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• • Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Page IV.17-2 • Forward Inc.Landfill 2018 Expansion Project • Surveys for western gulls (WRA 2017, 2014,2013) • • Surveys for nesting Swainson's hawk (WRA 2017,2014) • • Demonstration of the Continued Effectiveness of the Bird Control Program at the • Forward Landfill, 2015-2017 • Concept Design Report for the South Branch of the South Fork of Little John Creek Relocation Project (Questa Engineering 2017) A reconnaissance—level site survey was conducted by biologists Patrick Kobernus and Michael • Wood on December 8,2008 and the site was re-visited by Mr.Wood on July 4, 2012. Additional reconnaissance-level site surveys were conducted by biologist Josh Phillips on July 1, 2014 and May 30, 2018. Focused botanical or wildlife studies following published protocols were not performed as part of this analysis;such surveys were not warranted due to onsite habitat • conditions or other factors. • Existing Biological Resources The study area is situated in a rural setting of existing and former orchards, vineyards, and agricultural fields with scattered residences. The Forward Landfill facility is bordered to the east,west, and south by agricultural fields, and correctional facilities are located to the north of the existing landfill facility. The North Branch of the South Fork of Littlejohn's Creek, which was relocated as part of a previous expansion of the landfill, runs along the northern boundary • of the landfill site. A total of 39.4 acres of riparian habitat were restored within the previously • relocated creek. The study area is situated on mostly level ground with a natural elevation of 30-40 feet above mean sea level. Landfill operations would be expanded into approximately 8.7 acres located in • the northeastern corner of the existing facility, along Austin Road. In addition, approximately • 8.6 acres of landfill disposal area is proposed to be added in the south area by shifting the existing disposal footprint to the north and realigning the South Branch of South Littlejohns Creek to the southern and eastern boundary of the site. This will require relocating • approximately 3,000 feet of the South Branch of South Littlejohns Creek (which currently • traverses the landfill)to the southeastern boundaries of the site to provide additional separation of the creek from the landfill; the relocated creek would be 3,400 feet in length. A bridge will be constructed crossing the east side of the realigned South Branch of South Littlejohns Creek. . Plant Communities and Associated Wildlife The project area is located within an agricultural area of San Joaquin County approximately 4 • miles north of Manteca, within the Central Zone of the SJMSCP (SJCOG 2000). This zone is • characterized by primarily urban and agricultural land uses. The study area is characterized as a highly modified environment, supporting very little native vegetation. With the exception of the South Branch of South Littlejohn Creek,the proposed • development areas consist of developed landfill-related land uses(which are largely graded and • devoid of vegetation). However, some non-native grassland and ruderal (i.e., weedy) vegetation