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• • Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Page IV.F-29 Forward Inc.Landfill 2018 Expansion Project • • Mitigation Measure F.2-2. Water shall be released into the restored South Branch of the South • Fork of Littlejohn's Creek gradually to avoid creating a sediment plume downstream that could attract and cause mortality to Chinook salmon or steelhead from the San Joaquin River to enter • the channel. After the relocation of the channel is completed and is ready to convey water, • initial flows will be released at approximately 2 cubic feet/second (cfs), and shall be monitored • to insure that water is released gradually through the channel for the first week after re- opening. This reduced flow would avoid causing a sediment plume. The restored channel shall not be opened prior to or during a significant rainfall event, and initial releases into the channel • shall be coordinated with the Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District to insure no • significant releases are scheduled during the initial opening of the channel. • Implementation of these mitigation measures would reduce salmon/steelhead impacts to a less • than significant level because it would avoid causing a sediment plume. • • Impact F.3. Potential "Take" of Giant Garter Snake. Although the study area does not provide • expected habitat for giant garter snake, the species has been recorded in the watershed within approximately 7 miles of the study area. In addition, portions of the Stockton Diverting Canal, • Littlejohn's Creek, Lone Tree Creek, and French Camp Slough are considered to have habitat • elements for the species (SJCOG 2000). If the species were present in the South Branch of the • South Fork of Littlejohn's Creek during construction, a"take" of giant garter snake could occur. This is a potentially significant impact. In the long term, restoration of the South Branch of the • Creek, proposed as part of this project, will enhance habitat for some semi-aquatic and riparian • wildlife species, and may improve conditions for giant garter snake by creating more vegetative • refugia for the species. • Mitigation Measure F.3. Participation in the SJMSCP affords the project proponent Incidental • Take authorization for giant garter snake pursuant to ESA, CESA and CEQA. Nonetheless, to • minimize the potential for "incidental take" of giant garter snake, the following measures shall • be applied. These measures are consistent with the SJMSCP (SJCOG 2000) and current recommendations of the USFWS. • • 1) A preconstruction survey for the species shall be conducted according to the requirements of • the SJMSCP by a qualified biologist approved by the SJMSCP Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). If a giant garter snake is detected within the study area, the project will undertake • Incidental Take Avoidance and Minimization Measures to protect the species as directed by the • TAC. The project shall also comply with any mitigation requirements specified for giant garter • snake habitat by the SJMSCP TAC (SJCOG 2000). Avoidance and minimization measures may • include the following, as specified by the TAC: 1. Construction shall occur during the active period for the snake,between May 1 and October 1. Between October 2nd and April 30th, the SJMSCP Joint Powers Authority • (JPA), with the concurrence of the Permitting Agencies' representatives on the TAC, • shall determine if additional measures are necessary to minimize and avoid take. • 2. Limit vegetation clearing within 200 feet of the banks of potential giant garter snake • aquatic habitat to the minimal area necessary. • • • •