APM BIO-2 [Minimize Impacts to Vegetation], APM BIO-3 [Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands], APM BIO-4 [BMPs], APM BIO-5 [Biological Monitor], APM BIO-6 [Worker Environmental Awareness Program], APM BIO-7 [Compensatory Mitigation], APM BIO-8 [Avoid Impacts to Active Nests], APM BIO-9 [Avian Protection]), Mitigation Measures (BIO MIT-1 [Invasive Species Management], BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-level Surveys], BIO MIT-4 [Desert Tortoise], BIO MIT-5 [Mohave Ground Squirrel], BIO MIT-6 [Swainson’s Hawk], BIO MIT-8 [Nesting Birds] BIO MIT-10 [Burrowing Owl]) have been proposed to mitigate impacts to Segment 4 to a less than significant level.

With implementation of APMs, no mitigation measures would be required during operational activities.

4.5.6.1.4 Impact Significance After Mitigation Measure Application. With the implementation of Biological Resource Specific APMs and mitigation measures potential biological impacts on special-status species during construction would be reduced to less than significant.

With implementation of APMs, impacts during operation are expected to be less than significant.

4.5.6.2 Segment 5

4.5.6.2.1 Environmental Setting. Segment 5 begins at the Antelope Substation and runs southeasterly across the Antelope Valley for 17.8 miles before intercepting the Vincent Substation, which is proposed for expansion to accommodate new infrastructure. Elevations range from approximately 2,460 feet to 4,460 feet along this segment. The topography is comprised of flatlands along the northern end that transition into hilly terrain with some steeply rising slopes, which begin approximately at S5 MP 4 and extend until the segment terminates at the Vincent Substation.

The major soils along Segment 5 are Greenfield, Hanford, Ramona, Vista, Rosamond, Hesperia, and Terrace Escarpments. These soils are primarily sandy and loamy alluvial soils that have been patchily cleared of natural vegetation for agricultural development on the Antelope Valley floor. Many of these cleared areas are no longer farmed, and are frequently occupied by large acreages of Non-native Grasslands. These soils tend to be deeply developed, with the roots of vegetation penetrating below 60 inches in most places.

The dominant vegetation community within Segment 5 is comprised of Non-native Grasslands. Grasslands comprise 36.7 percent of this segment, while Disturbed areas occupy about 10 percent, and agriculture makes up less than one percent. The remaining 43 percent of Segment 5 is comprised of native communities. The most prevalent native vegetation includes Mojave Juniper Woodlands and Scrub, followed by Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub and Southern Mixed Chaparral, respectively. Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, Big Sagebrush Scrub, Rabbitbrush Scrub, Desert Saltbush Scrub, Semi-desert Chaparral, Southern Cottonwood Woodlands and Scrub, and Joshua Tree Woodlands comprise the remainder of the segment as indicated in Table 4.5-9.

Both native and non-native vegetation communities have the potential to serve as suitable habitat for common and special-status wildlife species. For example, Non-native Grassland and Disturbed/Developed habitats serve as important foraging habitats for several wide-ranging special-status raptors in the area, such as Ferruginous Hawk, Swanson’s Hawk, and Red-tailed Hawk. As discussed for Segment 4, the presence of small mammals, which readily

TABLE 4.5-9
Segment 5 Vegetation Communities

occur within fields and grasslands, provides suitable prey for both diurnally- and nocturnally-active raptors, including Burrowing Owls. The other half of the segment is dominated by a wide range of native vegetation communities, including chaparral, woodland, and scrub communities, which are known to support a diverse array of wildlife and plants. These native communities provide suitable foraging, breeding, nesting, and burrowing habitat for common and special-status wildlife. In addition to the more arid communities, Segment 5 also contains 2.5 acres of Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest, which provides sufficient suitable habitat to potentially support riparian amphibian, reptilian, and avian species.

Segment 5 of the TRTP crosses the existing Ritter Ridge SEA and the eastern side of the proposed and expanded San Andreas Rift Zone SEA (PCR, 2000b). The San Andreas Rift Zone SEA includes 4 smaller existing SEAs, two of which are traversed by the TRTP corridors. The proposed San Andreas Rift Zone SEA complex is located where broad biogeographic zones converge. The vegetation historically consisted of flora from the Tehachapi and Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mojave and Great Basin Deserts, and Transverse and San Gabriel Mountains. This SEA supports the most diverse, concentrated, and unique flora in Los Angeles County where it represents a transition between desert, foothill, and mountain biomes (PCR, 2000b). As a consequence, the proposed SEA supports numerous special-status species, including plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Those species that occur within a 5-mile range of the NPPSA are included in Tables 4.5-2 and 4.5-4.

Special-status Plant Species. Special-status plants with a moderate or higher potential to occur along Segment 5 include: San Gabriel Manzanita (Acrtostaphylos gabrielensis), Greata’s Aster, Round-leaved Filaree, Palmer’s Mariposa Lily, Alkali Mariposa Lily (Calochortus striatus), Parry’s Spineflower (Chorizanthe parryi var. parryi), White-bracted Spineflower (Chorzanthe xanti var. leucotheca), Pale-yellow Layia (Layia heteroticha), Piute Mountains Navarretia (Navarretia setiloba), Short-joint Beavertail (Opuntia basilaris var. brachyclada), and Mason’s Neststraw.

Special-status Wildlife Species. Special-status wildlife with a moderate or higher potential to occur along Segment 5 include: one amphibian: California Red-legged Frog, five reptiles: Silvery Legless Lizard, Desert Tortoise, Coast (San Diego) Horned Lizard, Coast (California) Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum frontale), Two-striped Garter Snake (Thamnophis hammondii); 10 birds: Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii), Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor), Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea), Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis), Swainson’s Hawk, Mountain Plover (Charadrius montanus), California Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris actia), Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus), Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), and Le Conte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei); and three mammals: Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus), Southern Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys torridus ramona), and American Badger (Taxidea taxus). Amphibians have a higher potential to occur in Segment 5 than any of the other segments due to the presence of the 2.5-acre Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest Community, which occurs along Amargosa and Anaverde Creeks. The Mohave Ground Squirrel is not expected to occur on Segment 5 because the TRTP corridor with appropriate habitat for it does not exist within five miles of the currently documented geographic range, although appropriate habitat does exist within three miles on the valley floor.

4.5.6.2.2 Impact Analysis.

Construction and Operation Impacts. This section analyzes direct and indirect impacts to biological resources.

Direct Construction and Operation Impacts.

Would the TRTP have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or indirectly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the CDFG or USFWS?

Direct impacts from ground disturbance or alteration, and destruction or removal of individuals of special-status species during grading or other ground-disturbance construction activities may potentially occur during the course of Project implementation. Based on a 200-foot by 200-foot disturbance area for each tower, an estimated 101 acres of vegetation will be temporarily disturbed by tower teardown and construction on Segment 5. Of this, 43.4 acres (43 percent) is comprised of non-native vegetation and disturbed land (Table 4.5-10). The remaining 57.6 acres (57 percent) are occupied by a wide range of native vegetation communities, the two most abundant being Mojavean Juniper Woodland and Scrub and Mojave Mixed Woody Scrub, which together comprise 45 percent of the segment. Preliminary construction drawings indicate that about 106 acres of temporary ground disturbance from marshalling areas, staging areas, new grading of roads, and other non-tower clearing activities will occur during construction. After construction is finished, about 2 acres will remain permanently disturbed in Segment 5. The disturbance of new ground during tower teardown and construction activities in Segment 5 is relatively minor and predominantly temporary and will not have a substantial adverse effect on special-status species given the abundance of surrounding habitat.

With the implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), construction impacts to habitat and vegetation communties would be less than significant.

All habitat and vegetation community disturbance would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Special-status Vegetation and Plant Species. Segment 5 crosses over two intermittent streams, Amargosa and Anaverde creeks. Both streams support special-status plant communities Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest, which is a special-status community. The total acreage of riparian vegetation within the two streams where transmission lines would cross is less than one acre. Existing access roads will be used by construction and operations crews to cross these streams and no new access and spur roads will be created. Transmission lines will completely span these streams so that there will be no direct or indirect impacts on the biological resources at these stream crossings, including the special-status vegetation community.

Special-status plant species that have a moderate to high probability of occurrence in Segment 5 include San Gabriel Manzanita, Greata’s Aster, Round-leaved Filaree, Palmer’s Mariposa Lily, Alkali Mariposa Lily, White-bracted Spineflower, Pale-yellow Layia, Piute Mountains Navarretia, Short-joint Beavertail, and Mason’s Neststraw (Table 4.5-2). Where

TABLE 4.5-10
DIRECT TOWER-PLACEMENT DISTURBANCES TO
VEGETATION COMMUNITIES - SEGMENT 5

¹   Disturbances of tower footprints are based on a 200-foot by 200-foot area per tower.
Number of towers used to estimate acres of potential disturbance for Segment 5: 110 towers.

these special-status species may be present, construction activities could potentially remove or disturb individuals or populations of these species, potentially constituting a significant impact. Special-status species surveys will establish the presence or absence of species in Segment 5. If any special-status species is located in areas that must be disturbed by construction activities and that cannot be avoided, APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation) would reduce impacts to less than significant.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-level Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation), construction impacts to special-status vegetation and plant species would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to the special-status vegetation and plant species would be less than significant.

Nesting Raptors and Other Nesting Birds. Special-status raptors, except for the Burrowing Owl, are unlikely to build nests in the low vegetation of Segment 5. At S5 MP 4, the southern portion of Segment 5 begins to ascend the San Andreas rift zone and foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains where clustered and scattered California Juniper trees are present. These trees provide potential nesting sites for raptors. Burrowing Owls may inhabit burrows in the grasslands and agricultural areas of Segment 5 where California Ground Squirrels are present. California Ground Squirrels are prevalent throughout the foothills and grasslands of the Antelope Valley. Burrowing Owls frequently use abandoned ground squirrel burrows on the raised berms of roads for shelter and nesting. When new access or spur roads are created, nesting Burrowing Owls may be disrupted during their breeding season (April 15 to July 15), which would be a significant impact. In addition to the Burrowing Owl, avian species covered by California Fish and Game Code 3500 (et seq.) and MBTA requirements could also be affected. They include Cooper’s Hawk, Golden Eagle, Swainson’s Hawk, and California Horned Lark.

The 500 kV and 200 kV transmission lines and other TRTP facilities will be constructed in accordance with guidelines in the 2006 APLIC Manual. These guidelines address nesting and perching risks to wildlife by specifying construction designs that result in construction of inherently safe lines and towers with minimal risks of electrocution.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-6 (Swainson’s Hawk), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), BIO MIT-10 (Burrowing Owl), APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests) and APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection), construction impacts to nesting raptors and other nesting birds would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests), operational impacts to nesting raptors and nesting birds would be less than significant.

Raptor Nests in Towers before Teardown. Prior to the removal of existing towers on Segment 5, a survey will be conducted to identify raptor nests. The nests will be moved or removed from September to January outside the bird breeding season (February 1 to August 31). If removal of any nest cannot be scheduled outside the bird breeding season, SCE will coordinate with the CDFG and USFWS to obtain concurrence and procedures prior to removing or moving nests.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds) and APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests), construction impacts to raptor nests in towers before teardown would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests), operational impacts to nesting raptors and nesting birds would be less than significant.

Special-status Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals. Due to the presence of Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest, which occurs along two flowing creeks, there is potential habitat for the California Red-Legged Frog, a special-status amphibian. Similarly, the creeks and surrounding riparian vegetation provide suitable habitat for a largely aquatic reptile, the Two-striped Garter Snake. Both species have moderate potentials to occur in the two drainages. Adverse impacts on these species are unlikely since the T/Ls will completely span the creeks such that the two drainages will not be adversely affected by transmission lines, access and spur roads, marshalling and staging areas, or any other Project activities and facilities.

Silvery Legless Lizard habitat may be present in Segment 5 where there is sandy or loose loamy soils under sparse vegetation throughout the communities. Grading of new or existing access and spur roads could disrupt individuals or habitat of this lizard. With the implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation) and APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitor), impacts to the Silvery Legless Lizard would be less than significant.

There is a high probability that the California Horned Lizard is present in the Non-native Grasslands, Southern Mixed Chaparral, Semi-desert Chaparral, and Mojave Juniper Woodland and Scrub on this Segment. These are areas where mounds of the primary food of the lizard, the California Harvester Ant, would also be present. With the implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), impacts to the California Horned Lizard would be less than significant.

Individual Desert Tortoise, or small isolated populations, are unlikely to be present on Segment 5. They may be extirpated from this area, but isolated individuals could persist. The area south of Whirlwind Substation along Segment 5 is designated as a “No Survey Zone” in the WMP (Figure 4.5-2, sheet 1 of 2). The populations in the TRTP area (west of Highway 14) are considered to be of very low density area (1 to 20 individuals per square mile). Destruction of individual tortoises would constitute a significant impact. With the implementation of BIO MIT-4 (Desert Tortoise), potential impacts to Desert Tortoises would be reduced to less than significant.

The historic range of the Mohave Ground Squirrel (MGS) includes the area traversed by Segments 4, 5, and 10 in the Antelope Valley. The current range of the MGS has been considerably reduced such that it is considered to be extirpated from areas west of State Highway 14, although isolated individuals may occur within the Antelope Valley floor and bajadas. The currently accepted range of the MGS is indicated on Figure 4.5-2 [Sheet 1, 2] where it crosses into the NPPSA five-mile buffer zone shown on the map, the details of which are discussed in for Segment 4 (Section 4.5.6.1.2.1). Preconstruction visual surveys for MGS in areas of ground disturbance will be conducted within appropriate habitat by a mammalogist experienced with the species, as indicated in BIO MIT-5 (Mohave Ground Squirrel). Biological monitors, as specified in APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors) will be trained to recognize, and required to actively watch for sightings of the MGS at construction sites. Impacts to Mojave Ground Squirrel would be reduced to less than significant levels by implementation of BIO MIT-5 (Mohave Ground Squirrel).

Through implementation of BIO MIT-4 (Desert Tortoise), BIO MIT-5 (Mohave Ground Squirrel), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitor), construction impacts to the Special-status Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals would be less than significant.

Special-status Birds. The Special-status birds included in Table 4.5-4 all have the potential to be present along Segment 5. Disturbances caused by construction activities during the bird nesting season may disturb breeding activities of these species and potentially result in ‘take’ of birds, nests, and eggs if nests are present on adjacent transmission towers. Burrowing Owl breeding activities may also be interrupted between April 15 and July 15. Direct impacts on special-status bird species would be avoided by removal of individuals during clearance surveys.

The transmission towers and lines on the TRTP are constructed according to APLIC standards for raptor-safe construction and do not posse a threat to the raptors utilizing them.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-6 (Swainson’s Hawk), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), BIO MIT-10 (Burrowing Owl), APM BIO-1 (Pre-construction surveys), APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation), and APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection), impacts to special-status birds would be reduced to less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection), operational impacts to special-status birds would be less than significant.

Additional Information on APM and Mitigation Special-status Species Assessments and Surveys. As part of APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys) and BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys) the following species specific surveys would be conducted. Recommended additional surveys for special-status species would be conducted by experienced biologists qualified and appropriately authorized by the CDFG/USFWS to conduct surveys in their respective areas of expertise.

Additional recommended special-status plant species assessments and surveys for Segment 5 include: San Gabriel Manzanita, Greata’s Aster, Round-leaved Filaree, Palmer’s Mariposa Lily, Alkali Mariposa Lily, White-bracted Spineflower, Pale-yellow Layia, Piute Mountains Navarretia, Short-joint Beavertail Cactus, and Mason’s Neststraw. With the exception of the San Gabriel Manzanita, these plants all have blooming seasons that would allow them to be surveyed together during the appropriate blooming season. The Manzanita is a shrub that blooms in March and can be identified by its vegetative characteristics outside the blooming season.

Additional recommended pre-construction special-status wildlife species assessments and surveys for Segment 5 include the following amphibians and reptiles: California Red-legged Frog, Silvery Legless Lizard, Coast Horned Lizard, and Two-striped Garter Snake. The California Red-legged Frog requires a USFWS protocol of 8 surveys, including 6 surveys during the breeding season, and 2 surveys during the non-breeding season. The breeding surveys are conducted from January to September. Surveys for the California Horned Lizard and Two-striped Garter Snake would be done systematically in areas planned for ground disturbance.

Preconstruction surveys, in compliance with the MBTA and California Fish and Game Code Section 3500 (et seq.) would be conducted to identify nests for removal outside the breeding season in areas where project disturbances cannot be avoided for: Cooper’s Hawk, Tri-colored Blackbird, Golden Eagle, Burrowing Owl, Ferruginous Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, California Horned Lark, Prairie Falcon, and Le Conte’s Thrasher. Recommended preconstruction clearance mammal surveys include: Pallid Bat, Mohave Ground Squirrel, and American Badger. Mohave Ground Squirrel surveillance would be conducted visually by biologists during other survey efforts for plants and animals. The American Badger surveys would be based on the presence of diagnostic burrows.

Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the CDFG or USFWS?

Segment 5 crosses over two intermittent streams, Amargosa and Anaverde creeks. The streams support riparian habitat and contained flowing water during the March 2007 surveys. The creeks are near Solidad Pass but they drain northward onto the floor of the Antelope Valley. The vegetative communities on these creeks are Southern Cottonwood-Willow Riparian Forest that potentially supports two special-status animals: California Red-legged Frog and Two-striped Garter Snake. Since the TRTP will completely span the creeks, and no new access roads will be required, the two drainages, riparian community, and special-status species will not be adversely affected by transmission lines, access and spur roads, marshalling and staging areas, or any other project activities and facilities with the implementation of APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal jurisdictional Wetlands).

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation) and APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal jurisdictional Wetlands), construction impacts to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community would be less than significant.

All habitat and vegetation community disturbance would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the CWA (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?

Segment 5 crosses over the intermittent streams Amargosa and Anaverde Creeks, which support riparian habitat and contained flowing water during the March 2007 surveys. The narrow channels have not developed extensive wetland areas. The TRTP will completely span the creeks such that the two drainages or any wetlands that may be contained therein would not be adversely affected by transmission lines, access and spur roads, marshalling and staging areas, or any other project activities and facilities with the implementation of APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal jurisdictional Wetlands).

Through implementation of APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal jurisdictional Wetlands), construction impacts to protected wetlands would be less than significant.

Disturbance to wetlands would only occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Would the Project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

Segment 5 crosses over two intermittent streams, Amargosa and Anaverde creeks that may support native fish. The TRTP will completely span the creeks such that the movements of any fish that may be contained therein will not be adversely affected by transmission lines, access and spur roads, marshalling and staging areas, or any other project activities and facilities. For terrestrial species, the project corridors provide an unimpeded open linkage that crosses from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Tehachapi Mountains. The corridor connects the two areas within native habitat, and does not block the lateral movement of any species.

Construction and operational impacts to wildlife movement and corridors would be less than significant.

Would the Project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as tree preservation policy or ordinance?

The TRTP in Segment 5 does not pass through an area that would conflict with local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, therefore no construction or operational impacts would occur.

Would the Project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

Segment 5 passes through two proposed Los Angeles County SEAs, including the existing Ritter Ridge SEA and the proposed San Andreas Rift Zone SEA, which contains several existing, but smaller SEAs that are traversed by the TRTP. The Los Angeles County SEAs protect biological resources, including listed and non-listed species, and are subject to reviews by the Significant Ecological Areas Technical Advisory Committee (SEATAC) under CEQA. As previously discussed in Section 4.5.3.3 regarding local regulations, the proposed Project is not subject to the processes and regulatory provisions of the SEAs. However, by implementation of the TRTP APMs and Biological Mitigations, the proposed Project construction and operations practices would be consistent with the goals and purposes of the SEAs. In this way, construction and operation of the proposed Project would result in no significant impacts to the adopted SEA conservation plans and are not subject to SEATAC’s CEQA review.

Segment 5 is wholly contained within the boundary of the WMP. Implementation of the TRTP will not conflict with provisions of the WMP, as discussed in Section 4.5.6.1.2.1 and above in Section 5 ‘Special-status Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals.’ Segment 5 is located in a “No Survey Area” for Desert Tortoise in the WMP. No surveys are prescribed for compliance with the HCP. The biological surveys and analyses planned for implementation of the TRTP are consistent with protocols specified in the WMP for the Desert Tortoise as indicated in BIO MIT-4 (Desert Tortoise).

Compliance of the TRTP with the WMP regarding the Mohave Ground Squirrel is consistent with all stated provisions, as discussed in Section 4.5.6.1.2.1 and above in Section 5 ‘Special-status Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals.’ Preconstruction visual surveys for MGS will be conducted within appropriate habitat by a mammalogist familiar with the species. Implementation of BIO MIT-5 (Mohave Ground Squirrel) would ensure that the proposed TRTP would be consistent with the WMP with regard to Mohave Ground Squirrel.

Segment 5 is consistent with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. With the implementation of BIO MIT-4 (Desert Tortoise) and BIO MIT-5 (Mohave Ground Squirrel), no significant construction impacts to the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Communities Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan would occur.

All impacts would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts. Indirect construction and operations impacts on special-status biological resources have the potential to occur in all TRTP segments during implementation of the Project. The magnitude, frequency, and location of impacts are subject to final project design (i.e., tower placement, alignment of access roads) and the locations of biological resources. Indirect construction impacts are discussed in Segment 4, Section 4.5.6.1.2 Impact Analysis, Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts.

4.5.6.2.3 Mitigation Measures.

General Environmentally Sensitive Construction and Operations Practices. In addition to the Applicant Proposed Measures (APM BIO-1 [Pre-Construction Surveys], APM BIO-2 [Minimize Impacts to Vegetation], APM BIO-3 [Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands], APM BIO-4 [BMPs], APM BIO-5 [Biological Monitor], APM BIO-6 [Worker Environmental Awareness Program], APM BIO-7 [Compensatory Mitigation], APM BIO-8 [Avoid Impacts to Active Nests], APM BIO-9 [Avian Protection]), Mitigation Measures (BIO MIT-1 [Invasive Species Management], BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-level Surveys], BIO MIT-4 [Desert Tortoise], BIO MIT-5 [Mohave Ground Squirrel], BIO MIT-6 [Swainson’s Hawk], BIO MIT-8 [Nesting Birds], BIO MIT-10 [Burrowing Owl]) have been proposed to mitigate impacts to Segment 5 to a less than significant level.

With implementation of APMs, no mitigation measures would be required during operational activities.

4.5.6.2.4 Impact Significance After Mitigation Measure Application. With the implementation of Biological Resource Specific APMs and mitigation measures potential biological impacts on special-status species during construction would be reduced to less than significant.

With implementation of APMs, impacts during operation are expected to be less than significant.

4.5.6.3 Segment 6

4.5.6.3.1 Environmental Setting. Segment 6 originates at the Vincent Substation and continues south through the ANF to the southern boundary of the in the City of Duarte; at ANF’s southern boundary (Figure 4.5-5). The length of Segment 6 is approximately 27.6 miles. The most northerly portions of Segment 6 in the vicinity of the Vincent Substation are vegetated by desert scrub and woodland habitats such as big sagebrush scrub, cismontane juniper woodland and scrub and peninsular Pinyon pine woodland habitats. The habitat along Segment 6 then transitions to chaparral habitats interspersed with coniferous forest and oak woodland habitats within the central and southern portions of the ANF (Table 4.5-11). The elevation along Segment 6 ranges from 3,198 feet to 5,249 feet.

A section of the vegetation traversed by Segment 6 was recently burned at the time of biological surveys. Burned areas that were identifiable as early seral stages of identifiable vegetation communities were mapped as that vegetation community with a “burned” qualifier. Areas more recently burned and not identifiable were mapped as “burned”. Fire is a normal component of vegetation communities in southern California, and burned vegetation communities are generally treated in a similar manner to the corresponding unburned community. Burned habitat may temporarily provide a lower habitat value for certain species.

Sensitive Vegetation Communities. Sensitive vegetation communities identified within the Segment 6 transmission line corridor include Coastal Sage Scrub and three riparian communities: Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland, Southern Willow Scrub, and Southern Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest.

Special-status Plant Species. Special-status plant species within the Segment 6 study area corridor that were observed during field surveys or occur from historical records include: San Gabriel Manzanita, Plummer’s Mariposa Lily, San Gabriel Bedstraw, Davidson’s Bush Mallow, and Short-joint Beavertail.

TABLE 4.5-11
SEGMENT 6 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

Special-status Wildlife Species. Special-status wildlife species within the Segment 6 study area corridor that were observed during field surveys or occur from historical records include: Arroyo Toad, Coast Range Newt, San Diego Coast Horned Lizard, Burrowing Owl, and Loggerhead Shrike.

Additionally, wildlife species with a moderate to high potential to occur include: Arroyo Chub, Mountain Yellow-legged Frog, Western Spadefoot, Western Pond Turtle, San Bernardino Ringneck Snake, San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake, Coastal Rosy Boa, Coast Patch-nosed Snake, Two-striped Garter Snake, Cooper’s Hawk, Southern California Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Bell’s Sage Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, White-tailed Kite, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, American Peregrine Falcon, Yellow Breasted Chat, California Spotted Owl, Pallid Bat, Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse, Western Red Bat, and American Badger.

4.5.6.3.2 Impact Analysis.

Construction and Operation Impacts. Potential impacts to sensitive biological resources are discussed below. For those resources that could potentially be significantly impacted, mitigation measures are identified that will result in avoidance of the impact, or reduction of the impact to a less-than-significant level.

Direct Construction and Operation Impacts.

Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?

Habitats and Vegetation Communities. As final construction-level plans have not yet been completed, definitively quantifying effects to individual vegetation communities and species is not feasible. However, estimated impacts to vegetation communities were derived by calculating impacts based on estimated project feature footprints (Table 4.5-12). For estimation purposes, construction and removal of towers was calculated for a typical footprint at 200 feet by 200 feet. This footprint is reduced to 100 feet by 100 feet within the ANF by using helicopters for tower construction. Other Construction Impacts, as described in Table 4.5-12, include features such as laydown areas, puller and tensioner sites. These impacts were estimated using initial road story drawings showing the approximate spacing and sizes of these features. Ground disturbance activities in Segment 6 are primarily temporary. Direct impacts from ground disturbance or alteration, including destruction and removal of individuals of special-status species during grading or other construction

TABLE 4.5-12
DIRECT TOWER-PLACEMENT AND OTHER DISTURBANCES TO VEGETATION COMMUNITIES - SEGMENT 6

activities, may potentially occur during the course of TRTP implementation. Based on typical tower footprints and other construction impacts, an estimated 49.29 acres of vegetation will be disturbed by construction operations along Segment 6 (Table 4.5-12). Of the 49.29 acres, 5.31 acres is composed of Agriculture or Developed areas.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), construction impacts to habitat and vegetation communities would be less than significant.

All habitat and vegetation community disturbance would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Special-status Plants. Special-status plant species within the Segment 6 study area corridor that were observed during field surveys or with historically documented localities include: San Gabriel Manzanita, Plummer’s Mariposa Lily, San Gabriel Bedstraw, Davidson’s Bush Mallow, and Short-joint Beavertail. Where these special-status species may be present, construction activities could potentially remove or disturb individuals or populations, which could constitute a significant impact.

Special-status species surveys (BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-Level Surveys]) will establish the presence or absence of sensitive species in this Segment. Through implementation of APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), and APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), direct impact to special-status plants will most likely be avoided. If special-status plant species are located in areas that must be disturbed by construction activities and cannot be avoided, APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation) will ensure that this impact is mitigated at a level below significance.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-level Surveys), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors) and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation), construction impacts to special-status plant species would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to the special-status vegetation and plant species would be less than significant.

Special-status Wildlife. Special status wildlife species observed in Segment 6 during initial field investigations or with historically documented localities in the SPPSA include: Arroyo Toad, Coast Range Newt, San Diego Coast Horned Lizard, Loggerhead Shrike, and Burrowing Owl.

Additionally, wildlife species with a moderate to high potential of occurring in the Segment 6 SPPSA based on habitat suitability and species range include: Arroyo Chub, Mountain Yellow-legged Frog, Western Spadefoot, Southwestern Pond Turtle, San Bernardino Ringneck Snake, San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake, Coastal Rosy Boa, Coast Patch-nosed Snake, Two-striped Garter Snake, Cooper’s Hawk, Southern California Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Bell’s Sage Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, White-tailed Kite, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, American Peregrine Falcon, Yellow Breasted Chat, California Spotted Owl, Pallid Bat, Northwestern San Diego Pocket Mouse, Western Red Bat, and American Badger. These species could be directly impacted by the proposed Project, if present.

Species that could also occur in the Project Survey Area as foraging or wintering species, but would not be expected to nest or roost there include: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bald Eagle, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Harrier, Black Swift Townsend’s Big-eared Bat, and Western Mastiff Bat. These species are not expected to be impacted directly by project activities.

Through the implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-7 (Arroyo Toad), BIO MIT-10 (Burrowing Owl), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitor), APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to the Special-status Wildlife would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to the Special-status Wildlife would be less than significant.

Nesting Raptors and MBTA. Raptor nests were recorded in a number of existing towers during preliminary field surveys. Many raptor species reuse nesting sites from year to year, either returning to the nest site, or in some cases rebuilding nests in adjacent structures using the existing nesting materials. Impacts to nesting raptors are regulated under the California Fish and Game Code Section 3500 and the federal MBTA. Removal or disturbance of active raptor nests would be considered significant.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests), and APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection), construction impacts to nesting raptors and other nesting birds would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests), operational impacts to nesting raptors and nesting birds would be less than significant.

Special-status Riparian Habitat Birds. A number of special status bird species nest in riparian habitat. Yellow Warbler was identified from the SPPSA during initial surveys on Segment 6. Other special-status species could potentially nest in riparian habitat as well. Nesting birds could be impacted by the removal or trimming of riparian trees and associated vegetation during nesting season.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5. (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status riparian birds would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection) and APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status riparian birds would be less than significant.

Special-status Woodland Birds. California spotted owl habitat (coniferous forest and adjacent dense oak woodlands; foraging habitat such as chaparral adjacent to forested habitat) occurs within the SPPSA. If this habitat is occupied by California Spotted Owls, they could be directly impacted by the proposed Project. As described above, impacts to trees will likely be minimal because the majority of new tower sites correspond to existing cleared areas. Loss and trimming of trees in any forests or woodlands determined to be occupied or removal of adjacent habitat could result in impacts to the species. Indirect impacts could include disturbance of nest sites through human presence, noise, or lighting affects.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), and APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests), construction impacts to special-status woodland birds would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection) and APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status riparian birds would be less than significant.

Special-status Open Habitat Birds. Burrowing Owl was observed near MP 2.4 and has potential to occur in open habitats throughout the project area. This species could be impacted by ground disturbing activities where the species is present. Impacts could include crushing or removal of burrows or removal of structure or debris used for perching and hunting. Nesting individuals could be adversely impacted by human presence, noise, lighting or other indirect effects of construction.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), BIO MIT-10 (Burrowing Owl) APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status woodland birds would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection) and APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status woodland birds would be less than significant.

Special-status Amphibians and Reptiles. Arroyo Toad occurs in both aquatic (foraging/breeding) and upland (foraging and hibernating/aestivating) habitat. Impacts including ground disturbance around occupied breeding pools and in upland habitat up to one kilometer from occupied breeding pools could be considered significant. Species surveys (BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-Level Surveys]) will establish the presence or absence of Arroyo Toad in this Segment. If the species is determined to be present in areas that must be disturbed by construction activities and that cannot be avoided, BIO MIT-7 (Arroyo Toad) will ensure that this impact is mitigated to a level below significance.

Southwestern Pond Turtle is primarily aquatic, foraging and basking in open water but nesting in upland habitat outside of the floodplain, generally within 1,300 feet of aquatic habitat (Storer, 1930). The species could be directly impacted by construction occurring in or in close proximity to occupied aquatic habitat and nesting sites could be impacted in upland areas.

Two-striped Garter Snake, Mountain Yellow-legged Frog and Coast Range Newt are closely tied to aquatic habitat and could be impacted by construction occurring in or in close proximity to occupied pools, or by impacts associated with stream crossing use.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-7 (Arroyo Toad), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status amphibians and reptiles would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status amphibians and reptiles would be less than significant.

Special-status Mammals. Roosting habitat (wooded and riparian areas) for the Pallid Bat and Western Red Bat exists within the SPPSA on Segment 6. Direct impacts such as trimming or removal of trees, if occupied by tree roosting bats, could impact the species.

Through implementation of APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status mammals would be less than significant.

All potential special-status mammals disturbance would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Additional Information on APM and Mitigation Special-status Species Assessments and Surveys. As part of APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys) and BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), the following species specific surveys would be required to determine the presence or absence of certain species in Segment 6. This would include protocol surveys for Arroyo Toad, Burrowing Owl, and California Spotted Owl. Rare plants and Mountain Yellow-legged frogs would be surveyed for using appropriate surveys methods. Red-legged frog and Southwestern Pond Turtle will be surveyed for incidentally during Arroyo Toad and Mountain Yellow-legged Frog surveys in the ANF where appropriate habitat occurs.

Would the Project have substantial Would the Project have substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game and Wildlife Service?

The proposed Project will not have a substantial adverse effect on sensitive natural communities with the implementation of SCE proposed measures and mitigation measures.

Sensitive vegetation communities potentially impacted during construction along Segment 6 transmission line corridor include: Coastal Sage Scrub, Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland, and Southern Willow Scrub. Where these special-status communities may be present, construction activities could potentially remove or disturb populations, which could constitute a significant impact. All efforts have been made to avoid impacts to federally protected wetlands and waters as part of the initial project design. Rough estimates of impacts, based on the estimated project footprint are included in Table 4.5-12; however, actual impacts will likely be considerably lower.

Impacts to Coastal Sage Scrub and riparian habitat occupied by special status species will require mitigation measures including species specific surveys (BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-Level Surveys]).

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation) construction impacts to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation) and APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), operational impacts to the riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community would be less than significant.

Would the Project have substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?

The proposed Project will not have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands with the implementation of SCE proposed measures and mitigation measures.

All efforts have been made to avoid impacts to federally protected wetlands and waters as part of the initial project design. Rough estimates of impacts, based on the estimated project footprint are included in Table 4.5-12; however, actual impacts will likely be considerably lower.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation), construction impacts to wetlands would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation) and APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), operational impacts to the riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community would be less than significant.

Would the Project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

No wildlife movement corridors or wildlife nursery sites are expected to be impacted by the proposed Project. Segment 6 is located within large expanses of natural open space in the ANF and north of the ANF. The small construction footprint of the various proposed Project features (tower construction sites, puller and tensioner sites, new access spur roads) would not be expected to affect wildlife movement within this open space, therefore no construction or operational impacts would occur.

Would the Project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as tree preservation policy ordinances?

It is unlikely that protected trees would be impacted during construction of Segment 6, based on initial project design. Should removal of protected trees be required, however, impacts would be mitigated to less than significance by implementing tree removal permitting procedures (BIO MIT-9 [Tree Removal]) in applicable jurisdictions.

Through the implementation of BIO MIT-9 (Tree Removal), construction impacts or conflicts with local policies or ordinances would be less than significant.

All potential conflicts with local policies or ordinances would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Would the Project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

The TRTP project passes through the ANF which has an adopted LMP. The proposed Project will be reviewed by the USFS for their recommendations to avoid conflict with the ANF LMP and other conservation efforts ongoing in the ANF.

Segment 6 passes through one existing and two proposed Los Angeles County SEAs, including the existing Kentucky Springs SEA and the proposed Santa Clara River and San Gabriel Canyon SEAs. The Los Angeles County SEAs protect biological resources, including listed and non-listed species, and are subject to reviews by the SEATAC under CEQA. As previously discussed in Section 4.5.3.3 regarding local regulations, the proposed Project is not subject to the processes and regulatory provisions of the SEAs. However, by implementation of the TRTP APMs and Biological Mitigations, the proposed Project construction and operations practices would be consistent with the goals and purposes of the SEAs. In this way, construction and operation of the proposed Project would result in no significant adverse impacts to the adopted SEA conservation plans and are not subject to SEATAC’s CEQA review.

Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts on Habitats and Vegetation Communities. Indirect construction and operations impacts on special-status biological resources have the potential to occur in all TRTP segments during implementation of the Project. The magnitude, frequency, and location of impacts are subject to final project design (i.e., tower placement, alignment of access roads) and the locations of biological resources. Indirect construction impacts are discussed in Segment 4, Section 4.5.6.1.2 Impact Analysis, Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts.

4.5.6.3.3 Mitigation Measures.

General Environmentally Sensitive Construction and Operations Practices. In addition to the Applicant Proposed Measures (APM BIO-1 [Pre-Construction Surveys], APM BIO-2 [Minimize Impacts to Vegetation], APM BIO-3 [Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands], APM BIO-4 [BMPs], APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitor], APM BIO-6 [Worker Environmental Awareness Program], APM BIO-7 [Compensatory Mitigation], APM BIO-8 [Avoid Impacts to Active Nests], APM BIO-9 [Avian Protection]), Mitigation Measures (BIO MIT-1 [Invasive Species Management], BIO MIT-2 [ANF Invasive Species Management], BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-level Surveys], BIO MIT-7 [Arroyo Toad], BIO MIT-8 [Nesting Birds], BIO MIT-9 [Tree Removal], and BIO MIT-10 [Burrowing Owl]) have been proposed to mitigate impacts to Segment 6 to a less than significant level.

With implementation of APMs, no mitigation measures would be required during operational activities.

4.5.6.3.4 Impact Significance After Mitigation Measure Application. With the implementation of Biological Resource Specific APMs and mitigation measures potential biological impacts on special-status species during construction would be reduced to less than significant.

With implementation of APMs, impacts during operation are expected to be less than significant.

4.5.6.4 Segment 7

Segment 7 begins at the southern boundary of the ANF and continues south through the City of Duarte and southeast along the 605 Freeway through the City of Irwindale to the Rio Hondo Substation. From the Rio Hondo Substation, Segment 7 continues southwest adjacent to the San Gabriel Freeway and the San Gabriel River floodplain though the cities of Baldwin Park and South El Monte, and continues west along the Pomona Freeway to its terminus at the Mesa Substation in the City of Monterey Park. Segment 7 is approximately 16 miles long (Figure 4.5-6).

4.5.6.4.1 Environmental Setting. The most northerly portion of this segment travels through approximately one mile of natural open space. As the elevation in this section drops from about 2,500 feet to 800 feet, vegetation transitions from by chaparral and coast live oak woodland to coastal sage scrub along the slope. The central portion of Segment 7 continues adjacent to the San Gabriel River floodplain west of the Santa Fe Flood Control Basin, and though gravel mining and reclamation lands and associated ponds. The majority of the vegetation communities within these areas are developed with interspersed areas of coastal sage scrub and Riversidian alluvial fan sage scrub. The southwestern portion of Segment 7 continues along the bank of the channelized San Gabriel River flood channel to the Whittier Narrows. The corridor along the flood channel bank is mostly developed, with land uses such as container plant nurseries and agricultural fields. At the Whittier Narrows, the corridor

TABLE 4.5-13
SEGMENT 7 VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

crosses natural open space areas with a mixture of riparian woodlands and non-native woodland interspersed with coastal sage scrub and ruderal habitat patches. The alignment crosses high quality coastal sage scrub in the Montebello Hills and ends in a mostly developed section leading to the Mesa Substation at the southern terminus (Table 4.5-13). The elevation along Segment 7 ranges from about 200 feet to 2,500 feet.

Sensitive Vegetation Communities. Sensitive vegetation communities occurring within the Segment 7 transmission line corridor include Coastal Sage Scrub, Riversidian Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub, Coast Live Oak Woodland, and wetland and riparian vegetation communities including: Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest, Southern Willow Scrub, Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest, Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland, Mule fat Scrub, Disturbed Wetland, and Freshwater Marsh.

Special-status Plant Species. One special status plant species, Parish’s Gooseberry is historically recorded in the Segment 7 SPPSA (CNDDB, 2007). An additional species, Mesa Horkelia appears as a historical (1911) CNDDB occurrence, but is believed extirpated from the area. Several other special status species have a moderate to high potential of occurrence (Table 4.5-4) in the SPPSA. Properly timed, focused surveys would be required to determine the presence or absence of these species.

Special-status Wildlife Species.Special-status species within the Segment 7 study area corridor that were observed during field surveys or occur from historical records include: Coastal California Gnatcatcher and Least Bell’s Vireo. Several other special status species have a moderate to high potential of occurrence (Table 4.5-5) in the SPPSA. Properly timed, focused surveys would be required to determine the presence or absence of these species.

4.5.6.4.2 Impact Analysis.

Construction and Operation Impacts. Potential impacts to sensitive biological resources are discussed below. For those resources that could potentially be significantly impacted, mitigation measures are identified that will result in avoidance of the impact, or reduction of the impact to a less-than-significant level.

Direct Construction and Operation Impacts.

Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?

Habitats and Vegetation Communities. As final construction-level plans have not yet been completed, definitively quantifying effects to individual vegetation communities and species is not feasible. However, estimated impacts to vegetation communities were derived by calculating impacts based on estimated project feature footprints (Table 4.5-14). For estimation purposes, construction and removal of towers was calculated for a typical footprint at 200 feet by 200 feet. This footprint is reduced to 100 feet by 100 feet in areas inaccessible by roads by using helicopters for tower construction. Other Construction Impacts, as described in Table 4.5-14, include features such as laydown areas, puller and tensioner sites. These impacts were estimated using initial road story drawings showing the approximate spacing and sizes of these features. Ground disturbance activities in Segment 7 are primarily temporary.

Direct impacts from ground disturbance or alteration, including destruction and removal of individuals of special-status species during grading or other construction activities, may potentially occur during the course of TRTP implementation. Based on typical tower footprints and other construction impacts, an estimated 130.34 acres will be disturbed by construction operations along Segment 7 (Table 4.5-14). Of that 130.34 acres, 100.08 acres is composed of Agriculture, Developed, Disturbed, or Ruderal habitats.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), construction impacts to habitat and vegetation communities would be less than significant.

All habitat and vegetation community disturbance would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Special-status Plants. Only one special status plant species, Parish’s Gooseberry, has been historically documented along the Segment 7 study corridor. Where these special-status species may be present, construction activities could potentially remove or disturb individuals or populations, which could constitute a significant impact.

Special-status species surveys (BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-Level Surveys]) will establish the presence or absence of sensitive species in this Segment. Through implementation of APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM

BIO-4 (BMPs), and APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), direct impact to special-status plants will most likely be avoided. If special-status plant species are located in areas that must be disturbed by construction activities and cannot be avoided, APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation) will ensure that this impact is mitigated at a level below significance.

TABLE 4.5-14
DIRECT TOWER-PLACEMENT AND OTHER DISTURBANCES TO
VEGETATION COMMUNITIES - SEGMENT 7

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-level Surveys), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors) and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation), construction impacts to special-status plant species would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to the special-status vegetation and plant species would be less than significant.

Special-status Wildlife. One special-status wildlife species, Coastal California Gnatcatcher, was observed in Segment 7 during initial field investigations and has historically documented localities in the SPPSA.

Additionally, wildlife species with a moderate to high potential of occurring in the Segment 7 SPPSA based on habitat suitability and species range include: Arroyo Toad, Southwestern Pond Turtle, San Bernardino Ringneck Snake, San Bernardino Mountain Kingsnake, Coastal Rosy Boa, Coast Patch-nosed Snake, Two-striped Garter Snake, San Diego Coast Horned Lizard, Cooper’s Hawk, Tri-colored Blackbird, Southern Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Bell’s Sage Sparrow, Burrowing Owl, Yellow Warbler, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, California Horned Lark, Yellow-breasted Chat, Least Bittern, Loggerhead Shrike, White-faced Ibis, Least Bell’s Vireo, Western Red Bat, San Diego Black-tailed Jackrabbit, San Diego Desert Woodrat, and Los Angeles Pocket Mouse. These species could be directly impacted by the proposed Project, if present.

Species that could occur in the Project Survey Area as foraging or wintering species, but would not be expected to nest or roost in the area include: Sharp-shinned Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, White-tailed Kite, American Peregrine Falcon, Pallid Bat, and Western Mastiff Bat. These species are not expected to be impacted directly by project activities.

Through the implementation of BIO MIT-7 (Arroyo Toad) and BIO MIT-10 (Burrowing Owl), BIO MIT-11 (Coastal California Gnatcatcher), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitor), APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status Wildlife would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status Wildlife would be less than significant.

Nesting Raptors and MBTA. Raptor nests were recorded in a number of existing towers during preliminary field surveys. Many raptor species reuse nesting sites from year to year, either returning to the nest site, or in some cases rebuilding nests in adjacent structures using the existing nesting materials. Impacts to nesting raptors are regulated under the California Fish and Game Code Section 3500 and the federal MBTA. Removal or disturbance of active raptor nests would be considered significant and would be avoided.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts To Active Nests), and APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection), construction impacts to nesting raptors and other nesting birds would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-8 (Avoid Impacts to Active Nests), operational impacts to nesting raptors and nesting birds would be less than significant.

Special-status Riparian Habitat Birds. A number of special status bird species nest in riparian habitat. Of high interest because of their federal listing status are Least Bell’s Vireo and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Yellow Warbler was identified from the SPPSA during initial surveys and other species could potentially nest in riparian habitat onsite. These species, if present, could be impacted by the removal or trimming of trees and associated vegetation both during and outside of the breeding season. Removal of vegetation immediately adjacent to riparian areas can be considered an impact to some species such as Least Bell’s Vireo that utilize adjacent vegetation for foraging. Indirect effect of construction such as noise, lighting, and human presence could adversely affect these species when nesting.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts To Vegetation), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status riparian birds would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection) and APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status riparian birds would be less than significant.

Special-status Open Habitat Birds. Burrowing owl has some potential to occur in open habitats throughout the project area and could be impacted by ground disturbing activities, if present. Impacts could include crushing or removal of burrows or removal of structure or debris used for perching and hunting. Nesting individuals could be adversely impacted by human presence, noise, lighting, or other indirect effects of construction.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), BIO MIT-10 (Burrowing Owl) APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status woodland birds would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection) and APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status woodland birds would be less than significant.

Special-status Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat Birds. Coastal California Gnatcatcher was recorded historically and observed during initial surveys in the Montebello Hills area and could potentially occur in other areas of Segment 7. Impacts to Coastal California Gnatcatcher could include direct loss of habitat through clearing, and indirect effects such as noise, lighting, or human presence during construction.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-8 (Nesting Birds), BIO MIT-11 (Coastal California Gnatcatcher), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts To Vegetation), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status birds in Coastal Sage Scrub habitat would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-9 (Avian Protection) and APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to the special-status birds in Coastal Sage Scrub habitat would be less than significant.

Special-status Amphibians and Reptiles. Arroyo Toad occurs in both aquatic (foraging/breeding) and upland (foraging and hibernating/aestivating) habitat. Impacts including ground disturbance around occupied breeding pools and in upland habitat up to one kilometer from occupied breeding pools could be considered significant. Species surveys (BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-Level Surveys]) will establish the presence or absence of Aroyo Toad in this Segment. If the species is determined to be present in areas that must be disturbed by construction activities and that cannot be avoided, BIO MIT-7 (Arroyo Toad) will ensure that this impact is mitigated to a level below significance.

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-7 (Arroyo Toad), APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status amphibians and reptiles would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), operational impacts to special-status amphibians and reptiles would be less than significant.

Special-status Mammals. Potential habitat for tree roosting bats (Pallid Bat and Western Red Bat) occurs along Segment 7. Direct impacts such as trimming or removal of to trees, if occupied by tree roosting bats, could impact the species.

Through implementation of APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-6 (Worker Environmental Awareness Program), construction impacts to special-status mammals would be less than significant.

All potential special-status mammals disturbance would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Additional Special-status Species Assessments and Surveys. As part of APM BIO-1 (Pre-Construction Surveys) and BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), the following species specific surveys would be required to determine the presence or absence of certain species in Segment 7. This would include protocol surveys for Arroyo Toad, Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Least Bell’s Vireo, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, and Burrowing Owl. Rare plants would be surveyed for using appropriate surveys methods.

Would the Project have substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game and Wildlife Service?

The proposed Project will not have a substantial adverse effect on riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities with the implementation of SCE proposed measures and mitigation measures.

All efforts have been made during initial project design to avoid impacts to riparian and other sensitive natural communities. Rough estimates of impacts, based on the estimated project footprint are included in Table 4.5-14; however, actual impacts will likely be considerably lower.

Riparian vegetation communities potentially impacted during construction include: Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest, Mule Fat Scrub and Southern Willow Scrub. Additionally, mixed woodland, a patchwork of riparian and non-native non-riparian woodlands, could be impacted. Implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation) impacts to sensitive riparian communities would be less than significant level.

Coastal Sage Scrub and Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub vegetation may be impacted by the proposed Project. Impacts to Coastal Sage Scrub and Riversidean Alluvial Fan Sage Scrub would be mitigated by the implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts To Vegetation), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation). These measures reduce impacts to sensitive sage scrub communities to a less than significant level.

Coast Live Oak Woodland may be impacted during construction. Impacts to Coast Live Oak Woodland would be mitigated by the implementation of BIO MIT-9 (Tree Removal), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPS), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation). These measures will reduce impacts to woodland communities to a less than significant level.

Impacts to sage scrub, riparian, and woodland habitat occupied by special status species will require mitigation measures including species specific surveys (BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-Level Surveys]).

Through implementation of BIO MIT-3 (Protocol-Level Surveys), BIO MIT-9 (Tree Removal), APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State And Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation) construction impacts to riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation) and APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), operational impacts to the riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community would be less than significant.

Would the Project have substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?

The proposed Project will not have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands with the implementation of SCE proposed measures and mitigation measures.

All efforts have been made to avoid impacts to federally protected wetlands and waters as part of the initial project design. Rough estimates of impacts, based on the estimated project footprint are included in Table 4.5-14; however, actual impacts will likely be considerably lower.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation), APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), APM BIO-4 (BMPs), APM BIO-5 (Biological Monitors), and APM BIO-7 (Compensatory Mitigation), construction impacts to wetlands would be less than significant.

Through implementation of APM BIO-2 (Minimize Impacts to Vegetation) and APM BIO-3 (Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands), operational impacts to the riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community would be less than significant.

Would the Project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

No impacts to wildlife movement or wildlife nursery sites are expected to be impacted by the proposed Project. Areas of Segment 7 are located within large areas of natural open south of the ANF boundary. Relatively large, isolated patches of natural open space are also present in the Montebello Hills and Whittier Narrows areas. Other sections are in mostly developed transmission line corridors paralleling the San Gabriel River flood channel. The small construction footprint of the various proposed Project features (tower construction sites, puller and tensioner sites, new access spur roads) and temporary nature of the construction at each site would not be expected to affect wildlife movement within the larger open spaces, and the transmission line corridors connecting them are parallel to the channel, which provides connectivity beyond the effects of the proposed construction areas. Therefore, no construction or operational impacts would occur.

Would the Project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as tree preservation policy ordinances?

The proposed Project will not have a substantial adverse conflict any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources with the implementation of SCE proposed measures and mitigation measures.

Sections of Segment 7 are within unincorporated Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County Ordinance 153478 regulates the cutting of mature indigenous oak trees. Impacts to these oak trees would require mitigation for cutting or trimming. Impacts to oak trees would be mitigated through the implementation of BIO MIT-9 (Tree Removal).

Through the implementation of BIO MIT-9 (Tree Removal), construction impacts or conflicts with local policies or ordinances would be reduced to less than significant.

All potential conflicts with local policies or ordinances would occur during construction; therefore no additional impacts are anticipated to occur during operation.

Would the Project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

The proposed Project will not have a substantial adverse conflict with adopted conservation plans with the implementation of SCE proposed measures and mitigation measures.

Segment 7 passes through two existing and two proposed Los Angeles County SEAs, including the existing Santa Fe Dam Floodplain and Whittier Narrows Dam County Recreation Area SEAs and the proposed San Gabriel Canyon and Puente Hills SEAs. The Los Angeles County SEAs protect biological resources, including listed and non-listed species, and are subject to reviews by the SEATAC under CEQA. As previously discussed in Section 4.5.3.3 regarding local regulations, the proposed Project is not subject to the processes and regulatory provisions of the SEAs. However, by implementation of the TRTP APMs and Biological Mitigations, the proposed Project construction and operations practices would be consistent with the goals and purposes of the SEAs. In this way, construction and operation of the proposed Project would result in no significant adverse impacts to the adopted SEA conservation plans and are not subject to SEATAC’s CEQA review.

Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts. Indirect construction and operations impacts on special-status biological resources have the potential to occur in all TRTP segments during implementation of the Project. The magnitude, frequency, and location of impacts are subject to final project design (i.e., tower placement, alignment of access roads) and the locations of biological resources. Indirect construction impacts are discussed in Segment 4, Section 4.5.6.1.2 Impact Analysis, Indirect Construction and Operation Impacts.

4.5.6.4.3 Mitigation Measures.

Generally Environmentally Sensitive Construction and Operations Practices. In addition to the Applicant Proposed Measures (APM BIO-1 [Pre-Construction Surveys], APM BIO-2 [Minimize Impacts to Vegetation], APM BIO-3 [Avoid Impacts to State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetlands], APM BIO-4 [BMPs], APM BIO-5 [Biological Monitor], APM BIO-6 [Worker Environmental Awareness Program], APM BIO-7 [Compensatory Mitigation], APM BIO-8 [Avoid Impacts to Active Nests], APM BIO-9 [Avian Protection]), Mitigation Measures (BIO MIT-1 [Invasive Species Management], BIO MIT-3 [Protocol-level Surveys], BIO MIT-7 [Arroyo Toad], BIO MIT-8 [Nesting Birds], BIO MIT-9 [Tree Removal], and BIO MIT-10 [Burrowing Owl], BIO MIT-11 [Coastal California Gnatcatcher]) have been proposed to mitigate impacts to Segment 7 to a less than significant level.

Impact Significance After Mitigation Measure Application. With the implementation of Biological Resource Specific APMs and mitigation measures potential biological impacts on special-status species during construction would be reduced to less than significant.

With implementation of APMs, impacts during operation are expected to be less than significant.

4.5.6.5 Segment 8

Segment 8 is comprised of Segments 8A, B, and C. Segment 8A originates at the Mesa Substation and continues east through Puente Hills and Chino Hills to its terminus at the Chino Substation. It closely parallels Segment 8B between MP 34 and MP 34.4 before continuing east to the Mira Loma Substation. Segment 8A is approximately 35 miles in length. Segment 8B begins at the Chino Substation and continues east to its terminus at the Mira Loma Substation. It closely parallels 8A from at the “crossover” from MP 5.6 to MP 6.1 near the Mira Loma Substation. Segment 8B is approximately 7 miles long. Segment 8C originates at the Chino Substation and travels east along Edison Avenue, sharing the route with Segment 8A, paralleling Segment 8B to the east of the crossover, and continuing to its terminus at the Mira Loma Substation. Segment 8C is approximately 6.7 miles long (Figure 4.5-7).

4.5.6.5.1 Environmental Setting. Biologically, the segment is logically divided at the Chino Substation. The portion of Segment 8A west of the substation is primarily within natural open space with sections crossing developed areas. East of the Chino Substation, Segments 8A, 8B, and 8C run parallel through agricultural, developed, and ruderal habitats to the Mira Loma Substation.

The segment originates at the Mesa Substation and continues through developed habitat to the Montebello Hills, a natural open space with coastal sage scrub vegetation. The alignment continues east across the riparian habitats of the Rio Hondo and Mission Creek to Whittier Narrows Dam County Recreation Area, a natural open space with a patchwork of riparian, coastal sage scrub in a matrix with non-native woodlands and ruderal habitat. The segment crosses the 605 Freeway and continues along the ridgeline of the Puente and Chino Hills. These hills are a natural open space area vegetated with coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and coast live oak woodlands to the west, with the coast live oak woodlands transitioning to California walnut woodlands to the east. Non-native grasslands dominate the foothills above the Chino Valley. Segment 8A continues through developed land to the Chino Substation. East of the Chino Substation, Segments 8A, 8B, and 8C run parallel through a patchwork of agriculture, dairy farms, developed, and ruderal areas to the Mira Loma Substation. Numerous settling ponds with open water occur in this area, and two major creeks, Chino and Cucamonga, are concrete-lined and channelized (Tables 4.5-15, 4.5-16, and 4.5-17). The elevation along Segment 8A west of the Chino Substation ranges from about 200 feet in the Whittier Narrows to 1,300 feet in the Chino Hills. Segments 8A, B, and C east of the Chino Substation gently slope up to the east from about 575 feet to 770 feet in elevation.

Sensitive Vegetation Communities. Sensitive vegetation communities occurring within the Segment 8 transmission line corridor include Coastal Sage Scrub, Coast Live Oak Woodland and wetland and riparian vegetation communities including: Coast Live Oak Riparian Forest, Southern Willow Scrub, Southern Arroyo Willow Riparian Forest, Southern Sycamore Alder Riparian Woodland, Southern Cottonwood Riparian Woodland, Mulefat Scrub, Disturbed Wetland, and Freshwater Marsh.

Special-status Plant Species. One special-status plant species, Parish’s Gooseberry is historically recorded in the Segment 8 SPPSA (CNDDB, 2007). Several other special status species have a moderate to high potential of occurrence (Table 4.5-4) in the SPPSA. Properly timed, focused surveys would be required to determine the presence or absence of these species.

Special-status Wildlife Species. Special-status species within the Segment 8 study area corridor that were observed during field surveys or occur from historical records include: Southwestern Pond Turtle, Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Bell’s Sage Sparrow, San Diego Horned Lizard, Burrowing Owl, and Loggerhead Shrike. Other species with a moderate to high potential to occur in the SPPSA are listed in Table 4.5-5.

4.5.6.5.2 Impact Analysis.

Construction and Operation Impacts. Potential impacts to sensitive biological resources are discussed below. For those resources that could potentially be significantly impacted, mitigation measures are identified that will result in avoidance of the impact, or reduction of the impact to a less-than-significant level.

Direct Construction and Operation Impacts.

Would the Project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?

Habitats and Vegetation Communities. As final construction-level plans have not yet been completed, definitively quantifying effects to individual vegetation communities and species is not feasible. However, estimated impacts to vegetation communities were derived by calculating impacts based on estimated project feature footprints (Tables 4.5-18, 4.5-19, and 4.5-20). For estimation purposes, construction and removal of towers was calculated for a typical footprint at 200 feet by 200 feet. This footprint is reduced to 100 feet by 100 feet in areas inaccessible by roads by using helicopters for tower construction. Other Construction Impacts, as described in Tables 4.5-18, 4.5-19, and 4.5-20, include features such as laydown areas, puller and tensioner sites. These impacts were estimated using initial road story

Table 4.5-15
Segment 8A Vegetation Communities

Table 4.5-16
Segment 8B Vegetation Communities