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