ARCHIVED REPORTS_DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE For purposes of this analysis,the following applicable thresholds of significance have been used to determine whether implementing the proposed project would result in a significant impact. These thresholds of significance are based on the State CEQA Guidelines. The proposed project would result in significant biological resources impacts if it would result in: ► a substantial adverse effect(either directly or through habitat modifications)on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or regional plans,policies, or regulations, or by DFG or USFWS; ► a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans,policies, or regulations or by DFG or USFWS; ► a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the CWA(including but not limited to marsh,vernal pool, or coastal)through direct removal, filling,hydrological interruption, or other means); ► substantial interference with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impediment to the use of native wildlife nursery sites; ► conflict with any federal, state, or local plans,policies, or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance; or ► conflict with the provisions of an adopted habitat conservation plan,natural communities conservation plan, or other approved state,regional, or local habitat conservation plan. IMPACT ANALYSIS The City general plan requires that the City minimize the impact of new development on native vegetation and wildlife,discourage the premature removal of trees,protect special-status species and other species that are sensitive to human activities, allow contiguous habitat areas, and consider the development of new drainage channels planted with native vegetation(Policies RC-P-31,RC-P-33,RC-P-34,RC-P-35, and RC-P-36). As described above, lists of special-status plants and animals with the potential to occur on the project site were developed based on database searches, a review of previously conducted biological studies, and field surveys. Mitigation measures are proposed below for potentially significant impacts. Therefore,the project would be consistent with the City's biological resources goals and policies. IMPACT Terrestrial Biological Resources—Impacts on Common Plants and Wildlife. Implementation of the project 4.5-1 would not substantially reduce available habitat or the population of any common plant or animal species because most of the species present in the project area are common and widely distributed throughout the county, and implementation of the proposed project would not have a substantial effect on regional populations of common species throughout the region. This impact would be less than significant. Proposed WQCF improvements and pipeline routes are designed to avoid natural areas as much as possible. Most proposed pipeline routes and improvements to the WQCF would be located within existing roadway alignments, land proposed for development, and land cleared for development. Approximately 16.5 acres of agricultural land and 5 acres of annual grassland that provides habitat for common plant and animal species would be disturbed or removed with project implementation. Habitat disturbance or alteration would occur primarily during site preparation and project construction or to provide vehicle access to specific locations. Activities involved in habitat disturbance include ground surface trenching or scraping that disturbs surface and subsurface soils. After Manteca WQCF and Collection System Master Plans EIR EDAW City of Manteca 4.5-27 Terrestrial Biological Resources