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Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Page IV.F-30 Forward Inc. Landfill 2018 Expansion Project • Any observed mortalities of species-status species shall be immediately reported to the USFWS and CDFW. 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 assure 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 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.