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Executive Summary Level of Potential Impacts Significance Mitigation Measures Special-status Vernal Pool Invertebrates The longhorn fairy shrimp and vernal pool fairy shrimp are covered species under the SJMSCP(see Sections 5.2.4.4 and 5.5.9). Per the SJMSCP, if final site design is confirmed to be within 250 feet of the ephemeral pond,then one of the following will occur: 1. Receive concurrence from USFWS that the ephemeral pond does not support special-status vernal pool invertebrate species given the lack of ponding observed in historic aerial imagery. 2. Conduct pre-construction surveys in compliance with current USFWS protocols to determine the presence or absence of longhorn fairy shrimp within ponds southwest of 1-580 unless complete avoidance of vernal pools and/or wetlands is achieved, per Section 5.2.2 of SJMSCP. 3. Conduct a hydrologic study to determine if a setback less than 250 feet would maintain the hydrology of the ephemeral pond and achieve the same, if not greater, habitat value as a 250-foot setback. If verified, conduct a site visit with USFWS to inspect the unique characteristics of the Project site to request approval to reduce the setback to be less than 250 feet. If approved, ensure activities inconsistent with the maintenance of the ephemeral pond within the approved setback are prohibited, per Section 5.5.9 of SJMSCP.This option provides an alternative mitigation approach which allows complete avoidance of SJMSCP Covered Species and habitats through the implementation of the measures established in Section 5.5.9. Under this scenario,compensation is not required as long as the Section 5.5.9 measures are followed. 4. If pre-construction surveys are found to be prohibitively expensive or result in Project delays and a setback less than 250 feet is not feasible, assume presence of longhorn fairy shrimp and vernal pool fairy shrimp and pay compensatory mitigation in accordance with the mitigation ratios and requirements in the SJMSCP. Burrowing Owl This species is covered under the SJMSCP.The following measure would be implemented in accordance with the SJMSCP(see Section 5.2.4.15)and as best management practices to mitigate impacts: A qualified biologist shall conduct preconstruction surveys prior to(or,for some Incidental Take Minimization Measures,during)ground-disturbing activities to determine if SJMSCP Covered Species are present and/or verify that the appropriate Incidental Take Minimization Measures have been implemented, as specified in the conditions of Project approval(see SJMSCP, Section 5.2.2.1 b). Specifically,the Project owner shall have preconstruction surveys performed no less than 14 days prior to the initiation of equipment sta in or ground disturbing Griffith Energy Storage Project ES-12 Tetra Tech/SCH2022120675 Draft Environmental Impact Report August 2023