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Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Page IV.F-30 ' Forward Inc. Landfill 2018 Expansion Project 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 realigned creek ' channel,proposed as part of this project,will provide at least equivalent enhance habitat for some semi-aquatic and riparian wildlife species,including for giant garter snake. 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 ' required by the SJMSCP(SJCOG 2000) shall be applied: A)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. 3. Confine the movement of heavy equipment within 200 feet of the banks of potential giant garter snake aquatic habitat to existing roadways to minimize habitat disturbance. 4. Prior to ground disturbance,all on-site construction personnel shall be given instruction regarding the presence of SJMSCP Covered Species and the importance of avoiding impacts to these species and their habitats. 5. In areas where wetlands, irrigation ditches,marsh areas or other potential giant garter ' snake habitats are being retained on the site: 1. Install temporary fencing at the edge of the construction area and the adjacent wetland,marsh, or ditch; 2. Restrict working areas, spoils and equipment storage and other project activities to areas outside of marshes,wetlands and ditches;and 3. Maintain water quality and limit construction runoff into wetland areas through the use of hay bales,filter fences,vegetative buffer strips, or other accepted equivalents. 6. If on-site wetlands,irrigation ditches, marshes,etc. are being relocated in the vicinity: ' the newly created aquatic habitat shall be created and filled with water prior to