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Page 87 0 C) 0 NMFS states that this fish species could be present in Little Johns Creek along a nearby project site in the U fall and winter months(based on from Biological Impacts and Mitigations Proposed BNSF Intermodal Facility, Stockton, California dated March 23, 1999). Realignment of Little Johns Creek may have impacts on this fish species including temporary disturbance to the creek resulting in a temporary loss of a potential migration corridor. The proposed realignment would create enhanced habitat and this would be beneficial for fish species. No surveys have been conducted for Sacramento River Fall/Latc-Fall Chinook Salmon in the reach of Little Johns Creek on the project site;however,based on observations by a local fisherman(Nisperos, pers.comm.with Mike Wood,September 23,1999),it may be present with the project site. In the absence of survey results it must be concluded that implementation of the proposed project could result in potentially significant adverse impacts to this species. Mitigation could be implemented that would reduce this impact to a level considered less than significant. Mitigation Measure F.9.(a) To avoid impacting Sacramento River fall/late-fall chinook salmon in Little Johns Creek,all work proposed that would impact this creek should occur in the summer months when this salmon would not be migrating/spawning in this creek. If work must occur during the fall/winter months,the National Marine Fisheries Service(NMFS)should be contacted for other possible mitigation requirements. Further mitigation for non-summer work would be in accordance with i recommendations provided by NMFS. This mitigation(also refer to Mitigation Measure F.1 above)conducted in concert with any mitigation required by NMFS for work in the migration/spawning season would reduce impacts to this fish species to a level considered less than significant(based on recommendations from Biological Impacts and Mitigations Proposed BNSF Intermodal Facility, Stockton, California dated March 23, 1999). Impact F.10. Construction activities in the North Branch of the South Fork of Little Johns Creek could result in significant adverse impacts to Central California steelhead. Central California steelhead is a Federal proposed endangered species and is a California Species of Special Concern. NMFS states that this fish could be present in Little Johns Creek,although the likelihood is low(based on Biological Impacts and Mitigations Proposed BNSF Intermodal Facili)4 Stockton, California, March 23, 1999). Realignment of Little Johns Creek may temporarily result in the loss of a potential migration corridor. The proposed realignment will create more and better aquatic habitat with beneficial impacts to fish species. E No surveys have been conducted for Central California steelhead in the reach of Little Johns Creek on the project site.However,because this species was identified as being potentially present in a nearby reach of Little Johns Creek,it should be presumed present.Mitigation identified below would reduce this impact I to a level considered less than significant. L� Mitigation Measure F.10. (a) To avoid impacting Central California steelhead in Little Johns Creek,all work proposed that would impact this creek shall occur in the summer months when this salmon would not be migrating/spawning in this creek. If work must occur during the fall/winter months,the National Marine Fisheries Service(NMFS)should be contacted for other possible mitigation requirements. This mitigation(also refer to Mitigation Measure F.1)conducted in concert with any mitigation required by NMFS for work in the migration/spawning season would reduce impacts to this fish species to a level considered less than significant(based on recommendations from Biological Impacts and Mitigations Proposed BNSFIntermodal Facility, Stockton, California, March 23, 1999). GRASS'ETTI ENVQtONMENT,4L CONSULTING