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5.ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST MOUNTAIN HOUSE NEIGHBORHOODS K AND L INITIAL STUDY 4.BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES process. The policies outlined in Sections 7.3.1, 7.3.2, and 7.3.4 of SPIT would ensure that no significant impacts would occur. b) Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Riparian habitats within the project area are limited to Old River, Mountain House Creek, and Wicklund Cut. Project activities within these habitats are limited to development of regional parklands along all three of these areas,the future extension of Mountain House Parkway and a pedestrian bridge across Mountain House Creek, and new outfalls from man-made lakes in both neighborhoods. The bridge crossings and outfalls into Mountain House Creek would be designed 9 9 g to minimize disturbance to the bed and bank of the creek, and would require authorizations from jurisdictional agencies. Regional park improvements would be designed to minimize disturbance and enhance habitat values along Old River and Mountain House Creek. The possible future boat ramp in Neighborhood K could also affect riparian habitat along Old River, and would be subject to further environmental review and permit authorizations from jurisdictional agencies when the design has been finalized. There are no other sensitive natural communities identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the CDFG or USFWS, within the project area. The project would not result in substantial adverse impacts on sensitive natural communities. c) Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Wafer Act(including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? Federally protected wetlands, as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, within the project area include Mountain House Creek, the 0.85 acre of wetlands along the west side of Wicklund Cut,and Old River.2 The lake in Neighborhood K is presumably exempt from regulatory jurisdiction as man-made features constructed in uplands. The Master Plan requires maximum practicable preservation of jurisdictional waters of the U.S. and wetlands, and mitigation for unavoidable impacts. The Master Plan also identifies the need for buffers around preserved and enhanced wetlands,while still allowing passive recreation within the buffered areas. Further, urban (i.e., storm water) runoff must be treated prior to discharge into the jurisdictional areas contained within Mountain House Creek,which is part of the intended purpose of the lakes in Neighborhoods K and L. The Master Plan 2 A portion of this wetland may be off the site but the exact boundaries will be reverified with the USACOE. (gall 1) 5-60