ARCHIVED REPORTS_DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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Compensation for significant impacts on all SJMSCP-covered species would be accomplished through payment of development fees for conversion of open space lands that may provide habitat for these species. These fees would be used to preserve and/or create habitat in preserves to be managed in perpetuity. Development fees would be paid to the San Joaquin Council of Governments(SJCOG) in the amount specified by SJCOG,which administers the SJMCSP. Development fees for the SJMSCP are continually being revised;therefore, a specified amount cannot be provided at this time. In addition, incidental take avoidance and minimization measures for species that could be significantly affected as a result of the project would be implemented, as determined by the SJCOG, and in accordance with requirements of the SJMSCP. City of Manteca General Plan The following biological resources policies,identified in the Resource Conservation Element of the City of Manteca General Plan (City general plan), are relevant to this analysis: ► Policy RC-P-31: Minimize impact of new development on native vegetation and wildlife. ► Policy RC-P-33: Discourage the premature removal of orchard trees in advance of development, and discourage the removal of other existing healthy mature trees,both native and introduced. ► Policy RC-P-34: Protect special-status species and other species that are sensitive to human activities. ► Policy RC-P-35: Allow contiguous habitat areas. ► Policy RC-P-36: Consider the development of new drainage channels planted with native vegetation, which would provide habitat as well as drainage. City of Manteca Tree Ordinance The Manteca Municipal Code calls for the avoidance of heritage trees. Heritage trees are defined under Section 17.61.030 of the code as any natural woody plant rooted in the ground and having a diameter of 30 inches or more when measured 2 feet above the ground. Section 17.19.060 calls for protection of all existing trees having a diameter of 6 inches or more when measured 4.5 feet above the ground. The City Planning Department must be notified of planned construction or grade changes. Existing trees must be protected from construction equipment, grade changes, excavation for utilities,paving, and footers for the proposed structure of walls. Replacement of existing trees is subject to approval from the planning director and must be with a minimum 24-inch box tree of compatible species for the development site. Agricultural and farming orchard areas of 1 acre or more are exempt from Section 17.19.060. Section 12.08.07 of the municipal code prohibits cutting,pruning,removing, injuring, or interfering with any tree, shrub, or plant upon or in any street tree area or other public place in the city without prior permission and approval from the superintendent. The superintendent is authorized to grant such permission at his discretion and where necessary. Excepting and with reference to utility companies, as provided in Section 12.08.080,no such permission granted shall be valid for a longer period than 30 days after its issuance. 4.5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY Information obtained from biological studies previously conducted in the vicinity of the project area, field and reconnaissance-level surveys conducted for the project area,reviews of aerial photographs, CNDDB records, and CNPS database records were used to assess potential impacts on biological resources that could result from implementation of the proposed project. EDAW Manteca WQCF and Collection System Master Plans EIR Terrestrial Biological Resources 4.5-26 City of Manteca